Arrival

Last last evening I sent, to the big bell ringer in the sky, a request for the church bells to ring at 7:45 to wake me up this morning, but instead,  I was awake at 5:45 and on the road by 7:30, so if the bells rang they woke somebody else up!  (Hallelujah!) I had decided sometime through the night that I would solve the luggage transport issue by driving to the B&B near Terminal Centre, in the centre of Rome. I had no time to waste; I was up early and out the door.  I programmed Florence, the GPS, to avoid all toll roads so I could have a leisurely and scenic drive knowing it would take two hours and thirty minutes.  It worked like a charm and I drove to Rome on original Roman roads, that fortunately, have been repaved since the Roman days.  I arrived at the B&B by 10:30.  The hardest part of the trip was finding a parking spot on the street so I could unload the luggage. I couldn't find one so I double parked. Once unloaded, I turned the car around and headed for the airport.  The car checked in fine, (no damage);  I found my way to the airport train station, bought a ticket for Terminal Centre and currently am writing this while on the Leonardo Express. Total time from B&B door to airport and back was three hours; longer than the time it took to drive here from Spello!  I have decided to take a taxi from here to the airport when I  am finished in Rome.

I am staying at LaCasa di Amy, B&B, recommended by Mary.  It is wonderful!  Everyone in the family met me and introduced themselves, in English.  One person carried my suitcases and a son carried the bike. When they took me to my room I was surprised by a bottle of Prosecco, a fruit bowl, teas, coffee and a fridge full of snacks!  I realized that it didn't cost them much to do this, but it is the nicest touch from any of the places I have stayed. PLUS there is an elevator!  I had a big nap, then ironed a few blouses, with my Italian iron.   This B&B also has the best internet connection I have had all along. I am now heading out to find some dinner and then back here to get organized for the next 11 days of Two Day Walking Tour.  (No pics today - I packed my camera at the bottom of the knapsack so I wouldn't slow down my drive by stopping to take any pictures while driving; but let me just tell you there were pictures that should have been taken!)