The. long anticipated trip has arrived. The Gillards, Edgecombs, Trostads and Bulthuis' have been planning this trip for over a year. We left Southworth with Jim and Camie on the morning fast ferry. We took the light rail from Pioneer Square and checked in to our Turkish Air flight to Istanbul. All went smoothly and we appreciated the great amenities and service of Turkish Air. It was a long 12 hour flight to Istanbul; but the two meals (beef stew and scrambled eggs), along with watching the movie 'Penguin Lessons' made the trip as pleasant as possible. A Russian lady sat next to Esther and talked her ear off. The day went fast as we flew against time. Our layover in Istanbul went very smoothly and we were delighted to get another meal on our short flight to Rome. We had a little angst waiting for Jim and Camie's baggage to show up. I was able to buy my SIM card immediately and we caught the express train to Rome terminal. Catching a bus to our apartment was a little more confusing; but after a half hour wait and a crowded bus, we arrived at out apartment area. Checking in was by phone with lots of key codes for lock boxes which our 'host' walked us through. After settling in for a while, we took a stroll and ate dinner at a recommended restaurant which was excellent. Meatballs with white cream and a strange glob of chard filled our waiting stomachs and prepared us for a good night of needed sleep.
