Days 1 & 2

Days 1 and 2:

On a trip to Europe, Days 1 & 2 all run together. We actually leave the USA around 5:00 p.m. and then because of the time difference we get in the next day in Rome at 7:15 a.m. But it’s actually only about 2:00 a.m. at home. So I don’t sleep because I’m not very sleepy but the time zone catches up with me.

The trip isn’t starting off on the best foot, I’m afraid. When we got ready to board our JFK flight that was leaving at 5:10, it was announced that there was a fuel pump problem (do airplanes have fuel pumps?), so we had to wait until it was fixed. Then we boarded, but we had to wait until the lead mechanic to sign off on the repair. Finally got out on the runway, where a plane that was landing was landing on the “taking off” runway so had to wait for that. As we got into the air, the electrical systems in the cabin weren’t working. Once they got the reading lights working, then they could turn them off or on. As time wore on, they finally turned them all off, whether you were ready or not, so that people who wanted to and could, went to sleep. All in all, 1-2/2 hrs. late with some disgruntled passengers. But our driver was waiting for us, so all was well. At the hotel, the Empire Palace Hotel, the room wasn’t ready since the checkout time is 12:00, so we could take a small room or wait until 2:00 to get the room that had been assigned to us. ( Our driver called it the Em-pi-rie Palace Hotel.) Charlie wanted to take the smaller room, so we did that and took a cab into the sightseeing areas.) Then it started pouring rain (only a 10% chance of rain but it rained all afternoon.) So no photos, darn it. But we did see the forum at views from Capitoline Hill, visited one of the museums, and had wine and a sandwich at an outdoor café.

Then to an early dinner near the hotel so we could get to bed early and catch up on some sleep. We ate at La Plenchitero where I did get my favorite meal–bucatini amatriciana. We had a great 4 course meal–a spinach frittata, compliments of the chef, carpaccio beef shared between the two of us, each of us had a soup and then a pasta course. We also shared a bottle of local wine, a Shiraz that was quite good. (Casale del Giglio.) So time to go to bed. Our driver will pick us up tomorrow to board the ship. Photos to come hopefully.

Ready to Go

Almost time to go. All my stuff is out ready to pack. (I don’t like to pack too early since everything gets wrinkled in the bag. As it is, it’ll be 48 hours before getting to the ship.) My biggest problem always seems to be what to do with my camera gear and computer plus my reading material, etc. that I need on the plane. I end up with 2 carry-ons (I put the camera/computer back on top and my incidentals below my feet). Then I have my checked luggage too which makes for problems with getting all of it through the airport. If anyone has suggestions before my final packing tonight, would be glad for advice!

Charlie and I went to Italy about 15 years ago and spent 6 days in Rome where we did a LOT of sightseeing. I know things have changed in that time, but since we only have one day in Rome, we are going to try to put our Type A personalities aside and try to just enjoy the ambiance of the piazzas. We hope to sit at cafes and watch the Roman setting and stroll by beautiful places and sights. I’m going to try to get a couple of photos that I didn’t get last time, but it won’t be catastrophic if I don’t–really! LOL

I know that I will be dead tired by 5:00 p.m. Roman time if all is the same as my usual European trips. I don’t sleep well, if at all, on these flights to Europe–all cramped up with my legs under my chin, so I usually don’t make it much past 5:00. We usually eat around 5:00 the first day, and I try to stay up for a little longer so that I don’t wake up at 2:00 a.m. I’m hoping to add to this blog on Day 1 though because I’ll have Wi-Fi in the hotel and with any luck a few pictures.

Getting really excited.

BTW, the photo above is of a Point Reyes morning where is almost always foggy. New photos should be of new sights (for me) in Europe.