When in Rome do as the Romans do...well almost

So just a side note. We've been going to the little coffee and pastry shop in the morning. All of the tour books suggest that Europeans do not tip (or expect to be tipped) in the same manner that we do in the US. So we've been leaving a little. But one morning I just forgot and did our standard US tip (so approximately 20%). The woman said thank you and then when she thought she was out of my eyesight danced a little jig and was waving at her co-worker. I may not speak Italian, but I know when I've made someone's day! In general, I've decided to tip like I was in the US. Ok, maybe it's not what the Roman's do - but it clearly makes them happy.

Countryside Wine & Food

So "Roberto" picked the four of us up at 9am for our day in the countryside. We started with a stop at the Colosseum - which was built actually by one family. From there we went to visit a catacomb. Quite fascinating - but given my history the fact that I was walking past the remains of many Popes I was expecting a Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows moment. Bill said he came really close to just poking from behind when I wasn't expecting it but thought better of it. Ray said it would have been the scream heard round the world! Anyway, still fascinating history.

Then we went to an Italian village which was just lovely. It was around a lake that was from a dead volcano. It truly was Italian countryside at it's finest. Great pastry and open air markets. We sampled lots of things Strawberry. Their strawberries are more like the size of our raspberries, even though they taste like our strawberries.


Ended up at Antico Ristorante Pagnanelli which is immediately adjacent to the Pope's summer palace. He was there - didn't stop by for lunch though. Oh well.



We had a wine tasting of local wines from the region as part of lunch which was wonderful. I've gotten in this horrible habit of trying whatever Carbonara they have on their menu. I have now had Carbonara three times - all three very different and all three very good. Is it possible to get addicted to Carbonara? I guess I'll find out.

Technology still amazes and fascinates me!

Technogeek that I am - that fact that my cell phone works in Europe is still amazing. I mean 10 years ago people would have laughed at the thought. Now it's no big deal. Would that people in real life were this easily united as one. Oh well - technology is a start.

New Yorkers Do Rome

So last night we were tired and went up to the hotel roof top to see the city lights and have wine. We met a family from New York (with accent and all) who were hilarious. They were like "we went to the Trevi fountain - it was like the one in Las Vegas an the Venetian - only smaller" - they were part serious, part joking. But with the New York accent, it was hysterical. They told stories about getting groped on the bus and train, and hearing people scream and running to their aid (well one did - the others told her to stop - I'm sure it was quite a scene to see). It was a really relaxed evening.

We slept about 12 hours - until our friends Bill and Tenon arrived and called from the hotel lobby . Had a bite of breakfast with them until their room was ready.

We both still feel like we're getting acclimated. We've been here 24 hours and have done to sightseeing....but have really relaxed. Which is kinda the point! We're going to do some exploring this evening once Bill and Tenon have a nap and a shower and then tomorrow we're off to a wine/art/countryside tour.

Rome

So we made it to Rome with no problems - flights were uneventful and honestly I thought it was quick compared to getting to Australia!

The airport is way out, and we had scheduled a Supershuttle type of ride -to it took like 1.5 hours to get from the airport to the hotel. Oddly, there was really no customs check - they just stamped our passport. I guess I assume it's random screening.

The hotel is nice - European style but they have high speed internet and the rooms really are quite reasonable in terms of size. Our hotel does overlook the Colosseum - though we haven't gotten there yet. We took a nap and a much appreciated shower - -then had our first taste of Italian pasta (Carbonara!) and gelato. I'm thinking we're going to call it an evening and do exploring tomorrow!

Hopefully will post some pictures tomorrow.

Last Minute Packing

OK - yesterday was trying to get ready PLUS work all day. A bit frazzeling. My next door neighbor saw me this morning and said I looked better but that yesterday I looked a bit "shagged out" - LOL - he was right. Really looking forward to some time off!

Here's where we're going

Click here for Cruise Details