Roma, 8:30am

Good morning....wow...my patience was totally tested yesterday. But I am so happy to say that we are here in Rome, at last.  We had a good safe flight from Paris to Rome, picked up the extra luggage from storage, all was in order.  But when we landed in Rome, my two bags came around the carousel but a half hour later, still no sign of Stephen's backpack.  So then we went and filed a claim for lost luggage.  Interestingly enough, we met another Canadian whose backpack didn't make it either...same colour bag, also with a Canadian flag sewn on it...hmmmm...conspiracy?  We thought it was the US they didn't like!  ;) 

From there we got on the train to Termini station which was late, chaotic and full- standing room only.  All the while, I knew we were already late for our rendezvous with the group at 7pm but what can you do.  We left the station and followed the directions to our hostel which I had googled a couple of days ago.  We arrived there only to find out that we were at the wrong one- ironically it had a very similar name.  They directed us then upstairs, saying that was the one we wanted...at least we didn't have to go far, or so we thought...went upstairs only to be told there's another Alessandro Palace on the other side of the Termini station so out we went, more than a bit frustrated and anxious to get to our lodgings for the night.  Luckily we didn't have to go too far.  We got here, checked in and met the co-ordinators...very nice people.  Stephen chilled out and I went to meet the rest of the group.  Mostly women (one guy! besides Stephen) ranging in age from 16-57.   A lot of Canadians and the rest are American.  We went out for my first Authentic Italian meal, buffalo mozzarella pizza and nutella and creme caramel gelato for dessert....so delicious!

Then I got in to write about it all on the blog and it all got erased when I hit "post".  Yesterday was not really our day but I am so happy we are here and get to check out the rest of this beautiful city.  Everything looks like a work of art.  Absolutely gorgeous.  Can't wait to tell you more...

Love,

Andrea & Stephen