Getting to Rome-March 13&14

 On the 13th we left Washington National at 2:45 p.m., layover at JFK! Then a 7 p.m. Flight to Rome. We looked longingly at the business class seats as we passed through. Well, I did. Tenar was busy being impressed by the size of the plane: two seats on each side with 3 in the middle and about as long as a football field. I think half of the passengers were Italian and they all seemed to know each other. The row directly behind me seemed to be a common gathering place, making for an impossible trip to the lavatory. The young man directly behind me was a long-legged giant who did his best to prevent me from reclining my seat, however after 4 hours, I felt the pressure release and I quickly pressed my button. Back I went. He wasn't happy. I think it was fair, however: 4 hours in his favor, 4 hours in mine. I envied Tenar and his small, twisty frame. He seemed to be sleeping well, first on a stranger's shoulder, then on mine, then with his legs pulled up and his body twisted like a pretzel. I had to wake him for both dinner and breakfast.



Outer entry to our apartment in Rome



On arrival at Leonardo da Vinci airport (Fuminicino) at 8:50a.m., we found the train station, successfully purchased tickets, got them stamped, boarded the train, found some seats, and were on our way into Rome. We got off at Stazione Termini and there was Claudio, looking for us with our name on a sign. We're renting an apartment from Claudio for the week: 7 nights for 400 Euro. Good deal. The apartment was designed by his architect wife as a home in the city for her. She never used it, so they decided to rent it to tourists. It's a lovely modern unit with a brick, rounded ceiling in a very old building. We unpacked, then explored the neighborhood, having our first slice of Italian pizza (they cut it with scissors!) and finding the local market. Hoping to stay awake, we then took a tour bus around the city. It almost worked. I had to keep prodding Tenar awake. Back in our neighborhood at 4:30, we looked for a restaurant for a nice pasta dinner, however the restaurants In our neighborhood didn't open until 8pm. I knew we could never stay awake that long, nor did we want to! We went to the local market and purchased what turned out to be the best ravioli I have ever had: homemade with spinach and ricotta. We adds a little olive oil, oregano and pepper. Absolutely delicious! And I was asleep by 7:15. Finally.