When in Rome.

Yesterday morning started umm...expensively.  After being told that an airport shuttle bus existed where one did not, and waiting around for said non-existent bus, I ended up having to take a taxi 45 minutes to the airport to insure I did not miss my flight from Milan to Rome.  At the low cost of 100 euro, this was far and away the most expensive cab ride I've ever taken and ever plan to take.  Definitely an unexpected cost.  However, I was able to conserve some money in Milan and spend only about 50 euro (including hostel) for my two days there which made me feel good, and now of course I am under the gracious wings of my folks.

Speaking of such wonderful people, I ran into them coming around a corner on the way to the hotel after a short plane ride, bus ride, and metro ride.  Although my parents feel the room is a bit small, coming from six and eight bed dormrooms in hostels I think the hotel room is incredibly luxorious.  When asked by my Mom how the shower was, I said there was water and it wasn't ice cold what more could I want?  It's nice to finally be able to have real meals at nice restaurants and be able to experience the edible part of Italian culture (I was admittedly going on nutella sandwiches for a bit there).

Yesterday we visited the Trevi Fountain, pantheon, and a variety of other piazzas and churches.  Today we started with the colosseum and the forum, before visiting the Borghese Gallery and more churches (many more churches).  Plus also the Spanish steps to watch the sunset over the city and back to the Trevi fountain at night.  It looks entirely different and was well worth it to go out of our way to see it again. We also got a nice family photo for the Christmas card in front of the Trevi Fountain so I know Mom is happy now...which of course makes everyone happy :-).

CM