Now that I am working for my first regional airline (There is a difference between major airlines & regional airlines - not flying with the big boys yet!), I needed to start taking advantages of the perk of traveling overseas. Thanks to Dave and his parents wanting to go over to Italy, I tagged along for part of their trip and saw Rome. Flying over in first class on Tuesday and arriving in Rome Wednesday morning only to check into our hotel, Hotel S. Anna, less than a city block from the Vatican City to see Pope Benedict holding mass in the Plaza of St. Peter. We spent all of Wednesday in the Vatican City, walking through the amazing halls that make up the Vatican's museums, stopping in the breath taking Sistene Chapel, climbing to the top of St. Peter's Basilica, and staring in awe of the beauty of the basilica itself. That night we met Aimee, Dave's cousin who lives in Rome for dinner. Thursday morning, thankfully the weather was beautiful for our hike to the Coliseum, stopping at Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum, the Fountain of Trevi, and the Spanish Steps. It wasn't until we were on our way to the amazing Pantheon that the rain moved in, which wasn't a bad thing because it just meant that we ate and drank more. Friday, unfortunately the weather had not cleared but that didn't stop us from going to Castle St. Angelo, and do a little Italian shopping (more like viewing the beautiful fashion and FURLA handbags). The rainy weather also led us to a wonderful wood burning oven Pizzaria for lunch followed by Gelato. I couldn't get enough of the gelato - thank God I don't live in Rome because I might BECOME gelato I would eat so much! That night Aimee drove us to her and Roberto's appartment and then to Frascati for dinner. Before I knew it my vacation was over, Saturday morning I said good-bye to Dave and his parents to fly back to Atlanta, while they continued on to Northern Italy. Not even getting a center seat in coach ruined my wonderful experience in Rome! I can't wait to go back - I DID throw my coin into the Trevi Fountain, so I WILL be returning. Ciao!
