Send Myself A Postcard From Another Country

The Vatican City is the smallest, independent country in the world, and that happens to be within the city limits of Rome.  As an independent state it has its own newspaper, radio stations, army and post office.  I'm an avid collector of postcards, and have a huge memory box filled with postcards from all over the world.  I had never mailed a postcard to myself, but had heard using the Vatican City post office was a must thing to do.

The Vatican City Post Office is worth the short detour while touring other parts of the Vatican. It is considered more reliable than that of the notoriously slow Italian Postal System.  I purchased a Vatican stamp, a postcard, and sat on a bench as I scribbled out a note to myself, "Hey, You're at the Vatican, and loving it!  See you back home!" 

When I got home from my trip I became distracted with the normal nuisances of life.  About a week after my trip I opened my mailbox to find my Vatican postcard with a Vatican City post mark.  It was a sweet surprise after a fantastic trip.

Date Accomplished: September 26th, 2007

Travel With A Traveling Gnome

When gearing for my first international trip I got obsessed with the idea of traveling with a traveling gnome like in the movie Amelie.  It was like a right of passage, an initiation to travel if you will, or maybe I just wanted an excuse to buy a gnome. 

I named him Herman, a traveling Gnome I bought on Amazon, complete with his own passport.  I bought two more gnomes that I creatively named for my besties.  I'm the only one that ended up using the gnome as a traveling gnome.  I'd like to believe he was the secret to my travel success.

Herman easily fit in my purse, and traveled from London to Greece with me.  He was there when I stumbled out of a bus and sprained my ankle in Paris, he held my hair back when I was puking in the toilet after having too much vino in Venice, he was our bodyguard when we were chased through Switzerland by a public masturbator, and he drank it up with us during Oktoberfest in Germany.

Date Accomplished:   October 2nd, 2007

Toss Coins Into The Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world.  The fountain is located in Rome, Italy and covered by tourists daily.   Construction was completed in 1762. The fountain gained international fame after being a backdrop for several famous films like "Roman Holiday" with Audrey Hepburn.  Another thing that makes it standout from other fountains is it's size, it is just downright GINORMOUS!  It is an impressive 85 feet high and 65 feet wide.

There is a tradition that claims if you toss one coin into the fountain it will ensure a return to Rome, and if you toss two coins you will return and find love.  It is estimated that 3000 euros are thrown into the fountain each day!  Rome uses the money for a supermarket for people in need, and other various charities. 


I threw two coins.  Apparently I failed in Trevi Fountain Coin Tossing 101, the correct way to toss the coins are to have your back to the fountain, and to toss the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder.  No wonder I have never been back and found romance!

Date Accomplished:  September 26th, 2007

Climb The Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps is the widest staircase in Europe and is composed of 138 steps.  It is located in Rome, Italy and the staircase starts at the base of the Piazza di Spagna.  It is often said it is shaped as a butterfly.

During the Renaissance period it attracted artists and writers, and the area was filled with beautiful hotels and homes.  Now the Spanish Steps are constantly filled with people, predominately tourists who sit and relax mainly at the base of the staircase.  It is also a haven for pickpocketers.

At the foot of the stairs, you can find the Fontana della Barcaccia.  The fountain has a mold of an overflowing half-sunken ship, because in 1598 the Piazza had been badly flooded and when it was drained their was a boat in the square.

After climbing three flights of stairs you reach a church called the Trinità dei Monti that is surprisingly owned by the French.  

During the Spring and early Summer the steps are completely covered with beautiful flowers.   The Spanish Steps are a must to visit, so grab a gelato, take a seat, and get ready to people watch and soak in the atmosphere.

Date Accomplished:  September 26th, 2007