The day started as a typical Sunday morning, by sleeping in. It was decided by a few people to attend mass at the Vatican once again at 10:30. However, unbeknownst to all, the Pope had a special mass of his own that started an hour before ours at 9:30. The wait was unknown to those who planned on 10:30 mass. After an hour and a half came and went, and the special mass had ended, the Pope came out and did his weekly Angelus speech. Enjoyed that for the duration it was.

Then, the Borgo Angelico apartment with a few others went and journeyed to the park of Borghese to the Giarino del Largo. An artificial pond where we could rent rowboats for 20 minutes for only four euros. The lake was small, complete with ducks, geese, seagulls, and the Temple of Asclepius in the center. Unfortunately, the line for the boats was too long so we decided to hang around, watch and feed the ducks, walk around the pond and enjoy the scenery.

After the pleasant walk around Borghese, we wanted to go on a hike to Monte Mario, a large hill located north of Vatican City with amazing scenery. The bus and metro lines were pretty much the same time to get to the hill so we chose to walk. Walking is better and we get to see a lot more on our way there. We ended up hiking the hill and getting to the top just as the sunset, so it was a perfect moment. Even when the sun went down, we stayed on the hill talking and enjoying the view of Rome.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On our way back home, we stopped at an amazing Gelato place called Guttilla Alta Gelateria Italiana. With the small cone being 0.50 euros more than some other places, it was x100 better. It was a nice way to wrap up the fun-filled day of enjoying the wondrous culture and interesting places Italy has to offer.

Until next time,

Ciao!

-Tom