The Eternal City featuring questionable hostels, crazy driving andstreet nuisances galore.

From our first chat about going Interrailing together to when we booked, Rome was always a top priority. We arrived in good spirits having had a direct journey, everything running pretty smoothly and we were well aware of the heat so were pleased to find that our hostel was only a 5 minute walk from the station.

However, things took a turn when it came to our residency for our three day stay. Google Maps had directed us to a street on which everything seemed to be boarded up apart from a few grand looking doorways, so we stood confused and wondering where our luck had gone. A man approached us explaining that this was what we were looking for, so we entered with the immediate impression that this hostel was going to be somewhat dodgy. In the meantime, we were getting a bit panicky as a lovely lady we'd met by the station was waiting for our return. We'd promised to buy some discounted city sightseeing bus tickets and we liked her so were happy for her to receive the commission.

When we got to the hostel's 'office' a kind man was there to check us in and it wasn't until I noticed him scanning our passports on an outdated, shabby device that I began to question the legalities of this joint. Then, he requested cash only meaning I'd have to withdraw a hundred euros from a cash point in possibly the creepiest area of Rome, no thanks.

The two men muttered whatever in another language (not Italian) then told us to follow another man out of the building and further into this dive to another building where we'd be staying. After we'd squeezed into the smallest lift which looked like it was long overdue an upgrade (which is true because shortly after our trip, it was declared defunct), we dumped our bags. We were then suddenly following the guy to a cash point (feeling pretty dodgy ourselves) to withdraw the money. Glad it was finally over with, allowing us to get out and explore, we headed straight back to the station to find our lady.

To our disappointment, she'd vanished. A quick scan of the area didn't find her so we bought our tickets from the tourist information (knowing full well that we'd see her as soon as we exited). And we did, an instant feeling of guilt came over us. To add to this sorry feeling, we saw her every day since to be reminded of our disloyalty. We bowed our heads in shame and walked on.

Having gotten our bearings the first day and witnessed some of Rome's spectacular sights from the top of a bus, we actually got on and off throughout the second day starting early in attempt to avoid the really strong heat. We failed. It was boiling even at 8.30am.

Before catching the bus however, and I've no idea how this hasn't already featured in any of my blog posts because it's been a big part of our trip, we had to make a swift visit to the pharmacy. During our time in Europe, my sister has developed a lump the size of a golf ball under her armpit. Ouch, indeed - it's huge and looks so painful. Rome's excessive heat finally defeated her so we hit the pharmacy for some antibiotics which will hopefully help along with some Mozzie spray having both been bitten a total of 75 times between us (not that we've been counting).

Having solved our medical conundrums, the plan of action for the next few days was to use our bus passes to get around, avoiding walking any distance in the intense heat, and explore this beautiful, ancient city. This we did and we did it well. The Colosseum, The Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and a glimpse of Vatican City to name just a few things we did. Therefore, I think you can safely say that we've 'conquered' Rome.

But, I must add a few words of warning for anyone planning to visit. Firstly, watch out for street sellers, they're everywhere and will not give up. I mean, you're sat comfortably on top of the bus and they're shouting up at you in every language asking if you want a selfie stick or an umbrella, you know, the really useful items. The only ones worth taking notice of are those with water - they've sussed it. Ice (literally ice) cold water and they rarely look at the coin you give them, result! Water, water, water. Si si si!

Second thing to note - the roads. Ignore all lights and crossings that are in place because apparently every driver does. The little green man in the UK as well as a zebra crossing usually indicate safety to cross. Well, not in Rome. The man turns green along with the green light for traffic and it is quite literally a free for all. If people are crossing vehicles do not care and will drive as if nobody is there (it's either run or die) - good luck.

Apart from the asides, Rome is a great city and one that I'll definitely need to return to because it is absolutely impossible to see everything in just two and a half days.

Next up, Venice.

Ciao for now!

Things I've learnt in Rome:
-no matter how prepared you are the night before, it always takes longer than you expect packing up in the morning, especially in the early hours when you don't want to disturb people sleeping
-Mozzies love the taste of us (I look like I have the plague)
-how to pronounce 'Vatican City' (oops)
-Rome streets sellers are like leeches and don't give up
-buses don't stop even if you're in the middle of a zebra crossing (another oops)
-Italy's ice-cream game is strong