Getting to Rome - Part II

We had a smooth trip to Rome it was an empty flight so we were able to stretch out and the food service was quick and we actually arrived in Rome a few minutes earlier than scheduled – which is surprising since it was pouring, pouring rain when we got in.

We all got pretty wet just between the plane and the bus to the terminal but we thought things had finally turned around for us...that is, until it came time to collect our luggage. Jason and I, along with the 15 or so other people on the flight stood around at the luggage carousel for what seemed to be an eternity. After 40 minutes, I had to go through customs and out of the secure area because we had arranged for a driver to pick us up and the paperwork we had said that after 45 minutes the driver would leave. I went out and found the guy and he didn't speak a lick of English and I don't speak Italian.

Luckily, another driver waiting for someone else spoke both and helped me explain that our luggage was apparently delayed. Finally, after about another (awkward) eternity or about two hours after we arrived, Jason came out. He said a bunch of people from our flight were yelling at the baggage customer service woman about the delay and he said it was delayed because of the rain. The baggage handlers here do not have to work in the rain – it is too dangerous!

Our driver drove like the crazy drivers in Greece – it must be a trend in this area. We finally made it to the hotel though, very late. This place is deluxe! I found it on Expedia and it was a little bit of a splurge for us – but not a lot – so we were pleasantly surprised by how nice it is. It is old and has a lot of character, and the service can't be beat. We are also in a really nice neighborhood of Rome. We really hit the jackpot when it comes to hotels for this trip!