PTR: [Roamin' Through Italy for Gelato, then Dancing it off Through France & England] About This Page:

[monknmadsmom]

Okay, all caught up!

I don't know if I ever said this, but I think it's great your kids are part of this group! Not only is it good for them to learn respect for other cultures (love that they ask permission and study the tribe to make the clothes), but it will be good on college applications and public speaking! And oh my, you made and sewed all of your kids costumes? I don't think I ever remember you telling me that! Congratulations to you! I wouldn't be able to, you should see the curtains I tried to make!

I love that he was a little surprised about not having everything planned! I am still OCD too!

MMMM.... the food classes!!!! I hope that you get a few in! The lady I take painting lessons from sometimes has been there and took a bread making class! Not sure where, but that would be my dream- I stink at bread!

I think I said Congratulations to Ab already, but she deserves another anyway! She really does seem to put her heart and mind into all that she does! What a beautiful, strong woman you have raised!

Lots of cities, I am so jealous! To quote Tiger "It's gonna be great, It's gonna be great, It's gonna be greaaaaat!!!" And at least you are planning to pay off the tickets before you leave (I know interest is not that great though), but some people don't pay until WAY after the trip is over and it creates debt for them! So just be happy and proud about that!

My mother in law uses Skype if you have a computer or if you have a tablet it's free to Skype or google talk so that Jeff can stay in touch since you mentioned that you have wi-fi!

That view looks amazing!!! And awesome that it's the owners that are renting it out, I am positive that they would take care of their property far better than a renting agent would! If I find a youth serum can I tag along as your daughter? K can nurse Maddie I am sure of it!

I am not Catholic, but would have loved to see the Vatican! I love that you and Jeff are making it a MUST to even see the Pope! Instilling religion and family in them... what great parents!!!

Oh so excited to see more plans, i just have to remember to log into here! ! I know that you said it's more difficult than Disney, but hey at least that means that there will be happy surprises to run into!

[Cam22]

The apartment looks perfect.

[momabaarjo]

Originally Posted by lfredsbo

The apartment looks adorable!

Originally Posted by chezp

Great apartment!

As far as customs and immigration go (two separate things), I'll do what I can to help, but I really have no idea what the system is for arriving in the European Union, as we can travel without restrictions between all European Union countries. I know that on flights back here and within the EU, they do say if there are any non-EU nationals, there are forms to fill out, but much more than that, I don't know.

With the US, we have to apply for our ESTAs, which last two years and that's what we do clearing immigration. I assume there's nothing similar you need to fill in, although usually most EU countries want your passport number and expiry date etc. in advance as a minimum.

For customs, we have to fill out a form handed out on the plane on the way over (ESTAs are now totally automated and have to be filled at least 48 hours before you fly to the States) and I think that's the form that's offered round to EU nationals, but as I say, I'm not sure.

When you get to the airport, you'll probably find there's one line to clear immigration (passport control) for EU nationals and one for non-EU nationals. That's because the EU line is normally a lot faster to get through, as we only have to show our passports to the immigration people or, in the case of some airports, use the automated system, and then you're straight through. With non-EU nationals (and again I'm guessing to a certain extent here), you'll probably be asked about the nature of your visit (this is what happens to us when we enter the States), and then once they're satisfied with your answers, they'll stamp your passport and let you in.

I don't think that's really much help, as I am guessing a fair bit here.

Originally Posted by Colexis Mom

Congrats on the apartment in Rome!

Originally Posted by rhinohunter

Nice apartment. You sure sound excited about this trip. I have been through immigration and customs all over the world. Some have been easier than others but all are quite similar. You have to fill out the forms on the plane then go thru immigration for the passport check. The next stop usually will be customs. It usually takes more time coming back into the US than going into other countries.

Thank you! I so love the apartment, too! It was my first choice...the location can't be more perfect, the price was great...AND IT JUST SCREAMS ROME to me!

Thanks for helping me with my stress level...overseas flying is a new thing (have not done in like 30 years) and I just want to know what to expect. Now if I could figure out how long it will take us so I can arrange the car service...but all I have to do for that is let Francesa (apartment owner) know and she will arrange it for me.

[momabaarjo]

Originally Posted by monknmadsmom

Okay, all caught up!

I don't know if I ever said this, but I think it's great your kids are part of this group! Not only is it good for them to learn respect for other cultures (love that they ask permission and study the tribe to make the clothes), but it will be good on college applications and public speaking! And oh my, you made and sewed all of your kids costumes? I don't think I ever remember you telling me that! Congratulations to you! I wouldn't be able to, you should see the curtains I tried to make!

Confession time...I did not do any of the sewing. I paid someone to do that. My MIL and mother who are excellent with the machine would not even touch these projects. So I found a great Native American lady to do it...but everything else is handmade, the beading, the feather work, the bells, etc. A lot of work and now we are doing it for Goo. But his regalia is traditional therefore a lot easier!


I love that he was a little surprised about not having everything planned! I am still OCD too!

I just seem to have a brain block with this trip...and trying to keep it in a budget! I am so stressed out about the language issues and surviving day to day.

MMMM.... the food classes!!!! I hope that you get a few in! The lady I take painting lessons from sometimes has been there and took a bread making class! Not sure where, but that would be my dream- I stink at bread!

The kids want to do a pizza making class, so that will be on our list for sure!

I think I said Congratulations to Ab already, but she deserves another anyway! She really does seem to put her heart and mind into all that she does! What a beautiful, strong woman you have raised!

Thank you...she is pretty amazing.

Lots of cities, I am so jealous! To quote Tiger "It's gonna be great, It's gonna be great, It's gonna be greaaaaat!!!" And at least you are planning to pay off the tickets before you leave (I know interest is not that great though), but some people don't pay until WAY after the trip is over and it creates debt for them! So just be happy and proud about that!

My mother in law uses Skype if you have a computer or if you have a tablet it's free to Skype or google talk so that Jeff can stay in touch since you mentioned that you have wi-fi!

I have got to figure out Skype from his crew side. I use Skype and so does Ab...but my technology challenged husband is another story. I also need to get to At&T and find out about our plan and international. Because I know there will be points when we are not in the apartment that he will need to be connected.

That view looks amazing!!! And awesome that it's the owners that are renting it out, I am positive that they would take care of their property far better than a renting agent would! If I find a youth serum can I tag along as your daughter? K can nurse Maddie I am sure of it!

A lot of people rent out their apartments...I think it is a lot like us having a cabin in the mountains...you know a get away.

I am not Catholic, but would have loved to see the Vatican! I love that you and Jeff are making it a MUST to even see the Pope! Instilling religion and family in them... what great parents!!!

Sadly I don't think we will get to see the Pope. July he is on vacation so there are no audiences and this summer vacation schedule shows only August for blessings. We are going to go to a Latin Mass (Ab has that on her list of MUSTS) on Sunday so there might be a chance to see him do a Sunday blessings.

Oh so excited to see more plans, i just have to remember to log into here! ! I know that you said it's more difficult than Disney, but hey at least that means that there will be happy surprises to run into!

Or stressful situations. Jeff is already having a fit about NOT BEING IN COMMANDO mode as I pore over plans and keep reworking things...but I told him this is not a place were we can fly by the seat of our pants.

[momabaarjo]

So I am slowly learning that there are travel (tripadvisor & ricksteves) out there like Disney Travel Forums...

My stress is a little less now about departing & arrival:

Check in at your home airport is the same as for any other flight except that you will use your passport for ID and staff will check to make sure you have it. When you do on line check in before your flight the airline will ask for your passport details too.

Assuming the whole trip is on one ticket you will hand in your luggage at your home airport and then not see it again until you arrive in Rome. In Chicago you will get off one plane and walk to the gate of your next plane. IF you tell us the airline/s you are using people can tell you if you have to change terminals in Chicago. I would just make sure you have enough time in Chicago between flights so you don't have to run to the gate there.

In Rome they will look at your passport and stamp it. Then you will get your luggage and walk through a line that says" nothing to declare" and you will walk out of the airport. It is really all quite easy!!!

[chezp]

Originally Posted by momabaarjo

So I am slowly learning that there are travel (tripadvisor & ricksteves) out there like Disney Travel Forums...

My stress is a little less now about departing & arrival:

Check in at your home airport is the same as for any other flight except that you will use your passport for ID and staff will check to make sure you have it. When you do on line check in before your flight the airline will ask for your passport details too.

Assuming the whole trip is on one ticket you will hand in your luggage at your home airport and then not see it again until you arrive in Rome. In Chicago you will get off one plane and walk to the gate of your next plane. IF you tell us the airline/s you are using people can tell you if you have to change terminals in Chicago. I would just make sure you have enough time in Chicago between flights so you don't have to run to the gate there.

In Rome they will look at your passport and stamp it. Then you will get your luggage and walk through a line that says" nothing to declare" and you will walk out of the airport. It is really all quite easy!!!

So glad you were able to get that information. In terms of how long it will take, have a look at the airport site and see if they have any details. I know London Heathrow's website gives you an idea of how long everything will take. Perhaps you can find something similar?

[Cam22]

Very helpful information!

[Russi01]

Very useful information. There are all kinds of forums out on the web now days! Glad that you were able to find one that would help you!.

[momabaarjo]

Originally Posted by chezp

So glad you were able to get that information. In terms of how long it will take, have a look at the airport site and see if they have any details. I know London Heathrow's website gives you an idea of how long everything will take. Perhaps you can find something similar?

From what I can tell, it looks like we will be arriving at a very busy time...between 8 am-noon is when most of the international flights arrive! But it should not take too long...if the line is long then most US passengers are moved over the European Union line...and waved through! I am going to allow us an 90 minutes to get our luggage and get through passport control. That should be ample time.

Originally Posted by Cam22

Very helpful information!

Originally Posted by Russi01

Very useful information. There are all kinds of forums out on the web now days! Glad that you were able to find one that would help you!.

It is nice to find someplace to ask questions, but some of the people who respond are quite snarky. Not as friendly and helpful as PP!

[momabaarjo]

Arrival Day in Rome: Tuesday, July 22

Part 2-Airport, Apartment and St. Peters

Once we arrive at the apartment we will be greeted by Agnes or Luca who are the property managers. I have read great reviews of their hospitality and friendliness. When you arrive they help to get you settled into the apartment and then take you on a walking tour of the area surrounding the apartment pointing our restaurants, shops, and markets...even introducing you to locals in the area to help make your stay better. They will also help us make any dining reservations we need or any special tours.

When we are settled, it will be near lunch time and I am sure that we will be hungry! So I am planning that we take off walking towards the Vatican. We will probably ask Agnes or Luca for a place along the way, or I have found a restaurant, Madreperla Sas,on TripAdvisor along the way that looks like it would be a good choice for what we need and has really good reviews.

Madreperla Sas, Rome - Restaurant Reviews - TripAdvisor

After lunch we will continue to make our way to the Vatican. I want us to start at St. Peter's for a couple of reasons, but mainly because this is the home of our faith as Roman Catholics. I was not born a Catholic, but converted when I married Jeff, although looking back at my younger years all my friends were Catholic and I was very comfortable in a Catholic Church. I love the history and the ritual of the church and I imagine when we first see St. Peter's it will be much like seeing Cinderella's Castle for the first time. I expect there to be that nervous excitement and the awe as we approach St. Peters.

I am estimating that we should arrive to the Vatican around 2 pm (14:00). If this is the case, then we will stop in at the TI (Tourist Information) Center and see about taking the guided tour which departs around 2:15 pm. If not, I already have Rick Steve's Tour of St. Peters on my phone as well has his book with the tour on my ipad.

Highlights that I want to make sure we see & do:
-St. Peters Square
-Find the Pope's abode
-Look for the chimney on the Sistine Chapel
-Find the Porphyry Stone
-Pay our respects at the tomb of Pope John Paul II
-Kneel at the Alter (Throne of St. Peter) and pray
-Climb the Dome
-Touch the feet of the Statue of Peter
-Find the site of Peter's Crucifixion
-Gaze at the Pieta
-Explore the Crypt (Area below St. Peter's)
-Participate in confession

Things to make note of:
-Must have shoulders covered and the boys need to be in pants
-Tour leaves at 2:15 from the TI (Left-South Side of the square)
-Pick up free map from TI
-Dome Climb (Line begins at entrace-church right side)
-Confession Times (begins at 4 pm... right transept/far right of the papal altar)

After we finish our tour of St. Peters, I am sure that we will be ready for our first Gelato!

L'Arena del Gelato, Rome - Restaurant Reviews - TripAdvisor

After enjoying our first taste we need to get our bearings straight and see the entire city that we just gazed down upon from the top of the dome. Outside of St. Peters is a bus stop for the Sight-See Rome Hop on and Hop Bus.

City Sightseeing Rome, Hop On - Hop Off Bus Tours

The entire loop takes about 100 minutes. So we will ride the loop around back to St. Peter's and then walk back to our apartment. By this time it will be getting late enough for dinner, so once again we will rely on Agnes or Luca advice or I have found a couple of restuarants that look good in the area

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d2476953-Reviews-Cantina_Lucifero-Rome_Lazio.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d3901814-Reviews-Est_Artigiani_del_Gusto-Rome_Lazio.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d4172730-Reviews-Alla_Cancelleria-Rome_Lazio.html

Afterwards, I am sure we will have to stop for another round of Gelato

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...ome_Lazio.html

which happens to be right around the corner of our apartment. Then it is early to bed for a full day of Ancient Rome.

[rhinohunter]

Great plans for your first day in Rome.

[Cam22]

Your first day looks full and awesome!

[chezp]

Great plans for the day! Glad you're aware of the need to cover up shoulders (and knees if I remember right), as I know a few people on our Med cruise came a cropper with that one.

I think 90 minutes is about the right amount of time to allow and is what I would've suggested if I needed to pluck a number out of thin air. Fingers crossed it won't be that long for you...

[Russi01]

Sounds like a great first day in Rome!!

[MayraLR]

Great plans for your first day in Rome! I'm also Catholic and would love for, one day, be able to visit the Vatican.