Rome, Italy: A True Wonder of the World (Day 1)
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✈️ First Time East of the Atlantic (And On My Birthday, No Less)
This was my very first trip to the Eastern Hemisphere, and to make it even sweeter—it was my birthday week. The moment I finally redeemed my American Airlines points for a one-way flight to Europe, I just stood there smiling at my screen.
It was mid-July, and flights were cheaper if I traveled on a Wednesday. I intentionally left my return open… you know, just in case I decided not to come back to the United States at all.
This was also my first long-haul flight, which meant I spent a little too much time thinking about the Atlantic Ocean and the lack of emergency landing options. Thankfully, excitement won that internal debate. I boarded my overnight flight from Charlotte (CLT) to Rome (FCO), departing at 6:30 PM and landing the next morning around 9:40 AM.
The eight-hour flight was loooong. I slept, watched movies, ate, and slept again. Honestly, I had forgotten what full-service airlines were like—I’ve been flying budget airlines for so long that TVs and meals felt like First Class privileges. Apparently, on long-haul flights, everyone eats. I got breakfast and dinner (for free). Who knew.
🚌 Welcome to Rome… and the Budget Bus Chaos
I arrived at FCO ready to see the world—and ready to take one of Rome’s budget buses into the city.
Now listen. The line situation? A hot mess. Clearly, everyone in Rome also uses budget buses. I bought my ticket and asked where to board. My ticket said Station 12, but the employee pointed me toward Station 4. Naturally, I assumed she was wrong (spoiler: she was not).
I stood in line at Station 12 for a solid 30 minutes, nearly got into it with a man who touched me (don’t touch me sir, these American hands came too), only to discover that I was standing in the wrong line entirely. The actual line—about 100 people deep—was across the street so it wouldn’t block traffic.
Yikes.
I quietly retreated to the back of the correct line, choosing peace over an international incident. As a Black woman traveling abroad, I knew better than to escalate on Day One. I prayed in tongues for a good 15 minutes to calm myself down. Not gonna lie—it still irritates me when I think about it.
Eventually, I made it onto the bus and enjoyed a quiet ride into the city.
ROME, ITALY BABY.
🏨 Hostel Win + Jet Lag Reality Check
I got off near the transit drop and walked a few blocks to my hostel, Budget Rooms Des Arts. Two nights for $92, close to public transportation—already winning.
I booked a four-bed female dorm but ended up in a three-bed room instead (#Blessed). Even better? My room was ready when I arrived around 12:30 PM. Air conditioning. Phone plugs. A bed.
And that’s when jet lag punched me directly in the face.
Rome is six hours ahead of home, and once I laid down “just for a minute,” two hours disappeared. I dragged myself up around 2:30 PM to get dressed for my 4 PM Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel tour.
🎟️ Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Worth the Hustle
I was supposed to arrive 30 minutes early. Naturally, I ran late. After getting off the bus, I got lost a few times (classic KB). When I finally arrived, I asked a man in line if my reservation was still valid. He kindly suggested I hustle—and hustle I did.
My tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable, and I tried my best to stay focused as hundreds of visitors flowed through the museums. The sheer volume of art and artifacts was overwhelming—in the best way. And the preservation? Incredible.
Then came the Sistine Chapel. Photos weren’t allowed (though that didn’t stop people from trying). The moment I walked in, I felt something shift. The ceiling and upper walls were covered in scenes from Jesus’ life and ministry, and as a Christian, it hit me deeply. The space felt sacred. Powerful. I didn’t want to leave.
I could’ve stayed until closing—but I wanted to try for St. Peter’s Basilica.
⛪ Almost St. Peter’s, Almost Castel Sant’Angelo
When I reached St. Peter’s Basilica, the line was… disrespectful. Longer than free Coachella tickets long. It was already 6:45 PM, and the Basilica closed at 7. I didn’t need an actuary to tell me that wasn’t happening.
Instead, I wandered Vatican City, taking in people, views, and the general magic of the place. I eventually made my way to Castel Sant’Angelo, but with only 15 minutes until closing, I decided not to spend $20 just to rush through. I admired it from the outside and kept walking.
Rome’s bridges and streets felt like they were telling stories with every step.
🍗 Dinner, Trevi Fountain, and a Very Full Day
By 8 PM, I was starving. I was still attempting keto and honestly didn’t want to be disappointed by pasta, so I did the unthinkable and grabbed wings and ribs at Hard Rock Café. Don’t judge me.
Food in hand, I headed toward the Trevi Fountain—a non-negotiable stop. If I was going to call myself a content creator, I needed that photo.
The walk wasn’t glamorous—dim streets, uneven bricks, my ankles playing truth or dare—but once the crowd thickened, I knew I was close. The Trevi Fountain was just as stunning in person as it is online. The crowd looked massive, but people were surprisingly considerate. I waited maybe five minutes to get my photos.
Afterward, I souvenir-shopped until everyone in my immediate family was covered. At this point, I was carrying ribs and souvenirs—time to go home.
🌙 Back to the Hostel, Back to Reality
I caught my last bus and walked back to the hostel, demolished my wings in the kitchen, and caught up with my mom on video. The time difference wasn’t ideal, but thanks to my Mobimatter eSIM, I stayed connected throughout the day.
After showering, I met my two roommates—one from Brazil living in the Netherlands, and one from Taiwan. We swapped travel plans, then promptly passed out.
Day 1: complete.
👉 Read Day 2 of my two-day trip to Rome here
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