showtimeherink2

I had been planning this trip since before I got to Maastricht. I had always wanted to go to Rome and it was on my bucket list. I had planned to take the trip at the end of October (since that was when the period ended). Everything worked out in the end and on top of that, I was able to go for three nights instead two. The trip was so much fun, and I am glad I went. Here is a recap.

Like the trip to Budapest, I had a 4:30 am bus ride to the Brussels airport for an 8:40 flight. I did not sleep the night before and it did not feel like I was asleep when I was. I slept on the bus and the flight to Rome as much as I could, but since we had an amazing view of the Alps on the flight out, I had to gaze at their beauty. The flight was uneventful, and I landed in Rome without trouble. I then took a bus to the city center and the first thing I did was eat some pizza and ice cream. After that I walked towards the Rome Colosseum and the Rome Forum. I did not have tickets to get inside on Friday (I had them for Saturday) so instead, I walked around the area for about 2-3 hours before heading to my hostel to check in. After checking in to the hostel and getting settled, I made my way over to the Trevi Fountain. Expecting to see the fountain in action, I was greeted with an empty fountain as they were doing restoration work to the fountain. Other than that, it was still very cool to look at and I even found a good ice cream place by the area (I would go there every night after dinner during the time I was in Rome).

Saturday I was able to actually enter the Rome Colosseum for my tour. I wanted to explore the entirety of the Colosseum, but all the exclusive tickets were sold out, so I had to get a ticket that allowed me access to only the first and second floors of the Colosseum. The Colosseum was amazing. I have always wanted to visit it and I am glad I got the opportunity to visit it. After the Colosseum I made my way to the Rome Forum, which is part of the last remnants of the Roman Empire. The place was massive, and I was there for about 5-6 hours exploring the area. After then Forum I found some dinner and went back to the Trevi Fountain to get some ice cream and to enjoy the sight of the Trevi Fountain.

Sunday, I explored the Vatican City and although I did not go into any of the buildings, it was a sight to behold. I walked around the area for some time before making my way back across the river to the Pantheon, my next stop in the Rome Getaway. I explored the inside of the Pantheon, where I saw sculptures and paintings from the times of Ancient Rome. I spent the rest of my day walking around the city and ended off the night with- you guessed it, more pizza and ice cream by the Trevi Fountain. I had an early flight out Monday morning, so I went to bed early. The flight home as quick and I was able to get on an earlier bus back to Maastricht so that was nice.

You have finals week upcoming; shouldn’t you use your time wisely? But there is such a great deal on a trip to Budapest. $120 round trip and a two-night stay at a hostel for only $27 total. Screw it, let’s book the trip.

That was what was going through my mind last weekend. I was debating on whether on taking a trip to either Budapest or Venice because of how cheap plane tickets were and how cheap hostels were. I originally said no, but after some thinking, I said, “screw it” and booked the trip. It would be my first time in Hungary, and I was nervous at first, but as the week progressed, I became more excited about this trip.

Soon the day arrived for me to go to Budapest. I woke up at 3:15 am for a 4:30 am bus to the Brussels airport (my flight left at 9:00 am). I arrived at the airport at around 6:15 am and after getting through security, I spent the time before my flight wandering the airport, which is common for me when waiting for my flight. I soon boarded my flight and was on my way to Budapest for the weekend.

The flight was smooth, and I had no trouble finding my way to the city center. Before heading to my hostel, I stopped at a little brunch place and had an omelet and latte. After that, I checked into my hostel and made my way towards the Danube River. After crossing it, I hiked my way up to the Citadella, where I got an amazing view of the city. After that, I made my way to a castle where I got another view of the city and had some dinner up there as well. I spent the evening walking around the city and witnessed the Hungarian Parliament building lit up at night, which was a sight to behold. After walking around the Parliament, I went back to my hostel and fell asleep.

The next day I made my way back across the Danube and toured a fortress at the top of the hill overlooking the city. There, I learned about the history of Budapest and looked at some artifacts. After that, I attempted to book a tour of the Parliament building, but tickets were sold out the entire day. So, I walked around the building again and continued walking. I tried chimney cake, which is something big in Hungary and it was delicious. I then sat down at a coffee shop and had some lunch while planning out the rest of my day. I eventually made my way to the St. Stephen’s Basilica, where I toured the Basilica and enjoyed another view of the city from the top of the dome. I continued exploring the city and ended the night with some pizza and ice cream. At the end of the day, I had walked over 15 miles, and I was exhausted. I went to bed early because I had an early flight to catch the next morning.

I managed to get home with any issues and in the end, this impulse booking was totally worth it. Would I do it again? Possibly.

Author: showtimeherink2

Rome Getaway

When an impulse booking goes right