Heat. I remember my first trip to Italy and how hot it was and how we were drenched in sweat. And I remember the weekend in Rome was hotter than everywhere else I traveled. Hotter than Hell would describe it perfecto! The money might have changed but the weather hasn't.
One of my mother's best qualities is she can befriend almost anyone, anywhere immediately. When I was younger, it embarrassed me and now I wish I could be that bold. The young Italian woman on the express train to Rome from the airport said that it was usually breezy in Rome, and it confused her why there wasn't one today.
In the train station, I followed the crowd to the uscita (exit), alas it was the wrong one and so we had to wind around to get to our hotel. Mom complained about the filth, but I reminded her this was typical in Italy. They run ads on the metro to remind people to throw trash away, but between the millions of tourists and complacent natives...Hotel Milazzo was cheap for Rome 280 euros for 4 nights (in $ that's ~420). OUCH!Our first night out, we strolled around looking for a reasonable priced eatery...A girl persuaded us to check out her restaurant. It was very modern decorated with pink lighting and black furniture and had good food! We ordered Pizza con Funghi and Insalate Mista. The salad had tons of fresh tomatoes and corn on bitter greens.
On the walk back through the train station, a crazy scary gypsy lady made eyes for mom's purse, so we bolted around her. The noise and din from the streets and station and no air conditioning made sleeping interesting.
