Arrival in Roma . . .

Here's a very short summary for you of things so far: Had a good trip, although the flight from Houston to Paris was a bit too crowded for my taste . . . made it hard to sleep well. Upon arriving at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris for my transfer of planes, I discovered the Alitalia counter area had been emptied due to the discovery of a set of abandoned luggage:



I procured a snack and tried out my rusty French for the first time at this counter:



Then I made my way to the gate, where I saw this cute little boy and girl, fellow travelers:





I feel great (if a bit sleepy) now, after arriving in Rome, discovering my room is fine, with a view of a lovely flowered patio and a very charming building, taking a much-needed shower (best EVER!) and heading out on the town.







Had a lovely dinner (a grilled artichoke I may actually try to replicate, pasta with duck and truffles and a wonderful Montepulciano red wine) at a hole in the wall place and a great walk to various places that are all lit up at night, including the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Fantastic! I have taken some photos that I think may turn out wonderfully.











Thankfully, I am already 99% calmer and in an "I'm in Rome" frame of mind . . . very relaxed! (I was a bit worried that I would lose a day or two to the decompression process, but apparently my mind knows that I only have a limited time here and is making the most of it!). Well, I'm off to get a glass of wine (or gelatto . . . cannot decide!) and then a good night of sleep so I can enjoy all the things I have planned for tomorrow. More later, hopefully . . . .