Overwhelmed by Culture on the First Day in Rome

The first stop was the Vatican Museum. Thankfully, I had made a reservation in advance, so I avoided the long lines, but as soon as I entered, I was swept away by the crowd. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel annoyed at all, thanks to the breathtaking artworks everywhere I looked. The Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel ceiling, in particular, left me speechless. I even wanted to put down my camera and just take it all in with my eyes for a long time. St. Peter’s Basilica is truly the pride of Rome. Its exterior is impressive, but the interior is so stunning that it left me in awe. I climbed all the way to the top, and even though my legs were trembling, the view was unforgettable. After lunch, I headed to Piazza Navona, which was brimming with the freedom of Rome. Fountains, open-air cafes, street artists, the breeze, and sunlight—all blended together like a painting. The Pantheon was like a textbook of architecture itself. It’s astonishing how a building over 2,000 years old can still be so intact and beautiful. I was thoroughly satisfied with the first day and felt overwhelmed by Rome. I don’t think there could be a better way to start a trip.