Roma, we are here!!!

September 15th, 2009

Can you believe it, we are in Roma and it's raining!!! Staying at a fabulous Hotel " Colonna Palace", very central opposite the parliament ( G8 meeting in progress ) so lots of armed Carbinieri and Polizia about, makes us feel very safe in a city that can be a bit scary after our country paradise in Umbria.

Lots of the group when on the double deck bus exploring the city and hopping on & off to visit the Vatican, Coloseum etc but Carlotta, Idiotica ( Carol, Trish & I ) Joellie went on a half day bus trip to the designer outlet stores at Castel Romano just outside of central Roma. Fabulous shopping experience, we almost needed a trailer to bring back the shopping bags. Tomorrow some of us have to buy secondary suitcases.

We regrouped tonight for bellini cocktails ( or a cold beer ) at our hotel. Fayrerri & Lambojeanie ( Fay & Jeannie ) are off on the rest of their Italy bus tour so a depleted gang for dinner at a lovely ( to be recommended ) local cafe, close to the hotel in a hidden Piazza. We all feel quite "smartiepants" ordering or understanding the menu in Italian and even being abit notey about the wine. I noticed all of us had individually ordered Antonelli wine so we are very brand loyal. Back at the hotel we are having a quiet drink of "pappas wine" he sent us off with so much, and we know we can't fly home with it, so quietly consuming as a night cap. Saw a man with a T Shirt with Dan Carter written on it and 2 fans came up said "hello" in the street so feeling quite at home. Tomorrow will be more exploring on foot ( just about everyone has new shoes ) and Carlotto looking magnifico in her Armani jacket, she's won shopper of the day, although Speudo's ( Jenny ) bright green palm held vege peelers won her a close second prize. The best thing I saw today was glasses for reading where you have one set of lenz but loads of different coloued frames that click on!!!! mmm, that is so Joelli to love those

Just people watching has been a higlight and the genuine kindness of people you come across. The doorman who rushed after us with umbrella's to borrow, the man on the bus sharing pistachio's with everyone going on the tour. Other tourists swapping good tips and handy hints. Tonight in our hearts we are Italian xx SiSi Tomorrow night we have a farewell dinner at the lovely Gusto restaurant, the next day we all depart on our next journey, some to France, some to other parts of Italy, some to England and Trish & I off to Amsterdam.

Ciao & Sogni d'Oro - sweet dreams xx