Day 1: Getting to Italy

I woke up early today even though my flight isn't until 6 pm. There's still a lot to do and I'm trying to make the switch to European time easier. When the cab arrives at 2:30, I'm frantically running around trying to finish packing. Despite my best intentions, my parents' house is a mess. Thankfully my stepmom is understanding and forgiving. Why did I leave so much to the last minute? Probably because the idea of traveling around the world, frequently alone, is terrifying at times. Better to be frantic than frightened.

2:40, I hop into the cab. The driver is great. He's from Tanzania and asks many questions about my trip and my schooling. He is well traveled and finishing a master's in computer science. When he lets me out in front of the United area, I feel like I'm saying good bye to a good friend. I take this first interaction as a sign that my trip will go well.

At the airport I check in and then head to "future ticket sales" to change my flight out of Greece. The agent tells me she's always wanted to fly around the world. As she gets off the phone with the pricing office, she says, "The woman in pricing wishes you a wonderful trip. Have a great trip." The 3 hours until my flight passes quickly as I put my Netflix and cell phone accounts on hold.

My plane is, shockingly, on time. I'm excited because I've managed to switch a middle seat for an aisle, which will allow for plenty of walking and bathroom breaks during the 8 hour flight. I'm also excited because the guy sitting next to me looks my age. I quickly learn that he is from San Francisco and will be traveling to Italy for 2 weeks. He's starting in Rome before meeting up with his Godfather in Tuscany. I tell him that I'm headed to Florence, then Siena, and back to Rome. We chat until the inflight movies kick in and then I spend 3 or 4 hours attempting to sleep.

Once we're both awake again, my neighbor formally introduces himself as Kenny. We decide to head to the center of Rome together since neither of us has researched how to get anywhere. By the end of the flight, Kenny has invited me to share the room he's booked in Rome. Upon learning that the room is cheap and has two beds, I tell him that I will consider it. We breeze through the airport and make our way to the train with ease. On the train, I hear what sounds an awful lot like Mexican Spanish. I eye some bags bearing Aeromexico tags and strike up a conversation with the travelers. They are from Cancun and seem very nice. We part ways with the Mexicans and enter the Termini train station.

Should I stay in Rome with Kenny or head to Florence as planned? Stay tuned!