Jeffrey Johnson 6/3/21 Jeffrey Johnson 6/3/21

Roma

Buongiorno! Good Morning from Roma! Finally! We met our driver after he had to wait two hours on us at the airport. What a mess getting through all the paper work and testing!

Our driver pointed out some highlights enroute to our Hotel. He was telling us today is Republic day in Italy. Italians take the day off. More locals in the street. Will see what tommorow holds. Maybe less people.

Upon arrival at our Hotel we headed to the roof top terrace restaurant for a bite to eat. Great views, Great food! How often are we allowed to say that on this trip? Jeff had Ravioli Carbanaro. I chose the Terrazzo salad ( tuna, artichokes, avocados, marinated tomatoes, and greens) with fresh olive oil and basalmic vinegar (So sweet no comparison to what I use at home.) for a dressing. A complimentary bread basket with oil for dipping as well. Finished it off with a complementary side of fresh cherries, minni canolli and puff pastry filled with cream filling. Headed back to our room for a good hot shower and a well deserved 3hr nap!

Feeling a bit more energy we headed out to the streets for a bit. Our hotel is at the top of the Spanish Steps. We took in the views from the top and headed down for some widow shopping and checking out the Restoranti along the back streets. (Always will find a little gem of a restaurant if you travel off the beaten path!)

Our dinner reservation was nearing. Back to the terrace for relaxing supper as the sun set, the lights twinkled, the Italian language flowed around us. Relaxing and beautiful!

Now for the food. Starting off with the bread basket and olive oil. We shared a Burrata and Tomato Salad. I had the Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, Red Prawn Tartare.

Jeff had the Veal Milanese, sautéed Rice and Greens Beans.

Dessert and coffee followed… Tarimisu with a Coffee Granita and whipped cream. Complimentary bit of goodies to finish the goodness off!

Let’s call it a day! Arrivederci! (See you later)

Meeting our local guide Gennaro (it will be just us two and Gennaro) tommorow at ten thirty for a tour of Roma…Buona notte (GoodNight)

Jeffrey Johnson 6/1/21 Jeffrey Johnson 6/1/21

Travel Day

Our long awaited travel day to Italy has arrived. Starting at 6:40 am. Fueled up for the day on Oatmeal with Chocolate chips and Raspberries. Took care of the dogs and last minute chores etc..

After taking inventory of our packed bags and wondering Why we didnt have much room left, we loaded up in the awaiting vehicle. We enjoyed our private chauffeur to the airport, Thanks Mom!

Departed on time (12:11) from our local regional airport GTR nonstop to ATL.

Arrived in ATL on time preceeded to concourse E international terminal for the circus of paperwork, verifying our covid test we took in MS and then waiting in queue for a rapid Antigen test before we board. More waiting on the results…good news we were negative again! All clear to board at 5:15 pm.

Time to eat! We headed to the lounge for a bite to eat and relax… currently trying to learn how to blog…Lol… any tips are welcome!

On board Flight DL0062…Just enjoyed a beef tenderloin, potatoes, delicious salad, bread and Ben and Jerry icecream for desert. Now relaxing, reclining and catching up on details of the trip for the days ahead…excited and so grateful for this opportunity to go to this long awaited bucket list destination…Ciao!

Rise and Shine! The cabin lights came on 90 minutes before landing in Roma and breakfast was served. We were able to sleep alittle, the problem being we didnt get sleepy until 3 hrs before landing…Arrived into FCO airport about 20 minutes early. Enjoyed viewing the beautiful rolling countryside.

Next we had to navigate the circus of FCO airport, including the paperwork just to registered for our 3rd rapid antigen test in 72hrs timeframe… to be continued on the Roma post.

(For those who are wondering if vaccination is required to travel? No, we would not have taken this trip if we would have had to be vaccinated with the covid shot)