THE PLANE FROM LAX TO ROME!
First, I want to thank my fabulous travel agent for getting me and my travel companions such good air fares and hotel fares. Terri Goodreau of Avoya Travel is the best!
We flew on a direct flight from Los Angeles to Rome…11 hours in the air and no change of planes…on Alitalia. Things got a bit scary when we discovered the airline is pretty much bankrupt and is up for sale. However, we flew without incident on a beautiful plane. I was fortunate enough to fly business class. The seats and privacy were amazing. Although every amenity possible was available to entertain me, I always find it best to listen to soothing music and not watch movies. Movies keep me awake, and I didn’t want to waste precious hours of sleep provided my “lie flat” bed.
We received perfume and lotions from Bulgari…a special treat, and the food was delicious. And they even served real cappuccino…a first for me on any airline.
Our luggage was handled nicely, we were treated with respect, and the flight wonderful. A word of caution, however. Due to stricter regulations coming into the United States, in the Rome airport, there was an extra layer of protection, a LONG walk, and the necessary showing of your passport and airline ticket an extra two times.
Then, upon arrival in LA, the lines were long. Automated check in is available (putting a lot of people out of work) but then everything slowed down because only two agents were checking passports. Of the two airports….Rome was by far the most entertaining. But beware, if you are going for a VAT reimbursement…have the items you bought and all receipts. It takes a lot of time.
We arrived in Rome, walked to the Hilton Airport Hotel, checked in, rested, and took their free shuttle into Rome City Center to meet my friends, Mario, Annalisa, and Lucia. The evening was lovely, it was great to see long-time friends, and our dinner at da Sabatino in the vicinity of the Pantheon did not disappoint. Quinto, my favorite waiter, is still working there and brought us an amazing display of antipasti. We returned to our hotel tired, but happy.
Stay tuned for the next adventure.