The Vastines take on Rome!

We set foot in Italy at 6:30 P.M. on Monday, October 29th.  For those of you who may be traveling to Rome, we flew into Ciampino Airport which is about 40 minutes from the city.  Rather than paying 100+ euros for transportation to the city, we booked seats on a Terravision charter bus for only 4 euros per person.  The bus dropped us at Termini Station and from there we took the metro to our hotel.  It was really seamless...thank goodness!  We recommend this over trying to drive in the city, and it was far more affordable than a private driver.

Since this was our first trip to Italy, of course we did all of the touristy stuff.  First stop was Trevi Fountain which was in walking distance from our hotel.  Turns out most of the city was within walking distance, but that is another story.  So, once you get past all of the guys trying to sell you plastic toys that splat all over the ground and make an annoying sound, as well as those in your face trying to give you roses and then expect payment, you get to enjoy the enormity of Trevi Fountain.  You can hear it from at least a block away, and it is quite a site...especially at night.

The kids threw their coin in the fountain...the coin has to be in your right hand and you throw it over your left shoulder.  This will assure a return trip to Italy.  I sure hope so!

After dinner, which consisted of pizza and lasagna of course, we stopped at the Spanish Steps.  

A lovely view of St. Peter's Basilica from the top of the Spanish Steps. 

Sitting on the steps...which apparently you must do when in Rome.  I really just added this picture to prove I was there.  I'm rarely in the pictures. :)

All of this niceness has a purpose.  They would pose for the picture and say, "Gelato!"  They knew if they were nice to each other they would get to enjoy the delicious treat.  Smart kids!

Getting a drink from the fountain at the bottom of the steps.

Our friends here in Brussels recommended San Crispino for Gelato.  Wow!  It did not disappoint and was delicious!!!  It's just two blocks from Trevi Fountain.

And finally, our hotel room at Hotel Alexandra.  It was a nice, quaint hotel just 50 meters from the Barberini metro stop which was very convenient.  Except for the running toilet, wobbly cabinets, unreliable wifi, and the window that wouldn't lock...it was a nice place to stay. :)  In all seriousness, I would stay here again.  And, Hard Rock Cafe was just down the street.  YUM!

The kids room.  I must say, they act like they hate each other all day.  Complaining about one another then entire time, but when they get their own little space in the hotel room, they are all giggles and won't go to sleep.  I don't get it!

And, that concludes our first evening in Rome.  Check back for more Roman adventures!

Until next time,
Wendy