July 5, 2018: Rome, Italy 1-2 pm

Location: Altare Della Patria

After a solid 4 hours of sleep, I checked out of my hotel with only the clothes I had on, and my backpack. I was determined to get as much exploring done as I possibly could, in this one and only full day I had in Rome. 

I walked about a mile before finding a nice breakfast place. While there, I met some fellow American travelers who invited me over to their table to eat and chat for an hour or so. 

From there I took off down the street trying to find the best alternative transportation to walking. I found a bike shop and rented a bicycle for the day for 13 euros. I then hopped in with the traffic, cruising the streets of Rome on my little bicycle. 

The first major place I stopped was in front of this humongous building called the 'Altare Della Patria.' 

The Altare Della Patria has beautiful large pillars, and insanely detailed depictions of soldiers on horses and angels flying. It's located in the Piazza Venezia with a view of the Colosseum off in the distance and several other city structures within view. A large roundabout sits in front of the building as cars whiz by. You can walk out to the center of the roundabout to take in the view and take photos. 

I took an abrupt turn on my bike into the center of the roundabout to take in the view myself. It was insanely hot and just standing still for a few minutes caused me to be drenched in sweat. I decided I wanted to sketch the Piazza Venezia, but I also wanted to make sure I had time to get a tour of the Vatican City, so I could see the Sistine Chapel. I was burning up, so I had to sketch super fast. 

I stood with my sketchbook propped on the seat of my bicycle, rapidly sketching the building.

Loads of people passed me, posing to take pictures in front of the building, and speaking in all languages. A few Americans even stopped by. I gave some directions, took their pictures for them, and we laughed a bit about something. All in all, the sketch took roughly an hour, and by the end of it I was drenched in sweat. 

There’s something freeing about being absolutely alone in a crowded city full of people.