“I WILL NOT FLY THIS PLANE OVER THE OCEAN” CIAO -- LAST DAY IN ITALIA

Woke up at 4:45 a.m. to a text from one of my best friends -- my future goddaughter was born in Indiana.  Yeah, Lady I is here and ready to be spoiled.  

Thankfully I was packed up and ready to go, Marco checked me out on the spaceage reservations board. I was half expecting a halogram to appear with Princess Leia.  And he sweetly said he would post my last postcards (I didn’t have any stamps left).  The valet brought the car around and helped me load my overloaded bags (that won’t be happening again... maybe). 

Good start to the day and then it went downhill from there (I will try and be as positive as I can -and give the briefest of all post yet - leaving out lots- but to suffice it to say -- I was so glad to see America, my southern charm and Christian faith got me through the day).  As I am normally the navigator, I had issues with the navigation and driving at the same time.  Thankfully it was early in the morning so there was little to no traffic, but I was in a strange city -- one of the world’s largest cities to boot.  Let’s just say that I was in tears by the time I finally reached the Ring Road to get to the airport.  

On the main road -- it was 5 + lanes and real traffic, Dorothy, you aren’t in Dallas any more (I always say that I can drive anywhere because I can drive in Dallas during rush hour).  When I got to the airport, I had issues with parking/rental car return etc.  

I was in line and got pulled to the front due to my flight being before the other plane.  For the first time in my life, I was the next to last person to get on the plane, actually to get on the bus to get on the tarmac to get on the plane.  It was one of those -- go through security (and I got the extra search), run through the terminal, bought a bottled water (very important as stated later), bus from the terminal to the plane on the tarmac.....

On the plane, everyone seemed to know each other, very odd, were they all on a tour? No, my luck wasn't that good.  My rowmate, Bonnie, then explained to me about the last 24 hours for her -- OMG I am on a jinxed flight.  All these people has slept at the Rome Airport Hilton because their flight was canceled yesterday.  She said they sat on the tarmac in the plane for 6 hours.   Then it finally got canceled and let them off the plane.  

All seemed ok at first and I took my dramamine and drifted off immediately.  Woke up to the plane no moving and being located on the tarmac about 20 minutes later.   The pilot came on the overhead speaker and was apologizing, he stated they were on the satellite phone with Fort Worth and mechanics to fix the problem.  So glad that dramamine relaxes you.... And I am glad I got a bottled water as I was going to need it.

About an hour or so later, the sweet pilot comes on again “I am not flying this plane the ocean”.  An honest pilot can scare you --- lie to me baby instead.  He then discussed something about hijacking another flight and the crew not being able to work that long and landing before Chicago (our intended destination), yada yada yada.  All I heard was, I am imprisoned on a jinxed flight, please God allow me to get home safely.  

We sat on the plane from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.   -- at that time, they took us off that plane (got our stuff) and put us on buses.  The buses took us to another plane -- the 11:30 a.m. flight - hate it for them.  (At least they were still in the comfortable terminal and not trapped on an airplane, with a bunch of very very disgruntled passengers.)  After we got on this plane, we had to jockey for a takeoff time.  I guess we had a very insistent pissed off pilot - because we were in the air within an hour and half -- to NYC not Chicago.  

I slept most of the way - it’s easier that way --- trying my best to forget today anyway (how could a dream trip's last day be such a nightmare?).  At the NY airport, our gate wasn’t ready for us, duh?  It’s not like they didn’t know we were coming?  Do we really need a gate to get a new flight crew for a less than 2 hour flight?  

About 2 hours later we took off for Chicago.  The Italian American couple in front of me were very vocal in their displeasure.  I called my sister while we were parked on the NY tarmac -- to try and get me on a flight out of Chicago in the morning (as I knew I wasn’t getting out that night).  

When we got to Chicago, it was a total cluster.  They were handing out vouchers for accommodations and food and the boarding passes for rescheduled flights.  I didn’t have one waiting on me -- jinxed flight....

So I got my luggage and went through customs.  Maybe I was so in shock I didn’t really let anything bother me (or maybe I was just glad to be back in America).  Got in line with my luggage on a cart.  The man in front of me gave the poor male ticket attendant a real good cussing.  Not good dude.  

By the time I got there, I felt so bad for the man and I was pleasant.  He found out that I had a ticket on the first flight out of Chicago (Thank you Princess) -- and he was very surprised and impressed.  That’s when I was told about the awful storms Chicago had gotten and the airport almost being shut down and all the flights being delayed and canceled.  Guess there won’t be a room anywhere for tonight, a taxi into town was looking like my future.   All I wanted was a hot shower and a bed to lay out in.  

The ticket agent told me that he didn’t have any more vouchers, I made a crack in my best Southern Belle accent about wanting to say something that would make my grandmother ashamed of me.    The next thing I know he was laughing and stealing a hotel voucher for me from the first class ticket counter -- Airport Hilton here I come...  He even walked me to the airport transit and helped me with my bag -- cha ching.  

On the transit there was a lady dragging more bags than I had.  We were going the same place.  She was a former vet who had been working as a consultant in Iraq for a year.  I helped her with her luggage -- in an almost trance.  As I was leaving the check in counter, she asked me my name... I just said a citizen who thanks you dearly.  

Got to my room and tried for room service -- yes my luck - they were out of food.  C’est la vie - got shower, crawled into bed - almost home.  

Made it home the next day and slept for almost 24 hours ...
Thanks Helen for letting us crash at your place,you are such a good friend.  It was so nice to visit and hang out with your wonderful little family.  Your kids are great entertainment and will keep you busy for a long time.   I sure hope I get to catch up with you and your hubby on your trip to America.  I would love to show you around my country a little.  (and we could go shopping...)

Thank you Andrea and Valerio, it was a treat to get to meet you and get to see your magnificent place. I wish you luck with your business and life.

Thanks, Savage for a great trip.  It was nice to visit with one of my best friends who I hadn't seen in 5 years, sorry I was so much trouble. Had a great time, wish we could do it again, Sicily next time?  Probably not, but I have learned to pack properly and remember I could always tote my own luggage, but that you for helping.  Ciao Italia for now.

BERNINI, CHINESE FOOD AND PRETTY POLKA DOT GLOVES -- DAY 21

Woke up early to make sure Savage got to the taxi on time.  I was sad my good old friend was leaving me early, but I never pitched a “tanty” (as he called a hissy fit). We had another great Italian road trip.  For a few minutes, I thought he thought so too... maybe.  He was hot to get to London for many reasons.  Good on ya, mate.   I am still breathlessly waiting on my photo CD :)

Took a cab to the Villa Farnesina, it had just opened for an exhibit where you could see the rooms that Rafael painted.  It was located on the other side of the river, far from the side of town where I was staying -- Travestere area.   (I had to show him on the map where it was.)  Taxi drivers here are like NYC taxi drivers.

The taxi dropped me off in a little alleyway with a big stone fence/gate.   The villa was a massive building.  Inside, the ticket agent didn’t speak much English but he tried.  And he was flirting with me -- how cute. He kept asking if I was from Texas (wonder what he watches on TV?).  They didn’t have any English guided tours.  But they did have a nice Italian guide -- must not be a “big” tourist draw -- only three lines on pamphlet in English - the opening days and times.   I really do wish I knew more Italian.

The rooms was beautifully decorated --- all painted -- this exhibit/building had not been open long.  There weren’t many people there and I loved being alone and wandering around the rooms.  It was so quiet and peaceful.  I found it very unusual that it wasn’t very “climate controlled”.  I would think they would want it climate controlled to preserve the art.  Didn't take me too long to see it all (I do museums very quickly). 

Though we hadn’t seen many homeless people on our first day in Rome, I found them on my own.  It made me a little nervous but thankfully only a couple approached me --- Of course there weren’t many taxis around this area but I found one near the river.   Saw a few sights on the way back too.  

Near my hotel, I found a Chinese restaurant :) yum.  Had sweet and sour chicken and fried rice -- yes, I am boring with food and my adventurous partner was gone.  

At hotel, I rested a little, I guess I had gotten into the habit of a siesta (darn you, Savage).

the second best fanciest hotel we stayed at in Italy

I had made a reservation for my favorite Italian museum -- Borghese Gallery.  I didn’t know how far away it was and hailed a cab.  The taxi driver was extremely rude --- all my good travel karma left with Savage (maybe he was the one who had it not me).   The driver told me -- the museum is only 100 kms away.   Like I was supposed to know how far that was away.  I thanked him kindly (gritting my teeth the whole time) and got out of the cab very quickly.  I hiked through the ancient city gates and up through the gardens.  Interesting sites....Lots of people out in the gardens, enjoying the benches in the shade.  Segways and motorized peddle cars - those looked like so much fun.  It was a tad bit warm out (big surprise).  

You have to buy timed tickets to get in.  Checked my bag in the basement and saw this outstanding purse -- bingo great shot.  Waited 30 minutes in the cool basement people watching.   (Why is it I always like museums better if they are in buildings that used to be houses?)

That is not a purse, that is a granny handbag.

Then got on the stairs to get upstairs for my timed entry.  I had been here before with my sister and we were fortunate enough to have an English tour -- our tour guide was an art expert/historian.  She gave a wonderful tour of the history of the Bernini statues.  I could remember most of it again as I wandered around the exhibits and pieces.  My favorite piece is the Rape of Proserpina -- you can see the indentations in the skin from his hands.  All of the Bernini pieces are just striking -- it is amazing to think of him sculpting these.  

http://www.galleriaborghese.it/borghese/en/edavid.htm

I wandered down to the top of the Spanish Steps.  Lots of people out -- claustrophobic to me.  I was very careful when I descended the steps (I couldn't fall like I had before, I had no one to help me up and I couldn't twist an ankle.)  Lots of people hocking their souvenirs -- they come up and bother you.  I liked being on my own today until I got in this crowd, my back up wasn’t around, it was a strange feeling.  I travel a lot by myself but I guess I had the back up around for too long.  I felt like I was missing something, like I had forgotten my purse or watch or something.   

they had the right idea -- it was hot out. 

Took lots of photos and got to shop as much as I wanted to -- found a wonderful glove shop.  My great grandmother had a beautiful collection of gloves (that was when ladies wore gloves everywhere).  Bought a pair of polka dot ones, they fit me like a glove :) 

Found a great shop with Murano glass paperweights and jewelry, got me some and some for a friend too.  Hit the Sephora also -- cheapest place I have ever found Clarins night creme, jackpot.  

Hum?  I like mine, but a fashion statement they are not.

Went back to the Hard Rock Cafe, I just couldn’t stomach hunting up an Italian restaurant tonight - and the fried chicken salad on the menu sounded so good last night.    And I was correct - it was great --- had a 7 up too.  

It was dark out so I went back to the room, didn’t feel comfortable out at night roaming the streets by myself where I was staying.   When I got back, I spoke to my family over Skype, they told me a hurricane was coming in fast and it would hit when I was supposed to get home.  

My mom was fretting over the hurricane and my getting home on time, (also, she didn't like me being over here alone) so she called and assisted the airlines in getting me on a flight tomorrow.  My mother should have been a general in the army -- she could coordinate an entire war.  (She's where I got my love of maps and navigational sense -- and I can coordinate things too sometimes.  But I wish I didn't have her neurotic tendencies, god love her.)  WTH?  I had to pack up tonight and get ready to leave two days early.   But it was imperative I make it home when I was scheduled.  I still had places and things on my list to see and do.  C’est la vie, I will have to do them next trip -- it’s always good to leave something to see next time.  

Great day today and treat tonight, another bubble bath and Wolverine on the big screen TV -- my now last night in Italy.  

WHEN IN ROME -- DAY 20

Got up early and Savage went out for a run.  I got up, got ready, and got packed (in my little overnight bag, thank you).  When he got back he was soaked, said it was more hilly than he expected.  I wonder if he went all the way around the walls.  

Had breakfast overlooking the valley, I love this little B&B.  Can you imagine living in a small place like this?  Very European.  

We packed the car and left out.  After we were on the road, I realized I had left my hat somewhere -- probably at the B&B, knowing my luck. C'est la vie.   I drove first and then when we got to 7 + lanes of traffic.  Maybe this wasn't for me.  Stopped at the “Super” Auto grill -it covered the whole Autostrada  and had a creepy elevator -- we took the stairs on the way down- and switched drivers.  Group decision for me to navigate and him to drive in the Rome traffic.   They even made the firetruck pay a toll, what's up with that?

On our drive, I weaseled out of Savage four things he would like to see and do in Rome -- Colosseum, Forum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain (or was the Trevi Fountain my pick?).  We weren’t that early in Rome so we only had a few hours of touring time.

The roads were a little confusing, and my track record on hitting the right road on this trip wasn’t good.  (But my recovery was very good.)  Well, we took the wrong way on the Ring Road (ie the Loop), ended up on the Saleria Road into town.  I expertly directed Savage right past the hotel and took the round about and finally ended up at the hotel.  We even got to drive through the city gates -- how freaking cool is that?  

As I was going to be in Rome for a two days and nights by myself, I had booked a 5 star hotel -- just like a Southern Belle princess :) -- Baglioni Hotel.  We showed up looking like a rag tag pair, or more descriptive - well traveled and well worn out -- Kiwi in his singlet (ie wife beater),ratty shorts and jandals; and me in my ratty shorts, wrinkled shirt and flipflops.  All we needed to check in was an igloo cooler with duct tape and Wal-mart bags to look like bigger rednecks -- yes, Savage, you might not think it but you are a redneck (it’s not a place it’s an attitude).  The entrance hall was very well lit.

The reception desk was a touch screen computer.  Our room wasn’t ready yet, but we totally unloaded the car and left our luggage (with dirty clothes) with the bellman.  We started hiking toward the Trevi Fountain (on the way saw the Sephora).  Stopped at a little cafe for lunch.  I had weird pizza -- tomato paste and gross cheese on bread. It was too hot outside to eat much and I didn't eat much of it.   Savage had another panini sandwich - he is leaving tomorrow -- his last lunch in Italy. 

We strolled down the souvenir shop lined streets, there were lots of tourists out. A little people watching along the way -- lovely man in all white with a nice rainbow purse.  Savage wasn’t liking this crowd at all but I did so appreciate him taking me to the fountain.  I wanted a good picture of me in front of the fountain -- he takes good pics FYI. 

yes, that is a dude, or at least a male

I just don't have words for this outfit ....

At the fountain, tons of freaking people, I didn’t like that either, wanted out of here quick.  Got our pics.  Tossed our coins (doubt the two of us will be back here together -- or anywhere together, but I will definitely be back here sometime).  

Wandered down to the Pantheon -- lots of walking in this city.  Gotta love those Yellow Box flipflops (didn’t know when I threw them in my bag at the last minute, I would be wearing them everyday -- and have the best tan lines of my life). 

check out the crowds in a magical city

Passed a lot of walking tours - people wandering around with headphones and little boxes around their necks.  I should try to get on one of these tours, maybe. 

this is one of the Kiwi's favorite outfits

Pantheon is always an amazing site (I have been to Rome a couple of times -- love it).  So many people milling around -that when I went in, I lost Savage.  He was in the middle taking “uplifting” pics in the center under the hole in the roof - he likes to take pictures with the camera on the floor and pointing it up toward him.  

I always like walking around in this building.  I blocked out all the people and just looked up.  I love the ceiling and it’s intricate carvings.  To think this building has been here so long --- longer than my country.  I have been here before and it was almost empty, very pleasant experience.   It's one of the most moving places in Rome (to me it's better than the Vatican).

We wandered out and then headed toward the Piazza Navona.  There was a mini BMW golf cart type vehicle here -- in the land of Ferrari and Vespa this should be outlawed (along with the smart car, aka tin can on wheels).  I mean really, is it a motorcycle, a scooter, a golf cart?  Decide already.

On the path to the Piazza, we passed a massive government building -- you should see the “guns” on their police.  :)  Some even had machine guns too.  A cop in the parking garage stall had a machine gun.  I didn't take pictures of them as I didn't want to risk an Italian arrest on my last few days here. 

In the Piazza Navona -- the magnificent fountains, Savage liked the smaller fountain better.   I love the big fountain with the Bernini pieces.  I could stand here forever just looking at the animals in the fountain.  The piazza is huge -- it was once used as a stadium.  Now there are lots of little kiosks with art and street performers. 

Thankfully found a taxi stand (remember it was hot out) and went back to the hotel to see if we had a room yet -- it was getting close to the old man’s naptime.   When we got back to the hotel, one of us must have good karma as we got an upgrade -- very swanky room.  Had beautiful purple velvet headboards, a bathtub/shower, a dressing room/closet and a big TV (had English movie station, BBC, and CNN). :) love 5 star living -- Wish I could afford this all the time.  I kept telling Savage when he got rich with his surf training or hit the lottery, he was paying for the next trip and we would stay at all 5 star hotels... But I have to say my favorite hotels are the more quaint ones -- Villa Adriana, Ripa Medici, Hotel de Pietra and my most favorite -- Hotel Belvedere at Lake Como with the window looking out over the lake. 

While the old guy slept, I played on the internet -- and realized we were right across the street from the U.S. Embassy (omg -- talk about the most unsafe place we have stayed yet, but I so miss home - been gone too long).   Went back upstairs and got my travel buddy awake and moving - he did want to see the Colosseum, and I would have been a bad tour guide to allow him to miss it.  

On the way to the Forum (isn’t that a song?) Savage wanted to make a dry run of his journey for tomorrow to the airport --- so we braved the subway. (OK, I am getting sick now about him leaving me, the crowds here were overwhelming.  I just wanted to grab the back of his shirt and not let go.  I wanted him to lead me through the crowd, but I manned up (ie put my big girl panties on and dealt with hit -- I am not a wilting violet but a steel magnolia) and handled it on my own.  I was not going to let him see me have an anxiety attack.)  After climbing a few sets of stairs, made it to the train station -- and I let him trek down to the area to where the airport train was.  Savage can’t be bothered with lots of things so he decided he would fork out money for a cab to take him to the airport (it’s a set fee -- I got ripped the last time I was here in 2004 -- things have changed since then).   He couldn’t be bothered with dragging his luggage through the crowded subway and through the train station.  As I recall the last time I was here with him, he deposited me on the Milan train and helped me with my luggage and then left me to battle the trip with Giorgio and the Italian Stallion (that was a memorable journey in itself). 

We walked to the Colosseum -- no matter how many times I have been here -- it’s still an outstanding site - and I always think the same thing - it’s really not that big (remember we have the Superdome -- pathetic American that I am).  The history here fascinates me -- it’s the model for the “Dome”, Death Valley, Mile High Stadium, etc ... I love the little details, the gate numbers, the seats, the views into the ruined pits.. You could visualize Russell Crowe coming up out of the pit to fight (one of my favorite movies).  I love sporting events, and hopefully if I had lived during the time, would have been in a toga going to an event here of some sort (just hopefully not to see Christians being eaten by lions). 

Tried to go to the Forum, this is where our luck changed a little, we got there right as they were closing. Savage said we would hit it next time and take a guided tour (no matter what, I was so proud of us -- so many tourist sites in one day and not one complaint from the Kiwi -- I think he actually had a good time on his last day in Italy).  We saw a wonderful chalk artist.  

Took a great taxi (my feet were black from all the walking) back to our area -- was so relieved I didn’t have to get back in that subway.  My good old dear sweet friend, on his last night in Italy ( this time -- he will be back), was so nice to me and treated me to the Hard Rock Cafe :)    I needed that American style hamburger and fries so badly I was so homesick.  I appreciated it, and was quite surprised, as we should have found a great Italian restaurant for him to eat at instead of the classic American overseas hangout.

We got to eat outside in the glass booth -- wicked.  Got to watch a school group of teenagers as they waited. It was so much fun to make up stories about what they were up to -- you could tell which cliques were which.  I would have been the nerdy girl on the side of the group.  He would have been the center of attention with all the cute girls hanging on.   There was a rose seller there too, trying to force them to buy the flowers.  Savage guessed the kids were Spanish, I thought they were American -- too many Coach purses not to be. 

On walk back to hotel saw weird sites.

his favorite phrase even to this day

can't believe I am seeing this over here.

Got back to room and realized it would be lonely without him here with me, but I think I would like it too.  I took a great bubble bath in that wonderful tub and got my black feet clean.  The A/C wasn’t regulated well and Savage kept adjusting it.  He packed up all his stuff, as he was leaving early.  Very impressive he can travel for such a long time with one big backpack.   Would he wake me up before he caught his taxi?  I was exhausted from all the walking we did today.   But when in Rome .....  Sweet Savage, grazie for another wonderful Italian road trip, I am breathlessly awaiting another one, but I know that is not to be.