We're in Roma!

Too busy/tired to blog last night; sorry! Will blog tonight, promise!

Suffice to say that we made it safely to Rome from Orly airport in Paris. Orly is lovely; small enough and very, very convenient! We took the Orlyval route -- RER B to Antony, then changed to the little Orly shuttle train. Took about half an hour all told; would certainly do it again, no problem! Even schlepping lots of luggage (2 pieces each, one suitcase and a carry-on) the only difficulty were the stairs getting down at Luxembourg. No problems at all once we reached Antony.

We were of course VERY early, but with books and Ipod, the time passed quickly! Plane arrived almost on time, and we were only about 10 minutes late getting out. Uneventful flight to Ciampino airport in Rome. (R and I actually had front row/bulkhead seats, aisles across from one another, and there was no one next to me the whole flight, so that worked out well!

The luggage took a while, but finally gathered everything and out to our waiting car. Very nice to be picked up and driven directly to our apartment! Had to wait about 10 minutes at the apartment before someone was available to let us in and show us up, but WOW; GREAT place!

Very, very nice neighborhood,not in the center of town but centrally located with metro stop probably 20 feet from the front door! We're on the top floor; the 9th, and have a great balcony that runs the entire length of the apartment! We're going to get spoiled!

Dropped everything and called R's former assistant Anna-Marie. She and her husband Tom have just finished an amazing Mediterranean cruise and are spending a couple of days in Rome before flying out tomorrow. So fun to see folks from home on the other side of the world! Met Tom and Anna-Marie in Piazza Bologna, which is very convenient for their hotel as well! Walked half-way across Rome to Orso 80 for dinner. Just great, as usual -- we had the antipasti, and that filled us up! R insisted on a taxi back, as everyone (but me) exhausted.

Up about 6 to a lovely day! R and I took an exploratory walk and found the local grocery store, but it's not yet open. We need some VERY basic things for the flat -- T.P. and other things! (That is the only downside of renting an apartment -- you have to supply all the "basics" after the first day or two! Oh well! The location is great, we have lots and lots of rooms -- 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms! So -- more later -- just actually wanted to let everyone know we were in Italy!

Ciao!
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