The beach (near Ostia) outside of Rome – note the surfers in the distance!
Backpacking through eight countries in thirty days can be a little intense. Being the smart backpacker I am, I decided to unload my stress with a day at a beach outside of Rome. It was warm and sunny, the water was cold and refreshing, and I was away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Relaxed, I decided to take a little nap – right there, in the sun. Unfortunately, in my quest to suntan, I actually got sunburned.
Before I decided to take a nap!
A sunburn isn’t too bad, you say? I beg to differ! My “sunburn” was located on the only place on my body where I forgot to put sunscreen: My left eye.
Within hours my eye was swollen shut. Trying to open my eye caused excruciating pain. Even when I managed to hold it open long enough to see, my vision was so blurry it actually disoriented me.
Thankfully, by the time it was time for us to head out for our overnight train out of Rome (leaving that night), the swelling seemed to somewhat subside and the pain became dull. Unfortunately, my sunburn felt it necessary to stick around for an additional five days – three countries later, my slightly swollen eye was still evident in my pictures.
Me (on the far right), five days into the sunburn healing process (London, England)!
Moral of the story? Always wear sunblock!
