Arrival in Roma

Trip Start Mar 22, 2008
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Trip End Jun 23, 2008


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Monday, March 24, 2008

Arrival in Rome could have gone a bit smoother, but I'm here in one piece, so for that I am thankful.  Of the six students who were on my flight, only one got her luggage, and unfortunately she was not me!  After waiting in line for what seemed like forever at the airline's customer service desk, we had all filed claims for our lost items and were reassured Italian style (read: no urgency) that our bags would be delivered to our apartment in the next two or three days.  I was not wise enough to pack a change of clothes in my carry-on, so what I had on my back was it.  We had arranged for a driver to transport us to the apartment and were told he would have the keys.  Transport us he did, but we found out as we arrived that he didn't have any keys.  The keys were all given to the two who arrived previously and they were holed up in the apartments napping.  We had no way of getting in so we had to rudely buzz all the apartments in our building until some kind (or more likely annoyed) person buzzed us in my front door
my front door
 .  Once we were in the building, we still didn't know which doors to knock on, but after a few minutes one of our roommates heard us and came out.  Big relief now; we had a home!

My first night was spent sleeping (well, sort of) in my jeans and dirty clothes.  Right outside my bedroom window is a bar that is extremely loud until 2 or 3am.  I believe it is only quiet between about 3-7am around here.  The windows are not very good sound barriers but I'm just happy to have windows!  The location of the apartment is pretty amazing; it's just around the corner from Piazza Navona and only a few minutes walk from the Pantheon, which I have not made it to yet.  I'm right in the heart of historic Rome!

The most challenging part about this apartment is the shower.  It's about 2 feet by 2 feet and has very little water pressure.  This will take some getting used to.  The "kitchen" is definitely lacking in amenities but it will work.  Mini-fridge, tiny sink with a water faucet that slightly electrocutes you when you turn it on, and a 2 burner stove.  That's it.  Again, just need to adjust!

In addition to my luggage woes, I have had some banking woes.  i.e. an ATM card that won't work.  I believe I am on the road to getting it solved but it has been aggravating, frustrating, and a little scary!  The first 24 hours here have definitely tested me and at times I have felt like I was failing.
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Comments

jdabel
jdabel on Mar 25, 2008 at 11:32PM

woo hoo!!!!!!!!
Yea!!!!!! Everybody made it and everybody has clothes!! I keep checking all of your travel blogs over and over waiting for the first sound bites- love that you all put 'my front door' pics!!!!

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