Wheels up to Roma
As soon as we got all the bags checked in and got through security, I breathed a sigh of relief. As the stress of packing up slipped away, we were finally able to relax and look forward to our exciting trip and new life in Italy! It didn’t hurt that we started out in the Polaris lounge, with a cocktail to celebrate. Ahhhhh….
The kids were thrilled with flying business class (ok, I was too). We felt so spoiled. They had to try every possible snack and disgusting kind of candy available. They’d been looking forward to the flight for months, saying they were going to watch movies the whole way. Of course, we tried to make them go to sleep and get at least a few hours before they woke us up for breakfast before landing.
Libby and I were sitting next to each other, and she kept raising the dividing wall between us. So much for my attempts to ensure she’d be right near me so I could comfort her. She just wanted privacy!
About an hour before landing, we started to get ready. We had all brought a change of clothes on the plane so that we could travel in comfies but still look presentable when we arrived. We were met by airline personnel who whisked us from the plane to vans straight to our embassy staff and a Vatican official who met us.
Then we were driven to our residence in 2 separate cars, and we got to explore our lovely new home. We are fortunate enough to have not only a beautiful house, but a large garden full of flowers and trees and birds. It is one of our favorite places to be. When we return from the hustle and bustle of loud, chaotic Rome, our Villa is an oasis of peace and quiet.
After a few meetings with security people, we were left on our own to settle in. The elevator came in handy taking all the suitcases upstairs, and then we unpacked. After a brief skirmish among siblings arguing who would get which bedroom, Libby solved everything by opting to take the smallest room herself. By late afternoon, the jet lag was setting in and we were really tired. I suggested walking to a nearby cafe for a cappuccino, but for the first time we were faced with the reality of an Ambassador’s restricted mobility. Because we had let his security detail go until evening, he couldn’t leave the residence. Oh well, we just had to get used to the new normal! So the little girls and I went for a short walk and found a cafe 5 minutes away and brought a “to go” coffee back for Brian.
That evening, we went into Trastevere for dinner and found a charming place with outdoor tables and lights, and strolling musicians. Libby couldn’t even make it until the food arrived and fell asleep on my lap, but the rest of us enjoyed our first magical Italian meal! Then we told the scorta to drive us over to St. Peter’s because we had to see it on our first night.
We made it! Unbelievable!