The first stop for the Ionian Idiots; Rome. For one of us, it was our first step onto the European continent. Roaming both the quaint and chaotic streets of the smoggy city. The question was asked: “Now do you see why the 24 hour trip from Australia is worth it?” Yes.

Staying at the Grand Palatino Hotel in the Monti neighbourhood, we didn’t waste a minute. Dumping the bags in our room, we roamed straight up to the Trevor Fountain. If you hadn’t had covid yet, you were certain to get it around here. Traveling is absolutely back in full swing. There were people everywhere. Shoulder to shoulder – sardines in the packet. Like the rest of these tourist attractions, we got a couple of snaps and headed straight up to the Spain Steps. Whilst appreciating the monuments themselves, we didn’t feel the need to hang around. Instead we went in search of something cold to quench the thirst and beat off the 35 degree heat.

A couple of limoncello spritz later and we felt settled in. It was 6.30pm but felt like midday. It’s very easy to forget that these European cities wake late and eat even later. The kids weren’t even having dinner when we dined in our local bohemian neighbourhood for a glass of the local red and bowl of ‘cacao e pepe’. Fighting any sort of jet lag was the prerogative at this point.

As the sun rose, so too did the Idiots. We put on our running shoes and headed for the Colosseum. It was dead quiet. No crowds to ruin the view. Not a way I had seen a tourist attraction before but there is something to be said about having the place to yourself and getting some exercise done at the same time. Of course, nothing ever goes to plan, and it turns out the streets of Rome are incredibly easy to get lost. Each wrong turn seemed to add an extra kilometre to the run. One of us liked that and the other hated it. I’ll let you guess which is which.

A few macchiato’s at the local cafe and half a continental breakfast later, the Idiots found themselves having walked up to Vatican City. Again, crowds everywhere and a line for the Sixteenth Chapel that was not attractive. I suggested that we go to the other 15 chapels but Bec was happy to ignore me and walk away.

Back for a siesta (loving this) and then out again for a wonder around Monti. A few spritz’s later and we were dining in the street under vines hanging off the old Roman buildings. Buffalo ricotta + truffle honey, lasagne, and a few salads later, we were farewelled by the local restaurateur with a limoncello.

Very accomodating people in this city and have once again enjoyed my time here. With a smile from ear to ear, I think it’s safe to say that Bec’s debut has gone off without a hitch!