Florence to Rome - Paolo Nutini!

Go to the start of my trip here.

16th July 2012 Florence to Rome

Woke at 7, left hostel before 8 and got to station at 8:10 am for 9:10 train. We are always early but this is definitely wise. Rather uneventful train journey, 3.75 hour journey but enjoyable to sit for so long, especially as this train was very nice! Lovely views. Arrived in Rome at 1 pm and walked to hostel. Originally we were to stay for two nights and one in Pompeii but whilst in Rimini we changed to three nights and cancelled Pompeii. The hostel was gorgeous, onlooking this grand building in a beautiful building. We headed up to the 5th floor. The woman couldn't speak good English but she called her colleague who explained on the phone that they were going to take us in a cab (and pay) to their sister hostel where we could stay three nights. She reassured me it was very nice and near the Colosseum and metro. We decided that if it wasn't nice we would simply ask to return to the other hostel. It was in fact lovely, had air con, TV, own bathroom and room was bigger. We realised the location was so much better, just 20 minute walk from ancient Rome and a metro stop practically at our doorstep.

We freshened up. Paolo Nutini was playing at the Cavea Auditorium that night and the day before I worked out how to get there via the metro and subway. We felt very accomplished and realised what good travellers we had become as we were able to get to the auditorium easily. It was ?1.50 for a 100 minute ticket for 1 metro trip and unlimited subway and bus trips. We walked down from subway to auditorium at around 4 pm, hoping there would be tickets. There were 2 together, 2nd row with one across from the others. AND we got 20% discount for being 18 - 26 years. ?28 but were sure it was worth it. Headed back on the subway to termini where sadly we had to get a new ?1.50 ticket even though it was within 100 mins as it was second use of the metro. At home there was a little restaurant near the hostel where I got mixed veg for ?3, really good plus small ice cream of dark chocolate. Delicious. Got changed for Paolo and headed out BUZZING. I had arranged to meet Gaby and Flora at 8 pm at the place. Gaby's sister had got them free tickets. Was lovely to see them. Words do not describe how good the show was Paolo was better live than on his CDs. We got the last train from the auditorium to termini, just before 12 pm. We thought we would have to get a taxi from the hostel as metro and subway stop at 11:30 pm, but because public transport is actually well organised and sensible they replace the metro with a bus when it closes. N1. It was CRAMMED but it was rather exciting, felt like we were being more citizens that tourists and seeing proper Rome living. Fiona got a panini because she is amusingly always so hungry at night and we attempted to get into three doors before our own! They all look the same in the dark!