Well we finally made it. Let me tell you all the 30 hours travel is no fun. Can’t fault Qatar Airlines, brand new planes and first class service. I was all worried about what to say to customs when we got here and they ask us if we are visiting for business or pleasure, I was mentally going through the conversation saying things like. “Well we are moving here for six months and I will be working here but don’t worry I won’t be stealing any business from any of the Italian Nationals, I will be just servicing my clients back in Australia so it’s a win win for the Italian Nation”. Turned out that they couldn’t care less what we were coming to Italy for, I went through the EU electronic entry and all I got to talk to was a machine. Di had a similar experience going through the normal passport check. At least she got to talk to someone but he didn’t ask anything either.
When we got to Rome we were originally going to train it to our accomodation which was right next door to Roma Termini but for an extra 5 euros we got a Mercedes mini van to drop us off right at the front door. The accomodation was very nice all be it a bit small. Quite to say we are staying in a very busy area and our host Lorenzo is a very friendly man.
Yesterday my phone died, so I’ve had to go out and get a new iPhone 8. Not exactly the start we were hoping for. I know what your all thinking, that I sabotaged my phone so I could go out and buy a shiny new iPhone, it’s simply not true 😁. Any way that spoiled our plans for the day, we had intended to go out to one of the nearby small hilltop villages called Calcata but it took so long to get the phone that we run out of time so we just walked around Rome. It was a beautiful day around 20 degrees and sunny with no wind. We walked to Trevi Fountain past the Pantheon (saw the bros at the carts) and then on to Navona Square for a cleansing ale (una birra).
Today is Sunday and we are walking to the local English Congregation for their meeting, it’s at 12:30pm, we are taking our time, it is about a 25 minute walk and I am blogging along the way from a cafe in a Piazza di Santa Maria.
Tomorrow we are training it down to Crotone which will take us about 8 hours. I will blog on the trip and let you know how the meeting went so stay tuned.
6 comments
Mum
I follow your progress with great interest, step by step all the way! Danielle is keeping in touch, so I still have a skype on a Monday morning with family. Delightful. But it will be great when we have a chance to catch up via Skype. Just think – this is going to reach you in no time at all – not so very many years ago it would have been snail-mail all the way. And phone calls would have been too expensive.
Jo Koskela
Lovely to hear of your movements and I am really glad I can see the Roma Termini and that area in my mind. It makes me feel as if I am partially with you there. It should be a lovely train trip with beautiful scenery. I am guessing it will follow the mountain range down? Look forward to the next instalment. Yes, you poor thing needing another phone – tough.
Lee Firth
Yep, I was disappointed that my phone died for a split second, then I got over it.
Maureen
Wow. Your standing where we were last year … so pleased you’ve finally arrived safely and settling in at cafès with wifi along the way ..
With a coffee ☕️. Fitting in so well.
Waithing with anticipationì for the next instalment …
Susan
Awesome news…you should smile Lee….you are in Italy afterall
Lee Firth
I’m smiling on the inside