Well here we are tired and excited at the same time.

We arrive in Rome on Sunday afternoon after 24 hours of flying. Brisbane to Dubai takes 14 hours , a 4 hour stopover then 6 more hours to Rome. Emirates has delivered us safe and sound and I must admit that our first flights on the Airbus A380 have been very comfortable.

We are met at the airport, firstly by our travelling companion Nic, then by our hotel driver who makes the trip from the airport to the hotel so much easier. He shows us first hand what driving in Italy is all about. There are limited rules, a complete disregard for marked lanes and a seemingly endless chaos that is somewhat crazy but works. You get the feeling that you simply decide where you want to go and point the car in that direction, everyone else will just have to get out of your way. If they don’t, toot the horn to remind them that you are there and keeping pushing them along.

Our hotel is located adjacent to the Piazza del Popolo and is a quiet and comfortable establishment with a small heritage listed elevator, the kind that have an external decorative ironwork door then two small internal wooden doors to close before it will jump to life. It fits three people without luggage but only two with our three large suitcases so the girls get the free ride while I tackle the three floors of stairs. We are greeted by our host and made comfortable in our accommodation. Showers, a freshen up and then some handy tips from our host on where to go, what to see, where to avoid and the best areas to eat. 

We decide to take it easy and stroll the local park up to the Terrazza del Pincio which provides a great view of the local piazza and surrounding area. 

Negotiating Rome, even with a bit of jet lag, is not too difficult for us. We walk the park area, stopping for afternoon tea at one of the many small cafes and enjoy a board of different meats and a mixture of bruschetta and various tapenades. 

We return to the piazza and wander the streets of the surrounding area taking in the hustle and bustle of life in Rome. Its a Sunday but there is still a swarm of activity and vibrancy about the city. 

Far more to explore tomorrow…