Well, it has hit me. Jet lag is officially here. Suck. Body tired, mind racing, and generally feeling discombobulated. Yesterday was cold. Real cold. And rainy. Not just any kind of rain, but the pouring down, get under your skin, generally feel like poo rain. We visited the Borghese Museum with a very large collection of Bernini sculptures-pretty amazing stuff considering he did it all in his 20-30's and all in marble. Went to the symphony last night and then came home and had pizza/wine (too much wine) and stayed up until 1230am. Not smart as I was awake 4 hours later with a headache and gastronomic distress-wondering why, oh why I made the decisions I made. Today I went to the Vatican and was overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of it. Great time but exhausting all the same. Some more general observations of my past 2 days...
1) The Vatican is the only place in Rome that I don't feel the glare of the locals gawking at the tourist. I think that is because EVERYONE there is a tourist.
2) Apparently if you talk during the symphony you get the same looks by Italians that Americans give you if you talk during the symphony.
3) During the symphony, there was a male flutist that would have given Ron Burgundy a run for his money (for all those unfamiliar with Mr. Burgundy, he was the character portrayed by Will Ferrell in the movie "Anchorman"). Wondering again why the jazz flute hasn't taken off in the States....
4) Italians do not like eye contact. Don't try it.
5) Tipping is frowned upon in Italy. Apparently this gives waiters in restaurants a free pass to act like assholes....
6) Italians like the bubbly mineral water. Just can't get into it.
7) Apparently they sell extremely warm scarves here in Rome. All the young men wear them with very flimsy, tight fitting jackets. Not sure, but I think it is more fashion based than function based. Me? Give me a big ass parka any day over a jacket only slightly thicker than a rain coat.
Well, thanks for reading. Off to battle the nausea and sleep deprivation/circadian confusion. Can't complain. I am on vacation after all....
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