When in Rome!

3/12/12:

Whew! We made it! Well I finally made it to Rome after a VERY long and stressful day. I don’t know if I have ever rushed so much in my life! Our first flight was supposedly on time, but by the time we actually got to the flying part, it was well over a half hour late! The plane ride was long, and by the end, my whole body was aching. I did sleep for a few hours, but mainly watched 2 movies and was entertained but the French girl sitting next to me! She was a doll! I just wished I could have talked to her.

Anyways next, after the first 10 traveling hours, we arrived in Paris, where the entire airport is under construction (of course), and we were already 45 minutes late! By the time we went through passport checks and security again, our flight to Rome was LONG gone! So we waited in the airport and luckily they gave us a complimentary lunch and soda in the airport, which was my first taste of non-American food. I had a tomato pizza (that was ice cold) but unusually good! Y’all should be so proud of me, I am not even looking at what I am eating, just trying everything new, and so far I have not been disappointed!

Finally, after we were all settled to catch the next flight to Rome, we relaxed and chatted in the airport, then hopped on the place and everyone immediately fell asleep before take off! I have to say the blow-up neck pillow and eye mask were heaven on earth today. After sleeping for a good two hours straight, we finally landed and got all our bags together (  I think we each brought three bags, such girls!), and yes we were definitely those crazy Americans and all the Italians were laughing, but we were having a good time just making the most of it! It took a little while to get my phone stuff squared away and then of course we had to run to catch the train. ( If you haven’t been picturing the Home Alone running through the airport scene already---you should be by now!) It was very stressful carrying all those bags, keeping up with 27 people, and loading and unloading everything all while keeping your precious passport and train ticket in your hand. Whew! I am exhausted!

However, after what was the longest day of my life (literally stayed up for 24 hours!), we finally met up with JeanCarlo (sp?) who we were all very relieved to see! He greeted us with a welcoming Italian kiss and let us on the mile walk to our hotel, with all our bags mind you! Anyways after what seemed like an eternity we finally made it to Hotel Colosseum and we freshened up then headed out for dinner! We were all snapping pictures like crazy of our first walk through the city, with no bags, and we were eating up every second of it! Our meal was SO delicious too! We had lasagna, a whole chicken leg, salad, French fries (cooked especially for us), and then a lemon sorbet for dessert! It was amazing! I really enjoyed just sitting around the table chatting with these girls who are quickly becoming my best friends!

I am having a wonderful time so far and looking forward to the other adventures that will be coming my way!

Arrivederci!