We're in Rome for a Quick Visit!

Had to wake up very early as there was only one flight to Rome from Dubrovnik.  Airport was small, but by gosh, it was crowded and lines for security, then customs.  Got done with that and then it’s was the hurry up and wait at the gate routine.  Got to go to the business lounge so that helped a bit.

Arrived at the Rome Airport…. More lines for customs, then wait for luggage, only to find our luggage was at a different carousel… Only discovered that cuz I walked to an area looking for our driver (which we had passed through earlier, and it was NOT where he should be) and saw a strap on a suitcase and thought, “Boy, they have one like ours…. Wait, that is OURS!”  That was carousel 3… Jerry was at 7… so, I schlepped them both, plus the two backpacks (I had taken Jerry’s, so he could have both hands free to get the suitcases) back down to where Jerry was.  We got together, headed out to the arrival area, greeted there by 50+ signs from different drivers.  Fortunately found ours, but then one heck of a walk to get to the car…  Once we got going, we realized Mario Andretti was our driver… YOWZA… Freeway driving with the car in front of you about 5 feet away!  Got to the hotel after, what felt like one of those mouse cars in an amusement park, travelling the narrow streets between buildings, zipping along!

We were here early, so then had to wait for our room.  Gave us a chance to do a little explore and, yes, you guessed it, find a geocache.  Also found a gorgeous Basilica, St Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs.  HUGE!  Our driver told us there were five Basilica’s in Rome (different from Cathedrals).

We'd been to Rome in 2011, so we have seen many sites already.  There's a few we haven't so we'll be walking around town and this was a good start!  On Tuesday, we're doing a Food Tour (all three couples) and looking forward to that!  I'm getting sidetracked here, back to this day!  

Got our room finally, and a bit later, heard from Julie and Jens.  They were here!  Met on the rooftop garden, enjoyed a beer and then had a great dinner together.  One of the waiters there told us of a great place AND it was great.  Funny, as we were leaving, another foursome came in, with the same little piece of paper the previous waiter had given us, showing that same waiter recommended the same place.  Hmmmm, wonder if he gets a cut of it!

Early to bed as it had been a long day.

 Nothing like driving down the street, just passing the Coliseum... no biggie!

The Marcella Royal Hotel

Lets go walking! 

 After a long, warm explore, we went up to the Roof Top Garden to wait for our room!

Aha!  Our Room!

Then, a text message, Andersen's have arrived!  Only one more couple now due tomorrow!