Rome

Rome was a little more difficult than other places. After we left the car at the airport, we went to catch a train into the city. The directions for our hotel said that it was directly opposite a Metro station, so I tried to get combined tickets to that station. Now, the guy wasn't as rude as New York subway staff, but he wasn't too helpful. Fortunately there was a nice Englishman just in front of me who heard where we wanted to go and informed me that that station (Manzoni) had been closed (for two years!) and that I should get off at San Giovanni. Easier said than done: that whole Metro line was closed for late night repairs so we just walked from the central station.

Despite all that the hotel was great. We managed to find a Best Western in our price range. It even included a huge buffet breakfast. I think it was aimed at Americans judging by the breakfast sausages and the presence of Tabasco sauce and even catsup next to the scrambled eggs. But there was plenty of pastries too and a cappucino machine, so I had a little of everything. That was a good way to start the day!