In December we had the opportunity to take an 18-day cruise that went from Rome to Fort Lauderdale. It was a little crazy: we were in San Antonio to spend the week of Thanksgiving with our son and his family. We got home late one night and left early the next morning for San Diego. The following morning we headed to Rome. When we returned, it was Christmas and we went jet-lagged into the festivities with another son’s family.
The flight to Rome was notable only thanks to the newlyweds sitting behind us on the transatlantic flight. They were alternately loving, loud, obnoxious, drunk, and squabbling. We got no sleep. But neither did they, and they looked somewhat the worse for wear when we arrived in Rome. I can only wonder how long that marriage lasted!
Once we arrived in Rome things took a positive turn. I had arranged for a car service to take us to our hotel, and they were wonderful. RomeCabs is a great company and I highly recommend them. And they cost LESS than a taxi! When we got to our hotel it was around 9 am, and I asked if they would check our bags while we went sightseeing since I knew check-in time was 3 pm. They actually gave us our room early, and did not charge extra. Another big win.
Once we got settled in our room we went off to the Colosseum to do some sightseeing. How do you describe standing in a building that’s 2000 years old? I can’t. You gotta go! Looking out from those walls, I was able to see the Roman forum, and could almost imagine Caesar and the Senators walking along and discussing the state of the Roman Empire.
Highlight of the day? Trying to figure out how to find a cab back to our hotel from the Colosseum. We were finally assisted by a Roman soldier in full regalia, who was talking on his cell phone. Now why didn’t I take a photo of that? Oh, and the other highlight: Pizza!
Travels with Billie 