Back in Rome

We were up bright and early, showered, dressed, and downstairs eating breakfast around 8:30. We were checked out of our room, on the boat shuttle, and at the train station by around 9:30 or so. We only had to wait for a short time in the tiny little train station. A few tourist shops, tabacchi (or smoke shop) and a buffet/restaurant that you had overpriced food and drinks. I ran in there for a few waters and we headed out to a bench and froze for about 10 minutes. The station is an open air station - it is covered, but there are no doors. So the wind comes right in and keeps you nice and cold!

Our train arrived fairly early so we headed to our car, found our seats, removed a few layers and got settled. We each had window seats and figured we would have a nice view back to Rome, and only had to stop at a few stations. It would be about a 3 hour trip. The complimentary drinks cart and newspaper cart came by and I had a glass of wine and some cookies. Claudia opted for orange juice, which is from blood oranges, and some olive oil crackers. We settled in and watched Venice slip away and eventually got to see some countryside this time. Neither of us fell asleep for very long. I dozed for maybe 10 or 15 minutes, Claudia maybe slept about 45 minutes.

The countryside was gorgeous. The vibrant green hillsides were dotted with farms, old rustic Italian homes, and vineyards. The occasional sheep were seen here and there, along with a few small lakes. It was really pretty. The temperatures slowly rose and by the time we made it to Rome it was about 55 degrees outside and we shed our jackets immediately.

We made our way to the subway and I had no problem fitting into the Italian culture by now. I was pushing by all the people, with purpose, heading for our train. Claudia got a kick out of it. She told me a lady was all offended that I pushed by her and I just laughed. The one time I put my thoughtfulness aside (which nobody seems to have here) I offend someone. Whatever. Not gonna lose sleep over it.

Got to the hotel quickly and up to our room. (I was hoping and praying for a shower that did not flood the bathroom.) We were in luck. Shower with doors. Score!

What is that smell?? Do you smell that??

We dropped our things, freshened up a bit, then headed out for the closest pharmacy to pick up a few odds and ends. Only we found all of the pharmacies on our street to be closed. It was like Black Friday here in Italy. Every single clothing store slashed their prices from extremely expensive to expensive. We browsed two stores but the chaos was too much. So we decided to head over to our favorite corner store to pick up a few things. Luck would have it - it's closed. Open again tomorrow.

Back through the chaotic streets, dodging smeared dog poop, little kids, dogs in sweaters, women walking and talking on their cell phones while not looking and ramming right into you and making it look like it is your fault. It was crazy. We decided to grab a gelato and head up to the room for a bit while we waited for dinner time, the usual 7 to 7:30 pm Italian dinner time here.

Claudia dozed while I uploaded pictures and checked email. I kept saying to myself, what is that smell?

At first I thought this was a smoking room, but then it didn't exactly smell like smoke. It was like bad lysol covering up the stench of something else. I just couldn't pin point it.

Claudia woke up and said, "What is that smell? Is that like bad cleaning products or something?"

I didn't know what to tell her. All I knew is that it didn't smell pleasant. Then Claudia used the little girls room and said, "Oh my god! The toilet rocks back and forth!"

She came out looking scared. I went in and yes, it rocks back and forth. And yes, the smell is that. And not just rocking back and forth, like ready to fall over back and forth. By the way, this is a modern hotel room, all the amenities, and is costing us about $170 a night. Oh and there is a bidet in the bathroom also, and at this point couldn't decide if it was that, or the toilet. We left the window open and decided to take it easy tonight and just eat in. I was kind of in the mood for some meat and potatoes as was Claudia.

We went downstairs and of course, meat and potatoes is on the menu, as were pasta dishes and yes, a hamburger. Claudia started to ask if the hamburger was an actual hamburger and the young lady says, "No potatoes... finished."

Sigh.

We left. I went up to the room and Claudia just sat in disbelief laughing. I grabbed our coats and scarves and we headed out on foot. We first made a stop at the front desk to tell them about the toilet. She said, "I'm sorry, I don't know what to do, the hotel is full."

Sigh.

We left in disbelief. I was over it. We walked down the street and found a little place that had just opened and nobody was inside. The menu looked good so we went for it. Everyone was so friendly when we walked in, singing Queen's We Will Rock You and being so nice. We started feelling the vibe... until our waiter arrived.

Sigh.

He was uptight and rude. Of course. Just our luck.

We ordered a french fry starter which is the only frozen item on the menu as advertised, and I went for a white pizza with porcini mushrooms, and Claudia went for a pasta dish with porcini mushrooms. (Let me just tell you, porcini mushrooms are like butter... like delicate, pillows of deliciousness. I'm sad it took me this long to figure it out!)

I ordered a pint of beer as I needed to take the edge off from the day, and Claudia a pot of tea. We sat and discussed the day and laughed a bit. How does this happen to us all the time? Maybe it is just for the fact that we can laugh about it in 3 months time...

The food came and WOW! The pizza was sooooo good. It was actually the best pizza I've ever eaten! The crust was so thin and crisp I couldn't believe it! Claudia tried a bite and liked it better than her dish. Then the rush of madness came into the restaurant. People came through the front door ordering pizzas to go... reservations were being filled, a gorgeous Italian man and woman sat next to us and ordered pizza, as did most everyone else. We decided that we would walk over here tomorrow evening grab a pizza, stop at the corner store for a bottle of wine, and finish our last night in Rome in our room with our feet up.

I ordered a second beer as it was cold and hit the spot. The waiter seemed put off by it. So we ordered bread, another pot of tea, asked for oil, then asked for vinegar... we made hiim work. It was enjoyable at that point. (I know, we're sick.)

We left quickly as there was a line outside and just down the small street on the next corner was that fabulous restaurant we ate at for New Years. This neighborhood is a hotspot for restaurants!

A slow and leisurely walk home laughing about the waiter and dying to eat there again tomorrow, we stopped at the tabachi shop and grabbed some water. I knew I would need some after 2 pints of beer.

We got back to the hotel and went up to our sewer stenched room, or is more like foul water? I don't know... but the window is open, the TV is on, and my tummy is stuffed! One last day to go... I have 2 scarves to buy, some balsamic, and maybe some chocolate. Claudia has a similar list... Oh and we will be going to the Vatican to walk around inside and to go see the Sistine Chapel right when it opens. So I should get ready for bed.

Good night all!