50 year old woman alone in Italy- needs advice/encouragement
May 30th, 2006, 05:54 PM
#21
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What about flying into Milan, and after a little exploration in Milan, going to Genoa (Genova in Italian). I found Genoa to be a charming city with lots to see. It'll also be a great gateway into CT.
It's the first port of Italy, is home to La Lanterna - the oldest working lighthouse in the world (if you consider the base was built in 1128 even though the building itself built in 1543), and just wonderfully picturesque throughout. Would be great if you just want some alone time.
I would also like to offer encouragement to you on your trip. It may be a long trip, but I think you'll find it refreshes your soul.
Good luck! And let us know what you decide to do and where we can be of help!
It's the first port of Italy, is home to La Lanterna - the oldest working lighthouse in the world (if you consider the base was built in 1128 even though the building itself built in 1543), and just wonderfully picturesque throughout. Would be great if you just want some alone time.
I would also like to offer encouragement to you on your trip. It may be a long trip, but I think you'll find it refreshes your soul.
Good luck! And let us know what you decide to do and where we can be of help!
May 30th, 2006, 06:46 PM
#22
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I would skip Rome this time if I were you, you want a stress free week and rushing through Rome might not offer it. I would go to Milan or one of the other Northern cities. There is enough for you to do in Milan and it is an exciting city in my opinion.
I fly directly to Europe from LAX and change planes there too, it is less stressful in the long run.
Did you every try No Jet Lag? It works me me and my friends.
I wouldn't go to the same towns as you visited with your husband, try a whole new town you can claim as your own!
Keep us informed and ask any question, we've heard them all!!
I fly directly to Europe from LAX and change planes there too, it is less stressful in the long run.
Did you every try No Jet Lag? It works me me and my friends.
I wouldn't go to the same towns as you visited with your husband, try a whole new town you can claim as your own!
Keep us informed and ask any question, we've heard them all!!
May 30th, 2006, 06:47 PM
#23
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Might you consider spending some time on the Italian Ligurian coast? I imagine you'd fly into Milan or Genoa or Florence, to get there.
We recently spent three nights in Santa Margherita Ligure, and loved that mid-sized seaside town. It has a pretty harbor, with plenty of restaurants, shops and markets. It wasn't terribly touristy, felt more laid-back and slightly off-the-beaten-track. We stayed at a charming B&B called the Nuova Riviera, which was about 4 blocks up the hill from the harbor. It was very reasonable, at 98EUR for a double/twin room. (Less expensive if you don't use venere.com, like I stupidly did.) My daughter and I felt perfectly safe walking by ourselves at night.
Its location is perfect for day-trips to Cinque Terre and Portofino.
Enjoy your Italian get-away!
We recently spent three nights in Santa Margherita Ligure, and loved that mid-sized seaside town. It has a pretty harbor, with plenty of restaurants, shops and markets. It wasn't terribly touristy, felt more laid-back and slightly off-the-beaten-track. We stayed at a charming B&B called the Nuova Riviera, which was about 4 blocks up the hill from the harbor. It was very reasonable, at 98EUR for a double/twin room. (Less expensive if you don't use venere.com, like I stupidly did.) My daughter and I felt perfectly safe walking by ourselves at night.
Its location is perfect for day-trips to Cinque Terre and Portofino.
Enjoy your Italian get-away!
May 30th, 2006, 07:04 PM
#24
We also fly from California. We usually don't have too much trouble with jetlag on the outbound but have a much tougher time when we fly home. I think the best approach is to force yourself to stay awake on your arrival day and NOT take a nap or "lie down for just a minute." Get outside and walk around, have something to eat (no wine the first day), stimulate your mind. Try not to go to bed until 10 p.m.
As to where you spend those two days, all the suggestions so far are good ones. (Can there be a bad place in Italy to spend two days?) I'd pick Rome because you haven't been there. You don't have to be overwhelmed by it, just know you're not going to see more than the highlights. It's a wonderful city for strolling without a rigid agenda. There are treasures at every turn, and it will be a great temptation for you to plan another trip to Italy.
You're going to have a great adventure. As one door closes, another opens.
As to where you spend those two days, all the suggestions so far are good ones. (Can there be a bad place in Italy to spend two days?) I'd pick Rome because you haven't been there. You don't have to be overwhelmed by it, just know you're not going to see more than the highlights. It's a wonderful city for strolling without a rigid agenda. There are treasures at every turn, and it will be a great temptation for you to plan another trip to Italy.
You're going to have a great adventure. As one door closes, another opens.
May 30th, 2006, 07:45 PM
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pam, I understand perfectly where you're coming from. I'm only a few years older than you and am recently divorced after more than 30 years of marriage.
You said:
<<I am going to make the best of it and do something for myself as opposed to mope at home>>
Here's another thought completely: Unless you really don't like big cities, consider skipping the walking tour and spend your entire time in Rome. Yes, the entire trip by yourself! Especially if you have such a hard time with jet lag and with only a week, it might be better to just go to one place. (Although I have to wonder, if you're separated from your husband in August, how does his schedule affect how many days you can go in September?) Rome is wonderful, and there is so much to see there! I found it very good for getting perspective and moving on to go by myself, just something to consider.
As far as getting to and from the Rome airport, I highly recommend reserving a shuttle. They will be waiting for you when you get off the plane with a sign with your name on it. I used www.airportshuttle.it.
To see how I moved on, here is my trip report from my March trip:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34780400
And here is my report from my trip last Sept (also solo):
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34687434
Good luck and keep thinking positive!
You said:
<<I am going to make the best of it and do something for myself as opposed to mope at home>>
Here's another thought completely: Unless you really don't like big cities, consider skipping the walking tour and spend your entire time in Rome. Yes, the entire trip by yourself! Especially if you have such a hard time with jet lag and with only a week, it might be better to just go to one place. (Although I have to wonder, if you're separated from your husband in August, how does his schedule affect how many days you can go in September?) Rome is wonderful, and there is so much to see there! I found it very good for getting perspective and moving on to go by myself, just something to consider.
As far as getting to and from the Rome airport, I highly recommend reserving a shuttle. They will be waiting for you when you get off the plane with a sign with your name on it. I used www.airportshuttle.it.
To see how I moved on, here is my trip report from my March trip:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34780400
And here is my report from my trip last Sept (also solo):
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34687434
Good luck and keep thinking positive!
May 30th, 2006, 08:04 PM
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I have never done the walking tour, and have not been to Rome, so I am not much help there.
But I do think that flying in a couple of days before the tour will be sufficient enough to adjust. I definately think you will be able to do this!! You can do it!
I would suggest (from my own bad experiences), that if you are not used to walking a lot or even just not used to walking for a few hours at a time, slowly build up your tolerance by going to the gym and using the treadmill. Or just walking at a local park for a few hours.
As an added bonus, you will get a rush of endorphins that will make you feel a lot better about the troubles and trials you are going thru.
It may not be your choice to end the union, but you have all of the power and the right to make your life the best it can be.
But I do think that flying in a couple of days before the tour will be sufficient enough to adjust. I definately think you will be able to do this!! You can do it!
I would suggest (from my own bad experiences), that if you are not used to walking a lot or even just not used to walking for a few hours at a time, slowly build up your tolerance by going to the gym and using the treadmill. Or just walking at a local park for a few hours.
As an added bonus, you will get a rush of endorphins that will make you feel a lot better about the troubles and trials you are going thru.
It may not be your choice to end the union, but you have all of the power and the right to make your life the best it can be.
May 30th, 2006, 08:09 PM
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If you're walking with an experienced guide, you will probably be in good hands. One thing I noticed at Cinque Terre is the lack of signage. It's sometimes hard to find the trail's beginning, and there's no information posted at all about the degree of difficulty of each trail. We walked from Vernazza (sp?) to Corniglia, which was a mistake. It was a solid uphill climb for 90 minutes, walking on stair steps the entire way. It would have been much better to walk down the hill, from Corniglia to Vernazza, instead. At least I had on good walking shoes with ankle and arch supports. I saw some people attempting it in flip-flops! Now that would be trouble, even life-threatening.
May 30th, 2006, 10:50 PM
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Boy, did you ever strike a chord here! Along with many others, I have been in your shoes...still working through it but farther along than you are. And even though I don't know you, Pam, I am sure you will not only survive this, you will eventually thrive!
I celebrated a "big" birthday last year in Italy, with dear friends, and then spent some time alone in Italy and Spain. I was gone a month and it was wonderful!
The days I spent in Rome after my friends left were great. I had been there several times before, so that helped. I walked everywhere, re-visited places I liked and saw some new things, and learned that traveling alone (something I hadn't done since I was much younger) is not so bad. And after reading all the posts here from solo travelers, I am looking forward to a solo trip in the future.
I celebrated a "big" birthday last year in Italy, with dear friends, and then spent some time alone in Italy and Spain. I was gone a month and it was wonderful!
The days I spent in Rome after my friends left were great. I had been there several times before, so that helped. I walked everywhere, re-visited places I liked and saw some new things, and learned that traveling alone (something I hadn't done since I was much younger) is not so bad. And after reading all the posts here from solo travelers, I am looking forward to a solo trip in the future.
May 31st, 2006, 12:52 AM
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I'm going to echo the advice that you fly in and out of Milano. One of the very nice things about flying to Malpensa airport is that you have a number of very-easy, stress free options available, without a lot of pressure on you to do touristing.
If you stay in Milan itself, it's a 50 minute bus or train ride into town and you don't feel guilty about immediately going to bed because there are only a small handful of tourist attractions in Milan, but otherwise the town is great for pampering, if you like that. You can get a massage and/or haricut, plus seeing Leonardo's Last Supper and the Duomo at your leisure. If you find yourself wanting to do more, there are interesting museums (Pinoteca Ambrosiana, the Sforzeca) as well as window shopping and enjoying the food and drink of the sophisticated city.
Or try this: Fly into Malpensa and head immediately from the airport to the small town of Stresa on Lago Maggiore, which is a 50 minute bus ride north of Malpensa airport. There you can relax by the lake, and when you are up to it, take an easy boat trip to the Borromean Islands, or a cable car ride to high above the lake to walk in the mountains. There are world-famous gardens a few miles up the shore in the town of Baveno. You can also take the train into Milano if you want to visit the Last Supper, etc.
Finally, if you fly into Malpensa, you can take a train directly to Torino if you like, for a completely different introduction to Italy, and its marvelously quirky museums and high style. Or, as was pointed out, sleep for a night in Milan and then take a train to the Ligurian coast -- although be prepared for real crowds in August. I would recommend the town of Camogli, although you also might enjoy the bustle of Genoa.
I would avoid Tuscany and Rome in August because of intense heat and crowds. Milano is also quite hot (and humid), but if you treat yourself to a very nice hotel and occasional taxis, or go up to a lake, you could make it very enjoyable.
buon viaggio!
If you stay in Milan itself, it's a 50 minute bus or train ride into town and you don't feel guilty about immediately going to bed because there are only a small handful of tourist attractions in Milan, but otherwise the town is great for pampering, if you like that. You can get a massage and/or haricut, plus seeing Leonardo's Last Supper and the Duomo at your leisure. If you find yourself wanting to do more, there are interesting museums (Pinoteca Ambrosiana, the Sforzeca) as well as window shopping and enjoying the food and drink of the sophisticated city.
Or try this: Fly into Malpensa and head immediately from the airport to the small town of Stresa on Lago Maggiore, which is a 50 minute bus ride north of Malpensa airport. There you can relax by the lake, and when you are up to it, take an easy boat trip to the Borromean Islands, or a cable car ride to high above the lake to walk in the mountains. There are world-famous gardens a few miles up the shore in the town of Baveno. You can also take the train into Milano if you want to visit the Last Supper, etc.
Finally, if you fly into Malpensa, you can take a train directly to Torino if you like, for a completely different introduction to Italy, and its marvelously quirky museums and high style. Or, as was pointed out, sleep for a night in Milan and then take a train to the Ligurian coast -- although be prepared for real crowds in August. I would recommend the town of Camogli, although you also might enjoy the bustle of Genoa.
I would avoid Tuscany and Rome in August because of intense heat and crowds. Milano is also quite hot (and humid), but if you treat yourself to a very nice hotel and occasional taxis, or go up to a lake, you could make it very enjoyable.
buon viaggio!
May 31st, 2006, 01:48 AM
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Hi Pam,
Another word of encouragement from a woman who had never travelled solo until this time last year. My husband also chose to leave after a lengthy marriage.
I was terribly anxious but had a wonderful, wonderful time. I took the advice and encouragement of other women on Fodors.
There were a couple of things that made all the difference. The first was using the limousine service already mentioned. The other was the airconditioned hotel near the Pantheon.
I had journeyed form Australia (I'm nearly 60) and decided it was worth the expense. The driver, Giancarlo, was wonderful. Drove me past all the major sites with full explanations, on my way to the hotel.
I only had three days in Rome before my tour but I cannot wait to go back. It is the most exciting city and there are many, many solo travellers around.
The walking tour sounds terrific. You are in for a treat. There will be many times when you will realise how good it is not to be hindered by having to worry about somebody else!
If I was ever slightly anxious about being alone I sat down for yet another glass of wine or coffee and made copious notes about my surroundings. It makes a wonderful read when you come back to the 'real' world.
I will follow your plans with interest and heartiest best wishes.
Take heart - you are moving on. It gets easier with time.
Another word of encouragement from a woman who had never travelled solo until this time last year. My husband also chose to leave after a lengthy marriage.
I was terribly anxious but had a wonderful, wonderful time. I took the advice and encouragement of other women on Fodors.
There were a couple of things that made all the difference. The first was using the limousine service already mentioned. The other was the airconditioned hotel near the Pantheon.
I had journeyed form Australia (I'm nearly 60) and decided it was worth the expense. The driver, Giancarlo, was wonderful. Drove me past all the major sites with full explanations, on my way to the hotel.
I only had three days in Rome before my tour but I cannot wait to go back. It is the most exciting city and there are many, many solo travellers around.
The walking tour sounds terrific. You are in for a treat. There will be many times when you will realise how good it is not to be hindered by having to worry about somebody else!
If I was ever slightly anxious about being alone I sat down for yet another glass of wine or coffee and made copious notes about my surroundings. It makes a wonderful read when you come back to the 'real' world.
I will follow your plans with interest and heartiest best wishes.
Take heart - you are moving on. It gets easier with time.
May 31st, 2006, 03:10 AM
#32
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Here comes my 2 cents worth.(And, yes I'm aware I'm about to invade your boundaries. Is there an abbreviation for Apologizing In Advance like there is for Thanks In Advance??)
A sentence that stood out for me was the one about husband's / kids' schedules interfering with your flying. (Ummm, also the one about not staying in Sienna long b/c the kids were whining.)
Pam, I may be waaaaay off base, but it sounds like you try to please and take care of others, not necessarily yourself. If husband is causing this family explosion, I encourage you to have HIM provide / find care for the kids and you leave for the trip whenever you want / need to in order to feel rested for the walk.
After all, if he wants to separate, he's gonna have to provide care for them himself sometimes. He can go ahead and get started.
Have walked in these shoes before. Please allow me to assure you that there's plenty of good times to be had. Once you have completed your healing (or at least gone halfway thru the tunnel), you will see!
Just proof-read this and discovered that instead of good times, I had typed god times. That, too!!
My heart's with you.
A sentence that stood out for me was the one about husband's / kids' schedules interfering with your flying. (Ummm, also the one about not staying in Sienna long b/c the kids were whining.)
Pam, I may be waaaaay off base, but it sounds like you try to please and take care of others, not necessarily yourself. If husband is causing this family explosion, I encourage you to have HIM provide / find care for the kids and you leave for the trip whenever you want / need to in order to feel rested for the walk.
After all, if he wants to separate, he's gonna have to provide care for them himself sometimes. He can go ahead and get started.
Have walked in these shoes before. Please allow me to assure you that there's plenty of good times to be had. Once you have completed your healing (or at least gone halfway thru the tunnel), you will see!
Just proof-read this and discovered that instead of good times, I had typed god times. That, too!!
My heart's with you.
May 31st, 2006, 03:25 AM
#33
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Rome was my first solo trip after my painful separation and divorce. My confidence was at an all time low, but the 3 nights/2 days I spent alone there was pretty much the best thing I could have done for myself. I think it is something to do with the incredible sense of history and the passage of time and all that has gone before in Rome, that is still there, that is so healing. Also all the amazing art and architecture can have a profound effect.
OK, I did travel from the UK so didn't have to suffer jet-lag, but the whole experience was most empowering and I truly returned home feeling a new woman - my life had begun anew.
Please read SusanP's trip reports, they are so inspiring and ancouraging. If she hadn't posted the links for you I would have done so!
Getting from the airport into Rome is easy using the train, and taxi, but when I go back in October because I arrive in the evening I am planning to use www.romeshuttlelimousine.com which charges 35 euros. They meet you at the airport. Another option is to get the 4.70 euro train to Trastevere and get a taxi from there. The train is a little slower because it stops a few times.
But have a great trip, and have faith in the future - it's all out there waiting for you!
OK, I did travel from the UK so didn't have to suffer jet-lag, but the whole experience was most empowering and I truly returned home feeling a new woman - my life had begun anew.
Please read SusanP's trip reports, they are so inspiring and ancouraging. If she hadn't posted the links for you I would have done so!
Getting from the airport into Rome is easy using the train, and taxi, but when I go back in October because I arrive in the evening I am planning to use www.romeshuttlelimousine.com which charges 35 euros. They meet you at the airport. Another option is to get the 4.70 euro train to Trastevere and get a taxi from there. The train is a little slower because it stops a few times.
But have a great trip, and have faith in the future - it's all out there waiting for you!
May 31st, 2006, 04:17 AM
#34
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One other thought:
I travel to Italy more often than any other country because I enjoy it so much. But I will point out that August is the most crowded and hottest time to go (I never go in August).
If making this an Italian experience overrides all other considerations, by all means go to Italy in August. But otherwise, you might consider walking trips in Scotland or Ireland or Norway, or bicycling through Holland, climbing the Alps -- or some other Northern European athletic adventure which might be cooler.
I travel to Italy more often than any other country because I enjoy it so much. But I will point out that August is the most crowded and hottest time to go (I never go in August).
If making this an Italian experience overrides all other considerations, by all means go to Italy in August. But otherwise, you might consider walking trips in Scotland or Ireland or Norway, or bicycling through Holland, climbing the Alps -- or some other Northern European athletic adventure which might be cooler.
May 31st, 2006, 07:31 AM
#35
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Hi everyone. I'm so overwhelmed with all the kind words of support from everyone here. Thank you so much, it's a huge help and comfort! Just a quick clarification before I have to run. I am planning the trip in September, not August. I need to plan around my husband's schedule as he will be the one to stay with the kids while I'm gone, so I do have some constraints on my time as he travels quite a bit for work. As for the walking tour, I love to walk and hike, so I am not worried about it being too strenuous and I want to be in the company of other supportive women. As for flights, it turns out that there are no nonstop flights from Calif. to anywhere in Italy, not even Rome or Milan. I'll have to change planes somwhere else, most likely Munich. That means that I can fly straight into Genoa if I want for convenience to the CT if I'm short on time, or to Florence, etc.
I still really like the idea of Rome for a few days, but then I would have the 5 hour train trip to the CT, so my time would be really limited. I need to check back with my husband's schedule to see if I can go a few days earlier. If not, I'll think about flying into Florence vs. Milan vs. Genoa. As it stands now, if I fly on a Thursday night, I don't arrive until Friday night and I have to be in Santa Margharita to start the tour on Sunday noon, so that's my constraint. If I'm going to go early and be by myself, I want someplace really special and also someplace where I wouldn't feel too lonely, which is why I like the idea of Rome or possibly Florence or Siena again even though I've been to the latter two with the family two years ago. So, knowing my possible time issues, any other thoughts? I have to head out now, but thanks again and I'll keep you updated. All the advice is great. Pam
I still really like the idea of Rome for a few days, but then I would have the 5 hour train trip to the CT, so my time would be really limited. I need to check back with my husband's schedule to see if I can go a few days earlier. If not, I'll think about flying into Florence vs. Milan vs. Genoa. As it stands now, if I fly on a Thursday night, I don't arrive until Friday night and I have to be in Santa Margharita to start the tour on Sunday noon, so that's my constraint. If I'm going to go early and be by myself, I want someplace really special and also someplace where I wouldn't feel too lonely, which is why I like the idea of Rome or possibly Florence or Siena again even though I've been to the latter two with the family two years ago. So, knowing my possible time issues, any other thoughts? I have to head out now, but thanks again and I'll keep you updated. All the advice is great. Pam
May 31st, 2006, 07:58 AM
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Pam,
It may be that a good deal of the jetlag you have experienced on previous trips was due to the stress of looking after your children's needs during the flight and upon arrival. Traveling on your own will be much easier and less stressful and tiring---and hopefully cause less jetlag.
It may be that a good deal of the jetlag you have experienced on previous trips was due to the stress of looking after your children's needs during the flight and upon arrival. Traveling on your own will be much easier and less stressful and tiring---and hopefully cause less jetlag.
May 31st, 2006, 08:16 AM
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Hi Pam
I just had to weigh in here, too. I am so happy that you have come up with a creative plan to do something wonderful for yourself. Good for you and God bless you.
I also need to AiA (lol) for this, but here goes: *&^% his work schedule. Yep, he will just have to figure out how to get the kids cared for, for an extra day or two. After all, won't you be doing this alone for perhaps a long time to come? I know too many men and women who have sacrificed their own wishes to meet the schedule of the absent parent. I encourage you to take the time you need. Also, after 30 years of marriage, your kids can't be too in need of supervision, can they? Or perhaps there is a special needs situation? In any case, I encourage you to make time for YOU, and that means all the time you need.
Are there any direct flights to Europe at all from California? From most major airports in Europe, it is fairly easy to fly in the Pisa airport. I would want to spend my "getting adjusted" days in Pisa, but the trains from Pisa airport are pretty easy to navigate.
If you fly into to Pisa or Genoa, connecting from a direct fly to Europe from California, you could easily park yourself in Santa Margherita Ligure. You can read an article here that I wrote about it if you are interested:
http://www.postgazette.com/travel/20...fino0810p1.asp
This town is lovely and relaxing, and you would then be exactly where your tour begins.
On the other hand, my preference for you, since you would like to see Rome, is to TAKE THAT EXTRA DAY OR TWO, and go to Rome.
If you train into Rome from the airport, you can leave Termini station by the first exit on the left, where there is a cab stand that you can use for hotel transportation. This is easier than navigating all of Termini to get to the main cab stand. This is, of course, if you want to save money, but the savings will be minimal as opposed to taking a car service all the way from FCO to your hotel.
For a hotel, I would not recommend staying near the Vatican Museums (sorry) but rather in the old center, near the Pantheon or Piazza Navona, or Spanish Steps area. Why? Better for easy strolling if you have jet lag.
Other recs: do read up on jet lag cures and make a plan based on the best available information out there.
And try to learn a little Italian. I play language tapes in my car, and if you are in California, I'm guessing you spend a decent amount of time in the car. Or take a summer class in Italian. This will keep you distracted from your awful personal situation, and Voila! you'll be learning something that will enhance your trip while you're not thinking about your situation.
And no matter what plan you follow, do go and have a ball. I commend you for making this plan.
I just had to weigh in here, too. I am so happy that you have come up with a creative plan to do something wonderful for yourself. Good for you and God bless you.
I also need to AiA (lol) for this, but here goes: *&^% his work schedule. Yep, he will just have to figure out how to get the kids cared for, for an extra day or two. After all, won't you be doing this alone for perhaps a long time to come? I know too many men and women who have sacrificed their own wishes to meet the schedule of the absent parent. I encourage you to take the time you need. Also, after 30 years of marriage, your kids can't be too in need of supervision, can they? Or perhaps there is a special needs situation? In any case, I encourage you to make time for YOU, and that means all the time you need.
Are there any direct flights to Europe at all from California? From most major airports in Europe, it is fairly easy to fly in the Pisa airport. I would want to spend my "getting adjusted" days in Pisa, but the trains from Pisa airport are pretty easy to navigate.
If you fly into to Pisa or Genoa, connecting from a direct fly to Europe from California, you could easily park yourself in Santa Margherita Ligure. You can read an article here that I wrote about it if you are interested:
http://www.postgazette.com/travel/20...fino0810p1.asp
This town is lovely and relaxing, and you would then be exactly where your tour begins.
On the other hand, my preference for you, since you would like to see Rome, is to TAKE THAT EXTRA DAY OR TWO, and go to Rome.
If you train into Rome from the airport, you can leave Termini station by the first exit on the left, where there is a cab stand that you can use for hotel transportation. This is easier than navigating all of Termini to get to the main cab stand. This is, of course, if you want to save money, but the savings will be minimal as opposed to taking a car service all the way from FCO to your hotel.
For a hotel, I would not recommend staying near the Vatican Museums (sorry) but rather in the old center, near the Pantheon or Piazza Navona, or Spanish Steps area. Why? Better for easy strolling if you have jet lag.
Other recs: do read up on jet lag cures and make a plan based on the best available information out there.
And try to learn a little Italian. I play language tapes in my car, and if you are in California, I'm guessing you spend a decent amount of time in the car. Or take a summer class in Italian. This will keep you distracted from your awful personal situation, and Voila! you'll be learning something that will enhance your trip while you're not thinking about your situation.
And no matter what plan you follow, do go and have a ball. I commend you for making this plan.
May 31st, 2006, 08:20 AM
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Darn it, I forgot to preview and edit. This paragraph:
Are there any direct flights to Europe at all from California? From most major airports in Europe, it is fairly easy to fly in the Pisa airport. I would want to spend my "getting adjusted" days in Pisa, but the trains from Pisa airport are pretty easy to navigate.
Should read: Are there any direct flights to Europe at all from California? From most major airports in Europe, it is fairly easy to fly in to the Pisa airport. I would not want to spend my "getting adjusted" days in Pisa, but the trains from Pisa airport are pretty easy to navigate.
Are there any direct flights to Europe at all from California? From most major airports in Europe, it is fairly easy to fly in the Pisa airport. I would want to spend my "getting adjusted" days in Pisa, but the trains from Pisa airport are pretty easy to navigate.
Should read: Are there any direct flights to Europe at all from California? From most major airports in Europe, it is fairly easy to fly in to the Pisa airport. I would not want to spend my "getting adjusted" days in Pisa, but the trains from Pisa airport are pretty easy to navigate.
