The last flight, from Munich to Rome, occurred rather uneventfully so I'll skip ahead to landing in Rome. First item on my list: retrieve baggage. Eh, no excitement there. Of course, had they lost my bag, that would have created much excitement. aka stress. No...the hysteria set in as soon as I walked through the exit doors and all I saw was chaos. Yes, hysteria set in within my little brain and heart, but I didn't let it show through. I just told the taxi drivers no when they asked if I wanted/needed a taxi though in reality all I wanted was a ride to my quarters. I pressed on. But the panic manifested itself about 10 minutes later when a couple of tears stained my exhausted face. What the heck was I thinking when I thought to myself, "Hm, I think I'll go to Italy by myself." Well, nevertheless, the thought occurred and it has happened and I find myself alone in Rome. So I better make the best of it.
After siting a group of people waiting for a shuttle bus, I joined them. It cost 8 euros, eh not too bad, and we were headed to the Termini. Oh how I wish I was staying at the hotel across the street like 2 years ago. But I'm not. I'm staying in a convent with the Suore Teatine and I must say, I'm very grateful to one Ms. Roberts for making the suggestion. One that never occurred to me. Mainly because I've never done this before.
I arrive at the Termini station and think, ok, now taxi. How to get one? It was no problem. He asked me and while I knew better (my guide books say not to accept a taxi offer from a solicitor) I was desperate, going on 24 hours with no sleep and all I wanted was to take a shower and get some sleep. (I don't care where you are sleep is necessary at some point and for me, it is even more necessary). So I got in the cab. He said about 20 euros, I said how about 17, he said how about we see how traffic is. Once I realized how far we had to drive and how long it would take, I figured 20 euros isn't too shabby and esp. if I wanted a ride directly to where I am staying versus a bus ride which would take me how far away PLUS...yea, I'm staying at the top of a hill. Not ideal for a 50 lb. suitcase and 2 bags which weigh roughly, I'd say 20 together. I'll take the taxi.
After too many instances where I was certain a Fiat or motor scooter was going to crash directly into my door, I arrive at my destination. Meanwhile, I feel nauseated (a. motion sickness, b. hunger, c. anxiety) and all I want is to lie down. And I am about 10 minutes away from doing just that. I get checked in, my nuns are super nice and I am super ignorant speaking about 3 words of Italian (ciao, grazie, and buon giorno)--okay maybe four words--and here I am. I'm close to the Vatican though I haven't quite figured out how to get there yet. I'm figuring out the neighborhood on this side of the Vatican for now. The Vatican will be tomorrow.....
I'm glad you're there, safe and sound. I hope you got a good night's sleep at the convent, and I'm glad it worked out for you. Please, though, call me Marianne. Ms. Roberts makes me feel either too old or too young - I'm not sure. I just know I don't like it...
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