Friday, October 7, 2011
Rome, Italy the last day of the cruise
Luggage packed and out the door last night by 6:00pm, picked up by 8:30pm when we went for dinner. A good nights sleep after our last dinner in the dining room and the 'parade of the baked alaska' by the junior waiters.
Up early, final shower and packing our carry-off bags, down to the meeting place on time, immediate clearance to exit, and down the gangway, bag pickup, met Dick and Shiela, and at the first taxi by 8:30am. Wow, that was efficient!!!
We were told that the taxi fare from Civitivechia to Rome was between 150 and 200 euro, but the taxi we found wanted 250 euro for the trip. The truth was that this taxi was a BIG one, more like a van, and Shiela's scooter did not charge properly last night as they had packed the charger in their luggage placed outside the door last night. So, in the end and given that we couldn't really wander off to find another taxi anyway because of the scooter's battery, we took the bird in the hand and agreed to the highway robbery price. Actually, all factors considered including the sheer volume of baggage and scooter and four people, this was the only one that was sized for the job.
The ride into Rome was quick and easy for a Friday morning in rush hour traffic, and within an hour we were at our hotel. the bookings were in place and our room was ready while D&S was not yet, so all the gear and people went up to our room.
Leaving Shiela in the room with her battery charging, the rest of us went off to get money from the ATM and some lunch. We are staying in an area of Rome called Piazza Bologna as that location had the best price for a handicapped room. It is a residential area, lots of apartments, and home to the University of Rome a few blocks away from our hotel. A nice place, lots of stores, lots of activity, very alive. Back to the room with money and lunch, D&S's room was ready quickly and they left to move in there and relax a bit. Jan also, but I was up and a bit wired. So they napped and I took off downtown to the Coluseum via the Metro station at Piazza Bologna which is about three blocks from our hotel. Within 15 minutes I had exited at the Coluseum Metro station and was staring at the huge structure. Most impressive. I wandered about, taking pictures, nearly got run down a couple of times, in the crosswalk each time, Italian drivers are crazy.
An hour and a half later I was back 'home' to the hotel, and by about 8:00pm the four of us were seated at a sidewalk cafe sipping wine with our dinner. Very, very nice. A great evening with a great host who must have liked Canadians as he gave us free appetizers, free Proseco wine, and free desert, nice. Home again and in bed by about 11:30PM, and crashed out for the night.
