Sunday, April 24, 2016

We landed in Rome at approximately 8:10 am on Sunday, April 24^th. I had left my house at 9:30 Saturday morning for a noon flight to Washington (which was delayed remember? So I ran to catch my 5:05 pm connecting flight to Rome.) Needless to say we were excited and exhausted when we arrived, although it was just after 8:00 on Sunday morning in Rome, we had the time difference working against us. You see, because of the 7-hour time difference, our local time put us at 2:00 am and our bodies had just not caught up yet.

I can tell you something about those long first class flights, they continually feed you and generously refill your wine (or whatever your drink of choice) during the entire first leg of the flight. I am sure this is to make sure you are full and sedated during the second leg. (Which by the way worked wonders!) I am not so sure about my sister Kathy, she doesn’t drink at all, hopefully, she was at least able to rest.

It was almost noon when we arrived at our hotel, The Rome Cavalieri / Waldorf Astoria, and all I can say is that it was truly amazing. (Thank you Linda and Gary Pond for the gift of the rooms!) We walked around the hotel checking out the shops, dining options and all the amenities. I remember thinking, I am quite certain we will never have the opportunity to take advantage of the pool area or the amazing spa (even though at that moment in time I was thinking how great a massage and soak in a hot tub would feel.) I took the room picture from the internet because none of my photos did it justice.

Chocolate covered strawberries in our room – compliments of Linda’s husband Gary.

The view from our rooms was nothing short of spectacular in all directions.

Believe it or not we all took a nap. Kathy and I actually put on PJ’s and crawled in bed for a little 4-hour power nap. Yes, 4-hours. Linda and Mom I believe had a legitimate 2-hour nap. Needless to say we just laid low that night. We went to the hotel restaurant for dinner and asked to waiter to take a picture of us. 

Our waiter’s name was Marco, he was the goofiest waiter ever, but, he really did take Very good care of us. He had this selfie on my phone for a little surprise for us. It was so funny we just broke out laughing. What a fun first night in Rome.

If I am not mistaken, we were in bed by 8:00 pm that night. I at least had an excuse, I was fighting off a cold. Mom’s excuse was that she was one-month shy of her 83^rd birthday. Kathy and Linda, I am not sure what their explanation was, but I didn’t question it. I was too busy getting ready for bed as fast as I could so I could go to sleep! Tomorrow, our walking tour of Rome or Roma as the Italians say.