2015 February 19th Roma

Just arrived in Roma on 1630 flight from Dublin - though it was a late arrival, I can't take these red eye flights any longer. Rome is one hour ahead - so the three hour flight arrived at 2030. 

Ryan Air were selling a bus directly to Termini station (Rome's main train station) at €4. It was ok as we noticed that others at the airport were charging €3.90

We decided to go native and take the local bus 2 to station and then take the train to Termini. While we had to wait for the bus, the direct bus (Ryan Air) was very slow in loading and some passengers had to await another bus. Once we left on bus 2, we  caught a train immediately and were in Termini in c 15 minutes. I think we beat the bus and if it were rush hour the train would definitely have been speedier.  

The bus / train was slightly cheaper €1.20 and €1.50 respectively. As dear constant follower you are aware, using these means of transport has nothing to do with cost but rather with my present companion's (PC) interest in public transport more especially trains. ( remember the late Hugh Leonard always spoke of his present wife, even though he had only one!)

On arrival in Termini, we continued the exploration of the public transport theme by taking the metro B line one stop to Cavour station. On arrival, we exited on Via Cavour, turned left crossed the road, took a downward flight of steps  and c 100 metres in front of us was the hotel Duca D'Alba a 4 star, historic hotel in the heart of old Rome, at c €80 per night - great value for Rome . 

On checking in, we were taken to an annex.  I was a little dubious  but on entering the room I was pleasantly surprised - the room was small but beautifully appointed with quality bed linen. However, if you can't cope with about 10 steps up to lift, insist on staying in main hotel. 

As it was  now 22.15, we quickly adjourned to a nearby restaurant, where because of the late hour, our choice was confined to the Chef's menu. My PC had meatballs and potatoes - very tasty while I endured an indifferent risotto with porcini mushrooms. This was washed down with a very acceptable house wine - a Montepulciano D'Abruzxo at a welcome 121/2 % unlike many Italian wines we get at home which are up to 17% and of course a bottle of San Pelegrino. The clientele was Italian and they appear to favour SP. 

There was a young man sitting next to us. I thought he was Italian but when he asked the owner how to ask for the bill in Italian,  I asked him where he was from? He was Argentinian and had spent the last 25 days in Europe. He had visited Paris,  Madrid, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Berlin, Zurich, Prague and was returning to Buenos Aires via Madrid in two days time. He informed us that he loved Europe with it diversity of cultures contained in such a small area and bemoaned the fact that once one left the Euro area it was so expensive He found Switzerland  extremely  expensive but Prague was inexpensive. He was very interested to hear that we had visited Argentina and we chatted about the places we had visited and he suggested further areas such as Mendoza; the wine region as places of interest for future visits - he obviously got our measure!!

As we left the restaurant,  he was checking with the restaurant owner as to the location of some bar - the youth don't differ except they don't appear to use drink to excess.