Tuesday 26th - Transit day

We packed up and found our way to Gatwick Airport - via the Underground (tube) and the Gatwick Express from Victoria station.  An interesting experience through Gatwick with officers-in-training at the security checkpoints.   Dave and I were subjected to a 'full' pat down - no 'would you mind?' - it was 'we are' and Dave and I didn't dare object!
A quick sniff through duty free and off to our flight! (We could have taken up to 10 x 1L bottles to another EU country!!!)  2 hr flight on British Airways into Rome!

Although functioning as a vibrant, modern capital akin to any in Europe, the unique appeal of Rome is that the entire city is a vast, 3000 year old, indoor-outdoor museum.  In every quarter you'll find ancient monuments, art treasures and timeless architecture in churches, galleries and protected ruins.  Home to the world's smallest country, the Vatican, Rome has religion at its heart and history in its soul - a city that dazzles and inspires visitors time and time again.


We were able to find a shuttle transport at the airport which took us straight to our hotel - Re di Roma.  The traffic was 'crazy' - especially people on scooters! We arrived at about 6pm - sun still shining - it doesn't set until after 8.30pm.  Staff at the hotel delightful - after check in, they booked a table for us at a 'trattoria' (usually a family run restaurant) just around the corner - 'Da Brunno'.  We enjoyed a delightful 3 course meal - bruschetta, pasta then a meat dish!  The waiter spoke english but we all tried to speak as much italiano as possible.  When we left and paid the bill, because we left a tip - he sounded  a push-bike horn - apparently a tradition when someone leaves a tip!