Embrace the Journey: Get a Grip

Home Base

“Okay, so we are still testing Positive. Well, at least we have two nights in Rome reserved. Wish we had gotten three. The Airport Hilton will be a central home base till we test Negative.”

One problem was fixed but the Covid problem lingered. Testing Positive hung over us like a heavy dark cloud. We became intimate friends with the airport during our five night stay at Hilton. One by one, we found the places we needed: rental car return, the train station, the Uber pick-up spot, food and restrooms accessible without doing security, a pharmacy and most important, the make-shift Covid testing site.

Lobby was usually packed with travelers

We arrived on Friday and the beginning of a sold out situation at the hotel. In addition to a conference, vacationers on religious holiday, a wedding party and the beginning of summer. People without rooms were trying to get a room. We had reservations for two nights but needed more. Our room wasn’t ready, but we were check-in and luggage stored.

New problem was getting more nights here. Donnie said, “Don’t worry. I’ll call Ramona to get her on it and I’ll keep on it as well. Let’s get lunch and head to the airport.”

Mall was a disappointment

Our first day was like a ‘broken play” in sports. The airport wasn’t close to anything. Transportation was either train, taxi, or Uber. I said, “Donnie, why don’t we check out the mall Ramona said is close. I don’t need anything, but it might be interesting to see what stores an upscale Italian mall has. You can practice using Uber.”

After finding the Uber pick-up place, the Uber ride itself was nice. We both thought Uber driver was taking us on a wild goose chase through literally nothing of note. We had envisioned an interesting mall with boutiques, restaurants and windows dressed with intriguing fashions and merchandise. What we got was a long ride ending at a strip mall identical to any in the states. 

It was already hot outside. We were disappointed and didn’t want to waste anymore time or money. Almost in unison we said, “This is not what we were looking for. Sorry, please take us back to the Hilton.” Uber driver wasn’t happy. 

Express Train

We spent the afternoon researching our trips to Rome. We had at least two days to tour there. Our objectives were to learn how to ride the train; see Vatican City; walk around to get the feel of this ancient city. We did our research, on foot in the airport.

Big signs promoting the Express Train going to Rome in thirty minutes were everywhere. The train station itself, was harder to find. 

Terminal A 

We started inTerminal A where our outside path led us. Inside, we looked around for train signs. There was nothing. “Wonder how we find the station. Surely there’s a way to get there without going through security. There’s an information place, let’s ask them.”

Of course, we were in the wrong terminal and on the wrong floor. We got directions and started walking. After many twists, walking sidewalks,  and different corridor tubes, we finally saw train station signs. Once in the doors, the ticket counter was easy to locate. It wasn’t a busy time, so the clerk patiently answered all our questions. 

Got a grip on mass transit

We were getting a grip on the airport. We noted our path mentally. We would get an early start on seeing Rome. Normally, our travel agent Ramona would take care of  everything. We learned that we could fend for ourselves and have fun doing it. We were slow but steady and gaining confidence. We would do Rome much like we did Civitaveccia and the Amalfi Coast. We got our daily mental exercise to boot!