The Journey - Part 1 and Part 2

'ello everyone!

I made it to SFO.  Thanks to mom for the ride, which was an event in itself!!   I said my goodbyes and went to do my "Bag Drop" as I had already checked in.  I was offered 1 of 2 upgrades and I actually took the one that gave me some more legroom.  Hopefully that will help.  It's another window seat and there is no one in the middle so far.  I was told this was a "busy" flight, but I still have hope.  Incidentally, one of the reason I decided on the upgrade was that the middle seat in my original row had been filled.  Let's hope that the middle seat now will remain empty.  I guess they didn't get my note that the middle seat was to remain empty.  It didn't work for the Phantom, so we'll see if it works for me.

I purchased some Euro's on the way to security and then got in the VERY short security line.  Got through quickly and headed toward the gate.  Now I'm sitting in a Firewood Cafe in the terminal.  I grabbed a sandwich and a diet coke and started to FINALLY relax a little.

The last few days have been kind of full of anxiety, and today, my insides felt like a circus was going on.  Traveling alone in a foreign country is a BIG DEAL.  Lately, I've been reflecting on how it is to be an adult.  I think this journey will define that more than I know.

I'm not posting this until I get to London, so pretend it's 10 hours later.

--------------

So, this was suppose to be a two part post about the jouney to Rome.   I didn't have a chance to post this from London because of having to switch terminals, etc.  In fact, I think my gate may have been on the farthest corner of the airport

However, the flight to London was about 9 hours.  It was trying at times, but I got through it.  Thank goodness there wasn't anyone in the middle seat.   The food was edible, the cocktail of the day was a Screwdriver, Zzzzzzz.  Of course it was free so I had one.  I tried to watch the newest Muppet Movie but the glare on my screen was too much as the cabin lights weren't off yet and the person in front of me had tilted their chair all the way back so the angle wasn't good.  I read, listened to music.  At one point, I couldn't sleep and I listened to "Sunset Blvd" from beginning to end.  We finally got to London and I had to rush to get my connection because I had to go through security again.  I had a bit of a panic when I thought I wasn't going to make it as I got my times wrong.  I just needed to get through security, get something to eat and something to drink, and I would be fine.  Well, I got all that, but didn't have time to eat what I bought, so now it's sitting in the fridge in my room.  The flight to Rome was fine - just about two hours.  I took the train from the airport into Rome and took a taxi to my hotel.  I thought I was going to walk.  HAHAHA, silly me.  I started to walk and got about a block into the walk.  Trying to use my Maps App on my phone.  Well, the streets aren't well marked so I gave up quickly and hopped a cab.

My Hotel (Hotel Pacific) is in a nice location.  Very close to the Vatican.  I'm not sure what else it's close to, but I'll find out more tomorrow.  I got to my room, which is a little smaller than the bedroom in my apartment and definitely is a Europe hotel room.   Cozy and just right

I asked the lady at the desk for some recommendations for dinner besides the Hotel restaurant which she turn up her nose to, which I thought was funny.....

Oh, this is across the street from my hotel

I ended up at a trattoria and had a salad and lasagna and a glass of red wine.

Dinner was great.  Only regret, no gelato tonight.  I'll make up for it tomorrow, though.

Tomorrow is the Vatican.  I'm pretty excited about this.  I hope I can sleep tonight.

Ciao,
Maestro