We are here!

We are finally here. After a bit of a turbulent plane ride across the ocean, we arrived safe, but tired. As we were landing, we quickly realized that we were leaving the safety of our very Canadian, Air Canada plane, and heading out to another country with another language, and we had no idea how to get to our hotel.

To maintain as much challenge as we could, we had decided ahead of time to take the train and then a bus to our hotel. We took it step by step, first we needed to get to the main terminal. We dodged some very tempting offers to taxi us to the hotel, and found our way to the train station located at the airport, and got ourselves onto the train….one down. Next step, find tourist information, and get on a bus. Suddenly we were riding a public bus through Rome with a combo of regular working Italians, and a few nuns.

True to how we travel, we checked in, had a quick nap and shower, and we were out the door exploring. Just being out and getting our bearings was so important. We wandered through some streets, trying to grasp that we were actually here. So far, we have had bruschetta, spaghetti, and lasagne. Each time, it was at a small trattoria surrounded by atmosphere, and personality. We noticed quickly everybody is more relaxed. Although their driving looks crazy, it is a chaos of understanding. Scooters basically drive everywhere, including sidewalks, go to the front of the line. Amazing.

Back at our hotel we had a night cap and leftover appetizers from a party they were hosting for some “very important journalists” while sitting out on the terrace overlooking the Vatican at night. Fantastic.

Today we woke to the bells of the Basillica ringing for church, and listening to the choir singing. We are off!

Pictures to follow, we are having a bit of trouble with loading them up.