Roma Day 2 Part 2

After an early evening snack, I partook of the spa facilities. Turkish baths are lovely. Then visited the indoor swimming pool where the attendant asked me if I wanted to start some water exercises. I said no thank you. About 15 minutes later an Italian boy in a Yankees t-shirt showed up and cranked up the dance music. Water aerobics! As I am on vacation and don't believe in exercise (other than walking around from place to place) I skedaddled.

Random observation from Day 1. I need to learn Italian. It sounds so glamourous when you're yelling at the idiot who has parked their car in front of yours.

Random observation from Day 2. I have never seen so many double parked cars in my life. Or smart cars for that matter. Also, those people weaving their mopeds in and out of traffic are very very brave.

Roma Day 2

After having breakfast at the hotel (which was by far the best spread ever) I took the hotel shuttle to Palazzo Barberina. I then began a lileisurely stroll in the general direction of the Colloseum. On the way I stopped at several sights using a new book, The Architecture of Rome, as my guide. The author comes off a bit pompous but there's some nice info to be had. When I was exploring around the area of the Emmanuel monument I realized that Rome was very nice but something was missing. That changed when I found a wonderful view of the Roman Forum from above near the Campidoglio. It was spectacular. So I then had a bit of lunch and then started the Roman tour, ending with the Colloseum. All in all a lovely day. And very excited for Pompeii next week. More ruins! Tomorrow is the Vatican and environs.

Roma Day 1 Part 2

So after I finally motivated myself, I visited the Colosseo lounge and partook of a few free snacks and drinks. I took a picture on mynew iPod but can't figure out how to share it. I then took a taxi to Castel Sant Angelo which is where Hadrian was buried. Lovely views of the City and the Vatican. Then walked across a bridge and found a lovely street cafe to have a snack of bruschetta and spaghetti and a rose. Started to walk back to the hotel but got a big discombobulated and wound up taking a cab back to the hotel. The nightcap consisted of a few mire snacks and way too much proseco. Time for some sleep. Am planning on the Colisuem and other sights tomorrow.

Roma Day 1

Have arrived safely in Rome. Decent flight except for the school teacher right behind me who talked very loudly for half of the flight. Then took a "shuttle" aka a Mercedes sedan to the Waldorf. Had a private check in and was shown to a lovely room overlooking the pool. Was planning on taking the shuttle into the city center but now that I've showered I think a nap and relaxation are calling. Ciao!

The tally so far...

New iPod touch $300
New clothes/ travel thingies $60
Ticket for not having the Fit inspected $40
Shitter repairs $???
State inspection $???

But hey I made it to the airport!

The Plan

So I leave for Italy in less than 48 hours. I have no Italian phrases memorized. I have no real plans once I get there but I do have my hotels booked, so that will guide me somewhat. So here's the plan, what little there is:

May 4: Arrive in Rome at 9:30 AM. Check into the Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria.
May 5: Rome
May 6: Rome
May 7: Rome, move to the Marriott Grand Hotel Flora.
May 8: Rome
May 9: Travel to Naples, check into the Renaissance.
May 10: Naples/Pompeii
May 11: Travel to Florence, check into the Hilton Florence Metropole.
May 12: Florence
May 13: Florence
May 14: Travel to Venice, check into the Hilton Stucky Molino.
May 15: Venice
May 16: Venice
May 17: Return to Philly.

Oh, and then on Ma8 18 I fly to Florida to meet the family for the cruise May 19-22. Then I return to Philly, pack up my house, and move to New Orleans. All before the end of May. May will be fun!

Need to plan

So the Italy trip is fast approaching. Need to start planning. Need to pick up some Italian as well. So many things, so little time.