Getting settled in Montreal airport in our adjacent pods was wonderful. I was still on the airport wifi so I began to write a few messages and answer a couple more. I knew we were heading for the de-icing bay that would give us a bit more time before take off. When I boarded, I had just bought a large Starbucks iced latte. In a pod there is a little shelf that you can put things on but still have the tray table stowed. As we were taxiing, I began looking at the offerings on the entertainment center and before I knew it we were heading down the runway and I didn’t have a hold of my large coffee which flew off the side counter/table missed me, missed the seat and landed on the floor. Note to self…stow all the stuff – put the electronics away and hold onto your coffee! Boy I was lucky I am not wearing that coffee for the whole 8 hours! However, the 1/2 can of gingerale I knocked over later landed on my right leg. The pods up front have everything but drink holders. Am I complaining? Absolutely not – just making mental notes.
The taxi from the airport to our hotel in Civitivecchia was a lovely ride through the countryside. Heading out toward the port, we didn’t see any of the sights that Rome is famous for, but it was a beautiful ride nonetheless. Lovely rolling hills and farmland.
Arriving at our Hotel was like something out of a scene from Italy’s most haunted. The building looked as though it had been abandoned years ago. The reception area was permanently closed and a sign sent us about ¾ kilometer to another hotel to check in. To say we were apprehensive was an understatement. We picked up a key and the driver who had stayed with us (thank goodness) then dropped us with our bags at the building we were to be staying in.
After a very long walk down a very long hall with dead flies and rat feces, we arrived at what was to be our room. Opening the door we were met with a very chilly (with no visible thermostat) and stark room with no phone. There was a door to the room next door that would not close and of course would not lock. Right outside the exterior door we would use to exit the building, we were met with several overflowing garbage bins and many feral cats that had taken up residence there. After 15 seconds in the room, we decided no – we can’t stay here. So we walked the ¾ km to the other hotel and stated our concern and displeasure. After some time, he gave us a room in that hotel that was certainly more desirable while still very austere…was warmer and had a phone. After viewing the room, we accepted this change and then went back to grab our luggage rolling it over the damaged cobble stone driveway and to the Mercur Hotel and once finally settle went to the hotel restaurant and had a needed meal and a beer.
I had Cacio en Pepe, Brenda had a pasta with a marinara sauce and we each had a local Peroni beer. It was quite delicious. Settled in our room with full tummies, we sat out on the balcony and just looked at the very active sea. Waves were crashing on the rocks, white caps rolling in and the air was fresh and quite lovely. The rain has held off and the temperature is not chilly – a light jacket is all that is needed.
But now … some sleep.
