My sabbatical officially started on 16 September 2011 but it doesn't feel like it until now. The whole family (and Nona) have made our way to Roma, Italia to live in an appartment for 6 weeks while I try and get my bearings on starting an engineering study abroad program here in Roma.
Getting to Roma
It was a long flight - 9 hours to London Heathrow, a 2 hour layover and another 2.5 hours to Fiumincino, Roma. Everyone was seriously jetlagged when we arrived. I didn't sleep much on the plane and neither did Yvonne, but the kids got some sleep (see below).
Hadden asleep on the London-Roma leg with his new Transformer toys.
We need to become quite wealthy so we can travel at least in business class on these types of flights. The conditions in "World Traveller" (aka crappy space and service but what did you expect for the price?) are marginal at best. 31" seat pitch (I'm not kidding...that's 31" of pitch for a long-haul route) doesn't work for my body size. Works great for Clara. The meals were mediocre and the kids meals were bizzarre. The meal about 1.5 hours before landing was clearly "breakfast" for the adults. The kids got yogurt, a banana, OJ (I get that) plus Oreo cookies. It turns out that BA isn't one of those airlines that publicizes their great international chef that designs their meals. Too bad, I would like to find the chef that serves Oreos for breakfast.
On arrival in Roma, we had a driver service pick us up. It's the way to go. For 65 Euros an Italian guy met us at baggage claim with a "Mr. Muench" sign, escorted us to the nicely appointed minivan and drove us into town. I requested 2 child seats but one was broken so we flipped a coin to see who was riding w/out safety. While the seats were provided free of charge, I think they are WWII vintage...straight out of the great Mussolini child seat program.
Our Apartment
We got to our apartment at about 7:45 p.m. The owners were there waiting for us (although we accidentally rang another apartment about 5 times). Over e-mail I must say I thought Nicola was a woman but it turns out it is Nicolo and he is not a woman. His fiancee is American (teaching at a nearby school) and both speak great English. The tour through the apartment was brief and we were on our own.
View out the window of the top room. Nona sleeps here.
View from the main floor.
Steve making breakfast on day 2.
Headed out to buy groceries at the local Carrafour supermarket mini-store around the corner. Bought out groceries as they were closing so we had food.
Campo dei Fiori and Piazza Novana...and naps
On day 2 we headed out to Campo dei Fiori just to have a look around - still jetlagged of course. It was a beautiful day - about 80F - and sunny. Bought some great salami at a salumaria (where else) on Campo dei Fiori and some fruit from the market. Also went across to Piazza Novana to see the fountains and play around a bit. Then...back to the apartment for some naps. After naps, across the river to Castel Sant'Angelo to play in their park. What, you don't let your kids play on castle grounds?
The family all set to go out on day 2.
Clara in Piazza Navona
Checking out the fountain. This is becoming one of our favorite activities.
Hadden reluctantly shaking hands with a street performer.
Did I mention that our apartment is 52 stairs above ground level?
Playing in Castel Sant'Angelo's surrounding park. Always time for swinging.
As we walk away from the Castel it is getting late and the light is spectacular. Rome is a big city, and like all big cities has its share of urine smells and trash but it is still quite photogenic.
We have been here 4 days and I'm already 3 days behind on the blog. Good thing almost nobody reads this. I'll catch up tomorrow...I promise. I think.
Steve
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