When in Rome!

We made it to Rome! And it only took us 1 train then a bus...then another train...then the metro...then another bus. We could have taken one fast train, but we saved almost 60$ going the slow, random transportation route. I have to say were getting pretty good at working public transportation and manouvering deals. I dont want this to seem like Im complaining...because Im not...but backpacking is hard work, and I mean hard work in the most satisfying andworthwhile way possible but its exhausting! I really understand why people take organized tours...you dont have to think that way! But there is really something to be said about doing it yourself too...you get to shop around for deals, you get to have random arguments with ticket sales men (in Italian), you sometimes get on the wrong train, or the right train just going in the wrong direction and you keep a flexible schedule. For example we loved Tuscany sooo we tacked on a few extra days. Anyway I love it, its amazing but sometimes you are just so tired...other backpackers think Im crazy when I say that Im backpacking for three and a half months...sometimes I think Im a little crazy too actually. Anyways...im going to attempt to recap on Italy so far.

First of all, it is bloody hot here! And we are heading South in the two hottest months...bright idea...probably not. In Cinque Terre I have never sweated so much in my entire life. You couldnt stand barefoot on the rocks or your feet would actually blister AND we checked the temperature one night...900 in the evening, in the shade...over 30 degrees still. I havent worn pants or a cardigan in over three weeks now. Anyways, we woke up early to do the 6 hour hike between the five towns (Montorosson, Vernazza, Corgnilia, Montorolo and Riomaggiore) because we thought it would be smart to do the toughest part of the hike in the morning, which was smart because by 930 it was already 30 degrees! The hike was wonderful though...it takes you up above each one of the five tiny towns, and you have the most breathtaking view of the hills and the ocean. I think overall the hike took us 3.5 hours, not including the stops for lunch and swimming. Apperently the record for the hike is 1.5 hours...that person was a friggin psycho. My feet were bleeding with blisters before we even reached the second town, so I did the easy part of the hike (between Corgnilia, Montorolo and Riomaggiore in flipflops). Theres a really cute pathway between Montorolo and Riomaggiore called Ville d amore (I think)...basically its a lovers lane. There are still no major roadways that connect cinque terre with the outside world, and until they built the train between the five towns, the walking trail and boats were their means of communication. So lovers used to meet in the tunnel connecting the two towns. The entire place is covered in graffetti and locks...I guess its some popular thing to lock a lock on bridges etc with your lover. A couple asked me to take pictures of them while they locked their lock together (aww cute). We saw the same thing in Florence actually.

Everything just keeps getting better...and although its hard to choose a favorite...so far its Tuscany. We stayed in this little hill town called Certaldo...not really a popular place for backpackers, in fact the train conductor looked at us like we were crazy when we got off there. But its been the highlight of our trip so far. The guest house is actually one of the really beautiful and now rare old farmhouse, vineyards called Fattoria Bassetto. The building we stayed in was over 700 years old, and full of random pathways, attic rooms etc and really beautiful. Walking down the hallway made you feel like you were drunk...it had little hills and potholes, and everything was origional cracked paint and old wooden furniture. There were lots of other buildings too...and an old underground hallway that was full of wooden wine barrells. To top it off there was gardens, hammocks, a pool and a beautiful view of the Tuscan countryside. Couldnt really ask for anything more! The first night we were there was the most incredible night Ive had backpacking so far. We threw an 18 person BBQ...with delicious food...bruchetta, stuffed peppers, pasta, salads, anti/pasta, cheese and bread, olives, a whole chicken, pan friend potatoes, burgers and about 15 bottles of Certaldos finest red wine. Everyone cooked together, ate dinner outside by candel light, drank and sang songs to the guitar. It was one of those nights where everyone clicked and came together in the most amazing way...dont even think words can begin to describe it. It was just this incredible mix of music, laughing and genuine human connection (basically what every backpacker is looking for). We spent four days hanging out with these people, biking around Tuscany and exploring the area...but in the most slow paced relaxing way possible. Some interesting highlights included...watching the football game between Turkey and Germany (Germany won wahoo!) on the street with a group of old Italian men and women. When we asked what the score was, they started grabbing seats for us and insisted that we join them. I love how open Italian people are. On the other hand, we had this crazy (and very drunk) Italian man lose it on Carolyn and I for accidentaly putting her purse ontop his cell phone. I tried saying sorry and explaining that I dont speak Italian, but he finally just stuck up his middle finger and said Fuck You!...Pretty clearly explained how he was feeling. We also watched the Miss Italia contest...not on purpose but stumbled upon it on the street.

Finally we spent a day in Florence with a friend kirk. Beautiful but very hot city. We went into the Duomo...and the Uffizi, which were both really neat. My favorite part of the day though, was randomly walking up a hill and finding this amazing look out point over all of Florence...as the sun was setting. It was breathtaking. We were having such a fun time there that we somewhat forgot about getting home to Certaldo (about an hour away). By the time we were back at the train station, the next train to Certaldo was at 500 in the morning! It worked out in the end...we took one train, a bus and then hitchhiked the last 15 minutes, but for awhile we thought we would be spending a night in the fields!

Anyway, now in Rome...but we havent seen any of Rome yet. Were staying in a camp ground just outside the Vatican, but it feels like a resort with tropical music and a swimming pool. Tomorrow were going to go check the Vatican out.

So much is going on its hard to keep up with it all! I hope everyone is doing well..I miss you all tons