When in Rome...

Made it here, checked in fine, things are good. I found a system that I really enjoy. For a while, I'd see a city, then head out in the afternoon, get in to the new place at night, find my hostel and crash. That led to a tired, hungry, lost version of myself wander strange streets in countries I do not understand. A little tweaking has made life awesome. Now, my current MO is to leave a city in the morning, train for a few hours, arrive a little after noon, find the hostel, check in, then locate the necessities, such as central grocery store and a map. Then the rest of the day and evening are spent in the city, getting used to it and seeing stuff. Rome has been great. I've used this formula and met with much success. I saw the Colosseum today, and it is awe inspiring. I didn't go in, but I will tomorrow. There is an entrance fee, and I was there close to closing. I don't want to be rushed ;) Also, I read Dan Brown's book Angels and Demons. It is set in Rome, and it has been pretty neat to see some of the monuments, churches, and sights that he describes Robert Langdon interacting with. For those of you following the World Cup (that is to say, not me (also, if someone could find out why it is abbreviated WM over here, like what WM actually stands for, that would be enlightening)) you may have noticed that Italy defeated someone tonight. I'm aware of this fact because the city errupted with car horns, singing, dancing, and mopeds flying around the streets waving giant flags. It's a ton of fun, even though I can only sing the parts of the songs that go Ole OleOle Ole OleOle. Then I say right on, and it's all good again. Sidenote: When determining if a northern Irish guy is going to be good company or not, if he says: "I love it when a plan comes together," it's a deal clincher.