Ciao Bella

Our big summer trip of 2023 is finally here!

Today, Ellie and I are flying to Rome. My friend Peter was kind enough to shuttle us to the airport. Ellie is a bit worried about the flight as she’s been throwing up on some of her most recent flights and she’s understandably nervous.

After dropping our checked baggage we were able to use the new Verified Traveller security lane which had no one in it, and was just as good as TSA Pre Check in the US – the only thing I took out of my pocket was my phone, everything else stayed in my pockets and our bags. Very smooth!

We visited the WestJet Elevation lounge in YYC near the B gates before our flight for a light meal.

Well, I guess between the two of us, it was a light meal – I had all of this and Ellie just had a chocolate chip cookie and some Fanta.

We settle in for the next 10 hours en route to Rome – WestJet’s longest flight!

It’s nice how WestJet customizes the IFE screen to welcome passengers by name (of course, the cabin attendant welcomed us by name, too).

Some nice views as we take off to the south from YYC.

After our very kind flight attendant tucked Ellie in while the seatbelt sign was still on, she passed out quickly which we were both very grateful for.

I was able to relax a bit knowing that Ellie was comfortable so I enjoyed the food and drink service.

The food tasted good albeit single tray service, the champagne was generously topped up regularly (I think I got a whole bottle to myself), but it was odd to have a very nice Icewine for dessert paired with an inexpensive single serve cheese packet.

I only slept for about 2 hours, waking up during some turbulence, when Ellie also woke up briefly and needed some comfort. I dozed on and off after that until we were over the English Channel, and put away the bedding in time for breakfast to be served over France.

We fly down the west coast of Italy on a typically beautiful Mediterranean summer day. Ellie thankfully slept for more than 8 hours on the flight, waking up 45 minutes out of Rome.

We arrive in the satellite terminal of T3 at Rome’s Fiumicino airport. Transfer to the main terminal is by shuttle train. Being unable to use the eGates for passport control (only eligible for 14 and up), we had to wait over 45 minutes in the line to see an officer and were waved through in seconds. Marvellously the bags still took another 20 minutes come out on the carousel, more than an hour after landing.

The Leonardo Express train is how we get to Central Rome. It cost 14 EUR for me, free for Ellie and was very convenient. Our hotel was very close to the train station, which was extremely welcome given the hot and humid day and myself managing all the luggage.

After some rest at the hotel and brief doze for me (Ellie was catching up on all of the important YouTube content she missed during the flight), it’s time to go explore a bit.

Here is the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore which was very close to our hotel.

And just down the street is the Colosseum.

The Roman Forum ruins.

Almost looks like Caesar is taking a selfie in this statue.

The Vittoriano from the middle of Piazza Venezia.

Church of Santa Maria di Loreto, Church of the Most Holy Name of Mary at Trajan’s Forum, and Trajan’s Column.

Church of St Paul’s Within the Walls

The fountain in the center of Piazza del Repubblica.

Ellie takes a break to do some gymnastics before we go for dinner.

What else… pizza! (I had calamari and the rest of the pizza)

After dinner, I really wanted to catch sunset from one of the famous vantage points in Rome. However, I stood for close to half an hour waiting for a bus at this stop so didn’t make it in time.

I settled for the consolation of heading into Vatican City for twilight which was pretty excellent in itself. Here’s St Peter’s Basilica.

And the Bernini Fountain.

And the rest of the square.

I go back to our hotel to collect Ellie. I knew she wouldn’t be up for a ton more walking as it was still pretty hot out even late in the evening, so she stayed behind for this outing.

Here we are at the authentic Italian gelateria that I promised her.

And back at the hotel, we check out the view from the rooftop terrace. It overlooks the square in front of the railway station, and has its own ruins of an ancient wall on its grounds !

Ok, back up bright and early – alarm was set to 0600 – Ellie still happily snoring away, as I slip out for a special excursion – a VIP sunrise tour of the Colosseum which includes access to the Belvedere – the highest level of the Colosseum.

It actually is deserted at this hour. It doesn’t open to the general public until 9 am.

We take a panoramic elevator with an awesome view up to the 3rd level, where we traverse the stadium in these passageways beneath what would have been seating.

A glimpse outside at the present end of the passage.

High above the Arch of Constantine now.

An amazing view of the Temple of Venus and Rome.

Just incredible!

This was an extremely special experience. I’m not sure how many people they allow in for these early morning tours, we saw a few other groups well spaced out so 95% of the time it felt like we had the entire Colosseum to ourselves, but I’m guessing there were probably less than 40 people in there the whole time. Maybe less than 30. It was no problem to take photos without a single other person in view.

Alright, heading back to the hotel on Metro now that the tour is over. Gotta wake up my girl for breakfast!

It was really nice to sit outside on the garden terrace, although the full plate of bacon and eggs that was left behind at a neighbouring table was well enjoyed by a flock of pigeons for a few minutes until the staff came and took it away.

I ask Ellie to take a picture of me in front of the hotel with all of our luggage but she decided that a selfie would be more funny.

Finally, as we arrive back at the airport rail station she gives me a break by pulling the cabin wheelie for a few minutes.

We check in our luggage and then rest in the Prima Class lounge. No windows but instead these big screens with images to give you a sense of some sort of view.

Of course, being in Italy, there was a proper espresso machine with coffee beverages made by an actual person and not a fully automatic machine.

Our flight to Prague is at a remote stand which in nice weather is a treat (other than the sweaty bus) to board outside and up close.

It’s humid out and the cabin is very misty as the air conditioning starts up.

Here we are flying over the Alps.

And turning the final corner on approach to Prague over Cerny Most!

My friend Adam picks us up at the airport to drive us to the train station. Although we’ve known each other for over 3 years through a flying chat group, and myself spending so much time in CZ during that time, we never actually met in person until today! And not only that, 2 flights in a row and no puke!! This flight went pretty smooth.

We stopped at the gas station to pick up some drinks and chips. Hadn’t seen this flavor before.

Our last train of the day is arriving in Praha hlavní nádraží.

More selfies from Ellie on the train.

And last but not least, my favorite tradition of arriving in Pardubice – right across the street from the train station is McDonald’s !!!

Off to Grandma’s house for a few days (for me) and few weeks (for Ellie) 🙂