ITALY! What?!

In the end of April, I came home to an itinerary sitting on top of our kitchen counter. The flight destination was Rome, Italy and the passengers name on the ticket was MINE! Yes, Billy surprised me with a ticket to Rome. He was scheduled to fly there for work and was going to spend 10 days, so what does he do...buys me a ticket so I can spend some time with him in Rome. I am a fortunate girl.

A day after Billy departed, I flew out of Dulles International to the capitol city of Italy to meet up with him for 8 full days. Prior to leaving, I called Hotel Bristol and asked about methods of transportation. I knew Billy would be busy with meetings that day, so I really couldn't depend on him picking me up from the airport. The options were of course, a taxi (as long as it was white), the hotel shuttle bus or the train/subway. So, I opted for the third option: train/subway in a city of 2.7 million people. Once the plane landed I couldn't wait to get off and start my adventure. Like I had planned, I took the train and subway to the hotel. After a lot of questions to the locals on which to train to take to Central(metro station) and how to get to Piazza Bernini (metro stop, 1 block from our hotel)I arrived an hour later at our hotel. I am very thankful many of the Italians I came across helped me out.

As soon as I got settled into the hotel room, Billy walked in. I just wanted to pinch myself. I couldn't believe we were together in Rome. I had been here before as a young teenager with my father, but to return as an adult and with my husband is a total different experience. I knew this trip would be very busy for Billy, but to be in the same place together was so very special to me.

Every morning Billy and I would enjoy breakfast together then off I would go, but before every journey a stop in the local coffee shop (Bar) for an espresso was a must. In Italy 3-4 espressos a day is completely normal. The locals walk into the bars and get a quick shot of coffee and leave. I would find myself spending 15-30 mins at these "bars" people watching. There's something about Italian's that just draws me to them. They have so much expression when they talk, it's truly an art form, and there's a lust for life which is present and real. Italians are very proud of who they are. I believe Italians think there's no greater nation than Italy and that's OK with me.

With a map in hand I would find myself roaming for hours in Rome. This city is a master piece full of history. Every corner has beautiful buildings, magnificent monuments, endless art, and piazzas where friends and lovers sit and enjoy hours of endless conversations. I would spend my days walking and just stumbling across the Pantheon, St. Peter's Square, the Roman Colosseum or numerous Basilicas. It's an amazing place, and to top it off the food is to die for. Even something as simple as a mozzarella/tomato panino or pasta with marinara sauce is always made from scratch and tastes out of this world.

After exploring during the day, Billy and I would always meet up for a marvelous dinner. Sometimes co-workers of his would join us and other times it was just him in I. Rome is very well lit at night, so we would take long walks, have a gelato and sometimes revisit areas I had discovered during the day.

Eight days went by so fast, but the trip was unforgettable. I will never take any of these experiences and quality time with my husband for granted. Ciao!