HOW WE SPENT OUR FIRST DAY IN ITALY

(NOTE: Two posts entered - see also below)

Saturday, September 14th - 9:00PM

Carmela (Vagamom)

We arrived at approximately 7:15 am Rome time. We took the monorail to the main terminal, passed through passport control and had our passports stamped. Yippee!
Then picked up our suitcase and were on our way, wandering through the terminal looking for info on buying train tickets only to find out that we had to go back to the terminal we started out in. We bought our tickets and were on our way to Termini. Then, in Termini spent much time walking to find the Metro to take us to the Vittorio Emanuele Station, a short walk to our condo.
We are staying in a very quaint, charming and comfortable place at 10 Principe Eugenio on the third floor. The building has an elevator that is operated with a key and is so small that you must suck in your tummy to fit more than two. We usually take the stairs (although, if left to me we'd go the lazy woman's way!). The large windows open to the street below, so full of life, noise and motion. It's incredible. I love looking out over the activity on the street.
ReAnne, you would be proud of me..I actually have hung out the window to look down!
The first thing we did was use the bathroom and take a nap. Shortly after we woke up Idalis and Kevin were ringing the bell.
It was wonderful to finally see them! After catching-up and sharing our stories of wacky experiences we set off for the Colosseum and the ruins of the Palatine Hills . They are incredible. It is amazing that after two thousand years the Colosseum still stands. It is hard to imagine how such a structure was even built so long ago, without the help of cranes and heavy machinery. We have done much walking..up and down steps. It seems to be a part of everything we've done...Thats why I love the afore mentioned elevator.
Afterwards, we had a delicious and authentic Italian meal. Kevin and Idalis had in mind to go to a little out of the way restaurant called Sora Margherita. It was located in the Jewish Ghetto, just a little hole in the wall with a curtain of thick red cord over the open door. There was no name on the outside and it was at a different number than we thought. We ate an appetizer of fried artichoke...a first for all of us! Yummy!
I suppose that the craziest experience of the day was trying to leave the restaurant. As we reached the only exit we could see that it was absolutely pouring down rain, thunder, lightning and all. The street was flooded up to the step into the restaurant and as cars went by water and leaves flooded the floor. The people closest to the door just continued on with their meal as a little old lady feverishly swept the water out. Just inside the door was a bathroom and since we weren't going anywhere Idalis and I decided to seize the moment.
As she came out, I went in. I shut the door, got “settled” and it occurred to me that the electric could go out. The storm was that bad...not to worry...ha-ha! It did. I survived quite nicely and am not afraid of the bathroom, much.
We were finally on our way to the Metro, walking in a slight drizzle, and fortunately for us Kevin had a great shortcut. It only added a half hour to our journey. (But this is supposed to be the last time I mention it.) In the end we made it home...wet, tired but very happy.
ReAnne and Jeremy, we miss you. Gampie and I think of you with a smile every time we see or hear a little one. ReAnne, you would have loved the market where bought the groceries we needed for our dinner tonight/Saturday. Hello and much love Michael and Amail. Hello family and friends.
Arrivederci from beautiful Italy. Vagamom :)