Italy Day 1

 Today was travel, travel, and more travel.   I worked Friday the 3rd until around 11:30 while Jack did the final packing/things around the house.  Then we ate Cracker Barrell for lunch and began our adventure.

The travel time was 3:30 PM (get to the airport at 1:30) to 6 AM our time; it was noon time here in Italy.  By the time we got checked into the hotel, I had been up for about 24 hours.   We all grabbed a few winks on the plane but they were few and far between - it was coach and tight, especially for a 9-hour flight.  I mean I was broader than the seat and I'm not a big person.... come on Delta, you can do better.   

Overall the flight experience wasn't bad though.  The check-in guy was amazing and helped us fix seats where we were all together from where it was changed after a reschedule.   Thanks to the lovely passenger and his wife for working with us.  Then when we got to Italy the wheelchair man was incredible, whisked us past the mile-long customs line, straight to our luggage, and then to our tour.  No fuss no mess - just easy peasy.  Without him, we probably would have been at the airport at least 2 additional hours

Globus gave us a brief ride over to our hotel and we chatted with some guests who were taking another tour.  Mama's room wasn't quite ready as it was only 1:30 PM their time, but we were able to get into ours and rest.   Hers was ready within an hour and they brought us her key - not called us to come and get it, but brought it to us!   I mean, service.   

We all got settled and slept for a few hours.  Mama decided to keep sleeping and just start fresh tomorrow.  Jack and I however got up, walked around the area down to the Fontana Delle Naiadi fountain, and just well - wandered.  It felt good to stretch our legs.   We then meandered down a street filled with restaurants trying to decide what we wanted.  I didn't want anything really heavy so pasta was out.   We ended up coming back to the hotel and taking their suggestion to eat at a pizza place called La Gallina Bianca (the white chicken).  We both tried pizzas we don't typically see at home and just loved it.   The atmosphere was cozy and while our main waitress was unattentive the other staff were great.   It was a nice and perfect end to our day.

Now we are back at the hotel, in bed, and planning out our day tomorrow.  We don't meet with Globus until 5 so we have the entire day to ourselves to explore :)

Until then - good night :)