Right off the plane and into the chaos of Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport. Found an ATM right away and got us some Euros. This was our first time with Euros. It takes a bit to get used to. The bills are all different sizes. The higher denomination bills are physically larger and there are 1 and 2 euro coins instead of bills.
Found the Leonardo Express train that took us from the airport to the Main train station in Rome (Termini). Termini is HUGE. The ends of the building and the access to the tracks is all open air. Not the conditioned comfort most Americans are used to. After following many…… Interesting….. signs to the Metro we got onboard. We only had to go one stop for our hotel. After lugging our suitcases up the stairs we forge off to our hotel. And manage to miss our street! Street signs are optional in Rome. After doubling back on a side street we make it to our hotel: Duca D’ Alba. The good news: It has an elevator! the bad news: It barely fits two people. first time I have ever been claustrophobic in an elevator before. Get to our tiny room, drop our bags, and then it’s off to see the Pope!
The Traveling Hippogators 