Another Gallivanting Adventure

Ciao! Can you guess where we are?

Well, here we are at the start of another adventure,  and, actually, quite exhausted, having only gotten a few hours of sleep in the last 24.  But we're hitting the sack early tonight so that we can be refreshed for our morning day out in Rome.

If you follow my blog regularly, then you realize that our trips are generally planned by me, but driven by Marty.  So, we are wavering from the norm here, as we decided to take the plunge and book a trip to Italy with AAA Choice.  It was well over a year ago when I spotted the ad in our monthly newsletter, and we decided that this was the perfect opportunity to see Rome....under someone other's direction. Although our time here is relatively brief, we hope to make the most of it. 

Of course, the trip was paid in full when I injured my knee in late January, and I'll be honest and admit that I've been pretty stressed about how much strain it can take, despite having PT treatments weekly. And I'm hoping that today's discomfort stems from sitting on a plane for 10 + hours and then walking a LOT inside airports.  Finger crossed that a good night's sleep finds me ready to take on the Roman hills tomorrow. 

Our adventure began by escort from the local AAA to the Philadelphia airport where we were dropped off at the doors to the international terminal.  How great is that? 

We headed to the Discover Airlines counter, where we needed to wait some time until the personnel showed up for check in. I'll be honest and admit that the travel arrangements did not go as smoothly as expected.  But we're here and not too much worse the wear. 

I'd never heard of Discover Airlines before (as it appears many have not), and I will admit that the seating was a bit cramped, although I did like sitting in the middle section of the plane, which makes it easier for getting out of the seat to walk around.  And, although I only managed a few hours sleep, if even that, I can tell you that I was much more comfortable thanks to this nifty neck brace that I had purchased for situations just like this. 

Inside that bag of wonder is a comfy, cozy contraption, that wraps snugly around the neck, offering a haven of comfort for one's neck.  You should try one!

Although we did seem to be crammed into a relatively small space, the young man in front of me, turned and asked me if it would be OK to put his seat back.  Let me tell you....that doesn't happen often.  What a nice kid!  

And, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that the chicken dinner was actually tasty!  Believe me, that doesn't happen often either. 

The flight involved a layover in Frankfurt, which is what happens when one lets a 3rd party book travel.  I generally try to avoid international transfers, but had no choice.  Frankfurt involved a tram ride to a different terminal, a LOT of walking, standing in a long line for passport control, and, finally, a trip through security, again, after having walked nearly the length of the terminal in search of our gate. 

But, I must say that the attendants were super nice, including the woman who had to "feel me up" after I walked through the scanner, just to be certain I wasn't carrying anything hazardous. 

The flight to Rome seemed like Nirvana in comparison.Just look at that leg room!  We thought we were in heaven! 

Once in Rome, we headed to baggage claim, found our luggage, and stepped out into the admissions hall to look for our driver.  There were dozens of people of various ages, holding up signs for pick up. But, none of them had our name.  Finally, after about 10 minutes of searching, I was able to spot a "Colette" sign which led to our meeting a greeter, who then graciously led us to our driver, in terminal 3.  The woman had been on the hunt for two missing clients, which is what caused all of the confusion regarding our pickup. 

 We didn't arrive at our hotel until close to 4:00, and until we refreshed ourselves, we only had a short time to investigate the area.  Here are just a couple of shots from the nearby neighborhood.

We met with our fellow tourists at 6:00, where our guide gave us each a transmittal device to wear while out on tour, so that we can hear her.  (That certainly won't make us stand out as tourists) 

Our companions are delightful and include two couples from Tennessee, a young man traveling solo, and a young, married woman, also traveling solo, who happens to be a travel writer.  Such an entertaining group.   We were served a lovely dinner made by the hotel restaurant, in a private room for us to enjoy.  

Great food, and great company.  I'd say that's a great way to start our newest adventure. 

That....and some sleep.  

Until next time....