Dearest, not so gentle, readers,
Armed with Google Maps, we easily found our first BnB, HOLD ROME, near the Termini Station. Let me tell you, this place was a gem! It was easy to find and had GREAT air conditioning, which became our sanctuary from the 38°C heat.
Susanna, who speaks excellent English, welcomed us with open arms. Her parents, the charming owners of this quaint BnB, were just lovely. Every morning, they greeted us with warm smiles and a very Italian breakfast. Now, if you’re like me and need more than just pastries to kickstart your day, I recommend a quick trip to the local supermercato for some extra goodies.
Our itinerary was packed: Colosseum, Forum Romanum, Castel Sant’Angelo, and Vatican City. We sweated our way through history, our new favorite phrase being “Just keep walking, and we’ll find gelato soon.”
Speaking of food, let’s talk about Cacio e Pepe. This simple yet divine pasta dish became a major favorite, making our home-cooked versions feel like sad, salty noodles. And the pizza? Let’s just say Swedish pizza has been ruined forever. We’ll never look at a “pizza special” the same way again.
The Travel Hiccups: When Plans Go Bust
After our Roman escapades, we were all set to take a train to Montesilvano. Surprise! The train was canceled. In true travel fashion, we caught a bus to Pescara and then a taxi to our final destination. Flexibility is key when your travel plans go bust.
The Sea Lion Hotel: A Mixed Bag
Our home for the next leg of our trip was the Sea Lion Hotel. “Worn down” is a kind description. With an air conditioner that worked intermittently at best, I found myself sleeping on the balcony one night. (Pro tip: a cool breeze beats a stuffy room any day.) Despite its flaws, the hotel earned a generous 3 out of 5 stars: one for the location, one for the breakfast, and one for Susanna at the reception, who clearly deserves a raise.
Beach Bliss and the Adriatic Sea
The beach was stunning, and the Adriatic Sea was a shimmering blue oasis. I managed to get a slight tan, while my husband turned into a bronzed Adonis. Our daughter followed suit, but our strawberry-blond son had to play it safe in the shade. The beach vibes were perfect, though the Italian beer truly stole the show for me. I savored every sip.
Surviving the Heat Wave
The last day in Rome saw temperatures soaring to 39°C. My daughter and I wisely retreated to the air-conditioned comfort of our BnB. The men of the family, however, were on a mission: find a football jersey. After hours of searching and sweating, they admitted defeat and ordered one online. Sometimes, e-commerce is your best friend.
Handy Tips for Fellow Adventurers
- Free Water in Rome: Rome has water fountains everywhere. Stay hydrated, folks!
- Read Your Tickets: Pre-booked tickets often need validation. Don’t miss this step.
- Check for Strikes: Announced strikes can throw a wrench in your plans.
- Learn a Bit of Italian: It goes a long way in being polite and getting by.
- Wear Good Shoes: You’ll walk a lot. Trust me, your feet will thank you.
- Explore the Metro: It’s cheap and efficient. Perfect for tired tourists.
The Big Takeaway
Sharing a hotel room for two weeks as a family of four? Let’s just say, privacy becomes a luxury. Bring noise-canceling headphones, sleep masks, and entertainment for those moments when you just need some alone time.
Italy tested our patience, endurance, and love for pizza. But in the end, we came out stronger, tanner, and with a newfound appreciation for pasta.
Until next time, Italy. Arrivederci!
/L
