Rome, If You Want To...

Roam around the world...

B-52's anyone?



So, Italy is great. So fabulous. I ran into George Clooney last night.

Just kidding, I didn't.

I don't even know where Lake Como is related to where I am.

Which is ROME.


Today is going to be a LONG DAY.
I have a lot to cram in for 12 hours in one of the most amazing cities in the world.
And a lot of gelato to consume.

My friend Angela went to Rome for a semester.
And all I remember was her telling me how much she LOVED the gelato.
So, gelato it will be.

And the Pope.
Did you know the Vatican City is it's own Country? Yeah, it's kinda like Monaco. A country within a country.
I am guessing that is like our equivalent of Washington, DC? Like, I don't get it. A city, that is really a state?
Yeah, I don't know.

So, I BETTER be tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain - or somebody is gonna get hurt.

I am also supposed to see the Sistine Chapel.
And the Colesseum.
Legit day.
We'll see how smoothly it runs.

Let's see what "A Year Ago Kim" was up to....

TALLINN, ESTONIA!
Yup!

After a nice relaxing day at sea, our ship docked in Tallinn. I'd have to say it was the friendliest port. They had a little open air market right as we walked off the ramps.
The town was only a few short blocks away. And was a-dor-a-ble.

The whole thing was made up of cobblestone streets.
Plenty of warning - WATCH where you walk. These cobblestones are pretty authentic.
And by authentic, I mean bumpy. Unsteady. Rocky. A lot of stones jutting out. I stumbled about 2 or 3 times. I even saw another cruise passenger fall.
Eyes open at all times.

Right in the heart of Tallinn is an old town. Ancient Tallinn. Including nooses hanging off the roof of the buildings. A torture chamber museum. Another open air market built into the stone walls. Women in historical costumes handing out gingerbread almonds.

Biggest Estonian regret? Not buying any of those almonds.
I don't like gingerbread. AT ALL.
But these almonds...I'm still talking about them. A year later.
If you are headed to Tallinn anytime soon, please pick me up a bag. Or twenty.

Mom, Dad and I explored the town. Tried to find a place to eat. Most of the menus offered translations in Swedish, Finnish, Russian, and English. But the food still sounded...interesting.

It was POURING rain. And most of the restaurants only offered outdoor seating.
Kind of a situation.
But eventually we found an adorable pastry shop, with a very friendly lady who helped me pick out some "traditional" Estonian treats.

I also had a Coca-Lite.

Tons of antique shops on every street. Selling both Russian and German military uniforms and wares. Estonia was once occupied by each of those countries.

It was also the first day of school. All of the schoolchildren were wearing their navy blue uniforms, and running through the streets with flower bouquets for their teachers.
Could you get any more quintessential Europe than that?
It was incredible.

We wandered all around Old Tallinn - and eventually back to the ship. I really do wish I had spent more time in Tallinn before reboarding. But, at least I have a ton of memories that I took home with me!

(click for larger)

Where do you think I'll be tomorrow?
Come back and find out!
Lot's of love from the Med-Sea.

Do you feel like you are playing Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?
I kinda do...

I'll give you a hint, tomorrow I'm in Texas...

Sorta.