Rome Four Hours Later Than Planned

We find it fairly amazing that UA could come up with a spare 767 on two hours notice, but they probably keep a large inventory at IAD (Washington-Dulles).

Once we got back on the new plane (with the same crew) it was a relaxing flight over to Rome. We actually might have slept better than we would have four hours earlier.

We arrived at FCO right around noon, obviously a very quiet part of the day. Once off the plane in the international area where we arrived, we had to catch a train (similar to those at SEA and many other airports) to the central area, where we zipped through Immigration, and then through Customs.

We'd sprung for a car service (limousine sounds too fancy) because it only cost about $20 more than train and bus tickets for the two of us and it's less complicated. Our friendly driver was holding up a sign with our name on it and off we went. He kept up a running chat as he drove us to the Rome Cavalieri.

Since Kathy is a Hilton Diamond, we were whisked off to a special check-in area upon arrival. We've been upgraded to a city-view room, and we have access to the Imperial Lounge. We've already been up there for a few sandwiches and a cappuccino. What an opulent place it is.

Since we're well past the 24-hour mark, we're going to take a quick nap - no more than an hour - before making plans for the rest of the day.

We're off to a good start, even with that mechanical problem.