Here I am, on a rainy day in Dallas, rewatching Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations Rome episode. My dog, Winnie, passed out on the couch next to me.
I literally traveled all day yesterday, and promptly went to sleep in my own bed when I got home. Side note/rant - I am NEVER travelling American Airlines internationally again. The planes suck and it is isn't even like they try. Nothing on my seat worked on the flight from Rome to JFK. But it wasn't like it mattered since only 3 TV's they had in the main cabin were small and blurry. I wasn't even impressed with the business class seating as I passed through, and personally would have been even more upset if I splurged for the upgrade and then got seated in the less than mediocre area. The lady next to me (who travels a lot for business) confirmed how AA uses older planes for international flights to Europe, and recommends flying KLM, Air France or another European airline next time. Duly noted.
I have already started the unpacking process (clothes washing as we speak) and I plan to sort through and post all my pictures tonight.
I have great memories of walking the stone streets of Rome, taking in the sun in Cagliari and eating, eating, eating.
Things I will miss most:
- Roma Sparita on Via dei Stelleta - Lisa and her son/husband (I couldn't tell and dare not ask). Nuncio run the place as both front of the house and waiters, and remembered me as I came in the second night. They were kind and gracious and always asking me "va bene?" even as I tried to communicate with broken Italian. The cacio e pepe and tiramisu were the best I will prolly ever have.
- Palazzo Venezia - Probably my favorite monument in Rome. Just absolutely huge and lighted beautifully at night. This is also where Italy's version of the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" is, and I got the see the hourly changing of the gaurd.
- Piazza del Popolo - When you think of the quintessential Italian piazza, Piazza del Popolo is it
- Being able to drink at any meal.
- Espresso at every meal and at any time I want it
- Cagliari and everything about it
What I will not miss:
- The dollar to euro exchange rate
- My smelly room the last 4 nights in Rome
- Being a sweaty mess in my jacket and scarf simply trying to "fit in" :)
There was actually a lot that I didn't get to see, visit or experience, but that only let's me have an excuse to go back. This trip was on my pace and I loved it.
I am going to try (hopefully not in vain) to make cacio e pepe tonight. Then hit the gym tomorrow morning. Ah, back to reality.
