When in Rome…Sorry, I couldn't help myself. Well, we were seven in Rome (unless Jackie was counting- then we were six until she remembered to count herself). ​We were directed by our AirBNB host, Paulo, to meet at a café, so we bombarded this quiet little place in search of coffee-most looking for gallons of it, not the little Italian espresso way. Paulo met us and walked us over to the unit, to be taken in small groups to drop off our luggage. She was very concerned about noise and how the neighbors react to guests. It seems that AirBNB is not loved overseas either. 

​

After hauling our bags up to the second floor (which, by the way, is 3 flights when the ground doesn't count as first), we made our way outside to meet our food tour guide. We had an amazing tour filled with suppli (little, fried rice and cheese ball), pizza, porchetta sandwich, tastes of truffles and limoncello and then finally the loved gelato.

Next up was a golf cart tour, planned to keep us awake!

​

TRAVEL NUGGET: When flying east, beat jet lag by getting on the local sleep schedule right away, which often means no napping and waiting until at least 9 pm for bed.

 

On our way to meet the tour guide, we visited the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, both exceptionally crowded in the evening, even in the 'off-season'. I don't think Italy gets an 'off-season' anymore, especially in Rome, Florence and Venice.

 

The 'what is happening here' was a bit like a math word problem. If you take even travelers that have been awake for about twenty hours, give them a bunch of wine and have them zip around Rome on a golf cart, how many laughs will there be? 

 

Seven Travelers with No Sleep + Wine + Golf Cart for Seven = A WHOLE LOT

 

It was a wild and bumpy ride with Gabriel, our guide, wine bouncing out of cups and laughs from all passengers (and cars around us, including the Polizia). We saw some amazing views and sites. And, just when you think we would be too tired, we made our way for a bit of pizza and you guessed it, more wine! How many laughs do you get when you add more wine and food? 

 

A WHOLE LOT x Pizza Dinner x Wine = EXPONENTIAL Laughs 

 

No need to ask what was happening here! It was an amazing, fun day to start the trip!