After being delayed out of Hong Kong with a 13 hour flight ahead of me, I arrived late into Rome on Friday morning.

 

Hands down my new favourite item for long haul flights!

Fly Legsup

 

Thanks to my Rome hosts, Vanessa and Riccardo, I knew exactly how to get into the City and how to find their place, which is to be home for the next four days. The directions were perfect! I took my time, had an espresso at the airport waiting for the transit bus, made my way around Termini (Central Station) and picked up my 72 hour Rome Transport pass (€18) while I was there. Along the way, we passed some typical Rome sights!

Vanessa and Riccardo’s home in the San Giovanni neighbourhood was to be my first AirBnB experience – I was slightly hesitant – foreign country, someone’s home, absolutely no idea where I’m going. I didn’t need to be concerned – if this is what AirBnB is all about – I’m sold! The couple have perfected modern chic. On my first morning – I’m met with a continental breakfast which includes home baked goods to die for – ‘Frolle di Ricotta’! They’ve invited me for dinner this evening, I’m so looking for to joining them.

If ever in Rome – I would highly recommend Vanessa and Riccardo’s home – they have two rooms available! Check them out here – https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/7566600.

I spent the first afternoon wandering aimlessly to get my bearings – every corner I turned had another ancient site to see. I found myself at the Spanish Steps which turns out are really French – a trivia fact I was unaware of! With google maps available these days, I encourage you to just walk – let yourself get lost as you come across hidden gems and places so weird – a shopping centre decorated in snails? Not sure what’s going on here but I may venture back for a better look!

I had organised a walking tour of Ancient Rome with ‘Enjoy Rome’ tours – what a great way to see this crumbling, renovated, ancient, modern city. There were 10 of us with our wonderful guide – Barbara, a young Italian women whose passion for her city and country shone through as she walked us through the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and ending the 3 hour tour at Piazza Navona! The weather was not kind to us, raining and cold although the day was filled with information, fun and meeting other travellers. Barbara, Kerry and Stuart (UK) and myself enjoyed a vino or two with a pasta to cap off a great day out!

Heading off to the Vatican although I’m told about an Angels and Demons tour – I might be tempted to relive Dan Brown!