Of Rome.

I remember reading that if Rome could be summarised in one word, that word would be 'sex'.

Rome lives and breathes raw sex appeal. If it was a person, Rome would be Raquel Welch or Jane Fonda in Barbarella.

Everything about Rome is designed to seduce you.

Especially the food.

I never thought it would be possible to lust after city before. Rome can have me in any compromising position she wants.

However, I find this oddly contradictory considering there are over 900 churches here and it's arguably one of the most Catholic cities in the world. They even have tour groups that consist entirely of priests. 

Rome combines two things I love, art & history and does it with such style it’s impossible for me not to be mindlessly happy here. 

I must look like a total derp because I’m just wandering from place to place smiling widely while my cheeks are stuffed stupid with pizza and gelati.

Derpy just like this;

Public transport here isn't the best. At the moment they only have one working metro line but it's so beautiful wandering the wide cobble stone streets, I don't mind in the slightest. I just wish it wasn't so damned hot.

You can catch buses to help you get around and to escape the harsh sun, plus there are just SO many tourists it's impossible to check everyones tickets and with the help of some brisk but not suspicious walking, you'll never have to buy a ticket.

If you're a hopeless stinge like me, don't pay for walking tours. So many of them are around the place, just go to a landscape that appeals to you and creep around them. You'll get to go at your own pace to the landmarks and you'll overhear some pretty interesting stuff. Like during my visit to the Pantheon today I overheard that Michelangelo is buried there AND I overheard all that for FREE.

Don't judge.

If there's one thing you should do in your life, it's visit the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican Museum. It's easily been the most beautiful church I've ever been to. Covered in art and beauty and hope and everything that makes travelling amazing. I managed to take one photo but it does it NO justice;

Italy gained independence in 1861 and Vatican City gained its independence from Italy in 1929.

For me it has been the slap in the face that I've needed to wake me up and shove life down my throat. I think Rome will always be special to me now because it's the place that I've discovered my independence and it's the first time I've really enjoyed my freedom and not been scared of it.

Ah Rome.

My Jane Fonda of cities.