This post has been uploaded as a blog post retrospectively from the diary written at the time.
Last night was the best night of sleep so far. I woke up a couple of times because I was cold, but apart from that, nothing. Giuseppe the Italian was very funny, and Katherine and Joel were cool as well. We all got along fine.
Arriving in Rome at just gone 9am. I went to the reservations desk and booked a train for Prague. Fuck Belgium, I want Prague. After I buy a map and get change for my locker, I go outside.
For two fucking hours I am lost in a shit pit. Rome, Rome? I was mad. But then, as my map began to make more sense, I headed into town pretending nothing had ever happened. First stop was the Church of Angels, where Michelangelo put those childish cherubs on the roof.
It was an incredibly plush church, not at all like St Stephen’s. The architecture was grand but the nature had no warmth. Even so, I lit a candle for our family and sat in front of the huge altar.
Next stop… the Colosseum, which is pretty heaving for September. Granted the weather is nice, but that is taking the piss. I walk around the Roman ruins where the Americans speak the loudest, and I decide to head for some lunch.
On the way I donate 5000 Lire (what is that, 50 pence?) to animals. The lady gives me five postcards for my trouble. I am happy. In fact, Rome has some beautiful women and many are riding scooters. Vroom vroom.
I have pizza for lunch. Very Italian. They give me the biggest bottle of beer and don’t seem to charge me. Weyhay. Apparently, back in England there is a fuel crisis. Perhaps the apocalypse is nearer than planned. Trust me to miss it all.
I head to the Vatican, buy a couple of rosary beads and wander around. It is packed with tourists, all wearing woggles and scarves so they can find their group. St Peter’s, whilst fabulous, is not as great as some others.
For me, religion isn’t about aggrandisement, it is about belief. A dark place for polite praying is, for me, more moving than wide, bright rooms with plush flowers and gold. As one guide book said, ‘the emperors would built fantastic landmarks so that their legacy lived on.’ God help Tony Blair and the dome.
I go back to the Fountain of Trevi and find that it is just as busy. I am so stunned that it can be so busy, but then this year, the Pope opened some doors that will only be open for a year and they purge you of your sin. Bit brief I know, but I hardly understand it.
I go to a museum that is holding a Dali exhibition. It is very good and I am pleased that I stumbled across it. There was an excellent series of paintings about the zodiac and the explanation for Aquarius was great. If they had it on a tee shirt I would buy it.
Time is almost up and I head to the station. At the station I have a McDonalds, surf the internet and buy a Wyclef Jean CD. I go to get my luggage but the locker wants more money. I eventually get it back and wait for my train. This is why I arrive early, the stress of getting your luggage when the train is leaving is very worrying.
My journey tonight is incredible. First Roma to Bologna, then Bologna to Munich, then Munich to Prague. My cabin tonight is a real mishmash. An Italian family, a German couple and me.
