il turismo

So there are a lot of tourists here. July-September is big-time tourist season here in Roma, which kind of doesn't make any sense to me because it is SO FREAKING HOT HERE during those months. Well, whatever. Since we've been here a month, we have seen thousands of weeklong vacationers pass through our pretty city. And yes, I do roll my eyes and dodge them (my walk to class is along the Vatican wall, aka Vatican Museum territory and St. Peter's Square..daily) but it makes me so happy to be living here for real. So... one day after class I decided to play Tourist.

These pasticcerie (bakeries!) are every five feet... but the cheapest crostatine you will find near Medag. They're also the best... pictured is one on via del Corso-- the 5th Avenue of Roma. I have such trouble passing these up.

The Ginaculo is relatively undiscovered by tourists. It's a hill overlooking the city and has beautiful views...
Lots of ancient temples and ruins are now sanctuaries for unwanted cats. Note the kitsia.
This is yours truly taking a picture of herself in front of the Roman Forum. I can't really articulate how touristy I felt taking this. I generally am somewhat annoyed by tourists because they walk in huge, sloooooow groups. It's all for you, my friends. . I know you miss my shining face.
... But this guy LOOKED like a tool, legit. I've seen some tourists get a huge kick out of men dressing up like pharaohs or the Statue of Liberty and standing reallllllllllllly still..
In addition, there are tourists of the Eurotrash variety. They are typically found snuggling or exhibiting extreme PDA in extremely public places. Like Piazza Venezia, for example. Note this man's leg and hand/face placement.

Oh yea, and I updated my Picasa site with pictures from a hiking trip I took to Monte Circeo. Our guides were these crazy old italiani who kept asking me "sei italiana?" Translation: you one of us? I loooove that my mova is getting better. Not quite a native speaker... but getting way, way better!! Oh, Roma... no wonder everyone falls in love with you.