A vacation three years in the making, our family is now in Italy for three weeks. Paul and I, our daughter M age 8, son D age 5, and my in-laws Papa and Grandma.

We flew Alitalia flight 615 from Boston to Rome, D loved the take off and landing, and even got to visit Marco in the cockpit before take-off. D enjoyed the personalized tv screens and amenities of “Magnifica” class the chair that laid almost flat, soft blankets, the Bulgari toiletries and eye mask. He wanted nothing to do with the calamari, shrimp and octopus appetizer, but ate some prosciutto, melon, and more than his share of crusty rolls.

Leaving the plane I saw my former coworker Joanne and her husband heading to Venice for a vacation/cruise, and Grandma and Papa saw their orthapedic surgeon from Boston. Our friends from Belmont, who were also on the same flight, helped connect us with our van driver. M had a tough last hour of the flight and van ride with nausea, but perked up quickly when we saw our two floor, three bedroom, three bath apartment with private terrace, view of various churches and rooftops, and kitchen/living room. The kids love their room with two twin beds, windows with shutters that open, and their private bath. Damian washed his hands in the bidet so we quickly clarified the purposes of all appliances in the house.

We picked up fruits at the campo di fiori where the vendors fed the kids cherries and kept them entertained while grandma and I browsed all the fruits and vegetables. We enjoyed an early morning gelato, and stocked up on some basics at a nearby market.

After a quick break in the a/c of the apartment, we ventured out to piazza navona and the pantheon, enjoyed our second gelato of the day.

It’s currently 3:45p and Papa needed a rest. So we’re back in the apartment with some wine and beer before heading out for the night. So far, a successful first day in ITALIA.