RTW 2.5x - a DONE4 with stops in NYC, London and Italy (HCO only)

[PrezRegan]

This update comes from the ground in Rome.

So… let’s start with the flight.

BA560
LHR-FCO
12:50-16:40 dur 2h 50m
A320neo, seat 2A

So the flight was delayed by about 30 mins and as a result they couldn’t load any catering. Otherwise, the flight was classic euro business with economy seats and no one sitting in the middle. However on landing I had an email from BA apologising for the lack of catering and indicating a rep will reach out shortly to discuss compensation. This is way better than QF and I’m happy to take some Avios!

Customs and immigration was super quick in FCO but the rail strikes have caused absolute chaos for transfers out of the airport. The taxi line goes on for a few hundred metres and the bus is about the same as well. I only had to wait about an hour before getting on the bus to Termini, where I’m writing this update as we’re still on the road. Thankfully I haven’t booked anything for tonight because it’s looking like I won’t get to my airbnb till closer to 1930 local. The taxi is a fixed 55 euro to the city whilst the train is 8 but this particular line only goes to termini

 

[PrezRegan]

My prediction unfortunately proved correct and it was a while before we got to Termini. We didn’t actually get to the designated drop off point, the driver just dumped us about a 10min walk from it. It was a wet and slightly depressing walk to the Airbnb - plus about 5 minutes of trying to figure out which generic door with intercom I was looking for. They all look very similar, street numbers aren’t prominent, and Rome seems to have an aversion to street lighting. But we got there in the end.

The digs are quite nice - actually match the pictures.

Rental unit in Rome · ★4.91 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath

Domus Luxury Colosseum

www.airbnb.com

I ducked out for a late dinner at Scoglio de Frisio - the place next door to me was empty but was apparently fullly booked. When I walked in I was worried it was going to be a tourist trap as no one in there except the staff were speaking Italian. There was also a large Japanese tour group there.

Be that as it may, the food was decent and not ridiculously expensive. I got the Cacio e Pepe with mussels, a saltimbuca à la Roma and tiramisu for dessert. This plus a pint of house red and a bottle of still water came to 44 euros. Not outrageous tbh and a decent enough meal. The grotto like setting was also quite nice.

Now off to bed for I have an early start tomorrow at the Sistine chapel. Hopefully I can find coffee on the way