Arrive in Rome

We made it to JFK in short order on our Birnie Bus, managing to fit in between rush hours. After the now usual security nuisance we made our way to our departure gate and decided to stop in at O'Neil's to celebrate Arthur's Day. What do you mean they don't have Guinness? Nothing at all on tap?! Fortunately, next door was the New York Sports Bar with lots of lovely tap handles and one that shouted Guinness at us. We were the only ones in the place that knew about Arthur's Day! Ignorant Yanks! Slainte!!

Celebrating Arthur's Day

The flight to Berlin was smooth and the landing couldn't have been smoother if we had landed on greased owl shit! Sorry, I wax poetic at times. However after about 7 hours in those cramped seats we felt like we had to decompress, but no time. Less than an hour to our next departure (for Roma). Berlin airport is a sprawling monster and we had to hurry after customs and hot foot it to Terminal C. Long line at security but we made it. The next flight was only two hours and in less cramped seats. But the landing was ... Well, let's just say it must have been the copilot's turn.
Baggage all made it and once we exited the secure area we were met by our tour guide, Emma, a very nice young British gal. She lead us to our coach and we were off on the start of our tour of Rome. Weather was warm, almost uncomfortable. Lots of stops to get bottled water from street vendors. Got a nice overview of the ancient city including Palatine Hill, Capitoline Hill, the Coliseum, Forum, and oh yes, even saw the Boca de Verita, from the bus. No time to stop for that one. Probably saved a few fingers there. (Google it!).

Our Tour Guide Emma (left)

Forum from Capitoline Hill

Finally, the Hotel Atlante Star. This is a four star, very close to the Vatican. OK, maybe a bit more than a stone's throw! The hotel is nice enough but the view of Saint Peters from the roof top  is fantastic. It was probably 4:30 PM or so before everyone got room keys. Some crashed, some showered, etc. Met in the lobby at 6:45 and then off to dinner at Il Pozzetto, a nearby restaurant. Everyone seemed to enjoy dinner, which consisted of a pasta first course, veal or chicken second and carafes of wine.





After dinner we were off to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. Walking briskly it took about 15 minutes to get there, so we just made our 9:00 PM entry time. It was really nice doing this at night as there were virtually no crowds! Unfortunately, shortly after entering we discovered someone, (initials KO - hmm), had left her iPhone at the restaurant. Unable to reach Il Pozzetto by phone, I (now being called "Dad" by the "Kids") hoofed it back and retrieved the phone from those honest folks at the restaurant. The museum closed at 11:00 and we walked back to the hotel, where several of us visited the rooftop bar for an enjoyable night cap. Finally, we said "buona notte" a little after midnight, I figure most of us had been up for about 36 hours! What a great day!!

Vatican from Hotel Atlante Star

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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad