Trip log - Rome - August 29-30

This is my second trip to Italy in the last 18 months. Although I do love the architecture and history that Rome has to offer, I haven't been a big fan of Southern Europe until recently. Eventually, everything grows on you - and it's Rome's turn now. Rizwan and I landed just before mid-night. From the moment I got on the Alitalia aircraft, I got flashbacks of Pakistan and India. The Italian demeanor, body language, facial expressions, usually aggressive tone is very reminiscent of the sub-continent culture. Perhaps it is the hot-blooded middle-eastern streak that is common between Southern Europe and the Middle East/Sub-Continent that results in such similarities.

Our taxi driver from the airport to the Marriott Hotel, Via Veneto, may as well have been a Grand Prix driver. Both Riz and I were quick to put on our seat belts. He was friendly and courteous, much like most of the Italians we have dealt with so far. And he was playing 80's tunes on the Radio - even played "It's just an Illusion" - the first album that I ever purchased. The Marriott - Flora on Via Veneto, is right next to the American Consulate. Here's the view from my room:


After checking in, we decided to walk to the Pizza Espania. To my surprise, at 1:00 am, the place was still hopping with people just hanging out, drinking and playing music.




We woke up early and headed to our meetings. After a grueling schedule, we raced to catch our flight at 5:00 pm back to Heathrow. I had enough time to grab Mikaeel a Ferrari bag and a I treated myself to a few shirts as well.

I know what you did last Spring

As we built our business in Europe, I had a chance to visit Rome last April. Our colleague, Philippine Reille, finally sent me a picture of the Forum Systems Team in front of Castello San Angelo, Rome.

I did get to see Pope Benedict from a hundred yards or so - very impressive & charming - at least to look at :-)

I recall being offered Authentic Italian cuisine by our gracious hosts, however, I have come to realize that I am more fond of American Italian foods that are less greasy and salty than their "authentic" Italian counterparts. I hear it gets progressively salty and greasy as one heads South.




There's nothing more fun than serendipitously walking around the streets and discovering historical artifacts and sites in Rome.