Return to Rome

[7 March 2004]

Woke up at about 8am to a dreary, rainy Sunday morning. We packed and after having coffee and some breakfast with the Tampones we said goodbye and headed for the Autostrade. We were originally going to take the A16 north to Pescara and then head west to Rome through the Appenines but Peppino informed us that there was snow that way and throughout the mountains to the north. 

So we get onto the A14 for Naples and after a drive of about two and a half hours, we arrive at Fiumicino airport where we promptly get lost looking for the rental car return. We drove around the terminal a couple of times before we finally the Avis sign. We dropped the car off and since we had a zero deductible there was nothing to be paid for the minor damage from the accident in Lecce. This is definitely worth remembering for future car rentals.

After making our way down to the arrivals level of the terminal we grabbed a cab for the city. Our driver – who apparently studied for his driver's license at the Formula 1 racing school  – whisks us into the city for what we soon discover to a small fortune. Got to remember to ASK THE PRICE FIRST!

Our lodgings for our final leg of the trip was the Hotel Due Torri,  a stone’s throw from the Tiber and a quick five minute walk to the Pantheon. In fact, it was located to just about everything in the city center. The room was quite small and tight – particularly considering we arrived with so much additional baggage, the result of Rosa and Vito loading us down with homegrown and homemade goodies. But it had a wonderful little balcony and if the weather cooperates we might just get a chance to use it. Also the bed is large and well appointed for those of us who like reading before sleep.

check out the yellow sign upper left

lobby

terrace accessed through the bathroom

view from the balcony

After relaxing for a bit we head out – but before we go we have our hotel make a reservation for dinner at Ditirambo’s, a wonderful restaurant just off the Campo de’ Fiori where we ate a couple of years ago. And we were not disappointed this time either. Sue and I both had fish as well as a wonderful white wine “Aurore”. After dinner we walked around the corner to our favorite gelateria, “Blue Ice” and then walked back to the hotel for a restful night’s sleep.