When in Rome…

I’m feeling very ‘girl on a train’ as I write this (currently en route to Florence from Naples). I realize this is a part of daily life for a lot of people, but I love the rail systems in Europe! They’re much easier and more comfortable than airplanes and buses. It makes a few hours travel somewhat enjoyable.

Viewing the Italian countryside as we go is another thing I won’t complain about. I’ve been drooling over just about everything I’ve laid my eyes on. To sum it up, my first few days in Italy have felt like a dream (perhaps that’s a bit of jet lag, too). I always knew I wanted to visit this country and I also knew I would like it, but I didn’t realize just how much.

I left Tampa on a Friday afternoon. After a seriously delayed flight from Chicago (we actually had to get a new plane–never had that happen before 😳), I woke up in Rome on a rainy Saturday morning. I had the whole day to myself. Luckily I arranged for a driver for the day so I could really see the city.

I totally lucked out with my transfer! Marco (my driver) was the perfect gentleman and despite the weather, we saw everything. I won’t say I hated him carrying an umbrella for me, opening and closing my doors, and even letting me ‘rest my eyes’ in the car while he drove to the next stop 🤤 (Mom, if you’re reading this, I’m sorry. Guys, if you’re reading this, take note! LOL.)

**I used an app called Blacklane to book my transfer. Its like an Uber for private cars. I would HIGHLY recommend it to just about anyone (can’t think of a single complaint for my first trip). They have a 24-hour cancellation/change policy, but were extremely gracious with my delayed flight and ever changing times. I felt safe and in good-hands throughout the entire ordeal.**

Marco and I had about 10 espressos between the two of us (the caffeine stopped working at some point), endless broken conversation, and a lot of laughs. He was very knowledgeable and knew exactly where to take me. It’s definitely the way to go if you’re by yourself and/or unfamiliar with a city. I rode around with the window down and a huge smile on my face when we weren’t on foot.

I’d heard mixed reviews on Rome, but I thought it was a lovely place. Yes, there were a lot of people around, but it was oddly quiet and quaint for such a large city. I didn’t get to do everything on my list, specifically experiencing the nightlife there, but I am definitely planning on coming back for a visit.