These next few posts are written in retrospect. As they days go by, I will attempt to catch-up on the happenings of the pilgrimage.
(Friday)
We touched down around about 2pm local time in Rome. The Broken Bay pilgrims and I stumbled off the plane and into the baggage claim train. We went to the baggage claim carousel and began to wait...and wait...and wait. Pretty soon we realised that the vast majority of pilgrims were missing their luggage. I theorised (and maintain) that our Italian baggage handlers had just declared a smoko, and dared not do anything that might interfere with their break. About 15 minutes later (the typical duration of a respectable smoko), and after we had all fallen into confused dismay, our bags began to appear one after another.
Fr. Stephen and I waiting for our bags after touch down.
With a mixture of tiredness and relief we boarded our coach and met our tour guide, Davor. I took a few minutes to soak in the surrounding Italian landscape. In all honesty, it looked quite similar to what might be seen in Australia, except for the lack of basic driving etiquette on the roads.
My first glimpse of Italy outside Rome. (Not a great photo)
After about 45 minutes drive we arrived at Hotel Palacavicchi in Ciampino, a short drive outside the city limits. Everyone, myself included, tried nobly to stay awake for a few hours in order to avoid an irregular sleep cycle...many failed.
The clock struck 7pm, which meant the hotel restaurant opened their doors to the pilgrims. With a ravenous appetite we feasted on pizza, bruschetta, pasta, salad, and I got to have my first taste of Italian beer. A very welcome flavour.
Post-dinner conversation was very brief as each pilgrim escaped to their rooms to crash. There was night and there was morning, the first day.
Sam
P.s. A big update on the way.
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