Day 1 - The Journey

The drive from Virginia to Philadelphia was uneventful. Which is always a blessing when one travels on I 95. Parking was available on a short walk from the check in. Our plan is to return to Philly, drop our Malta bags in the car, and pull out our NY bags and continue the adventure by train.  All was going just a little too well, and the Liberty Bell was just too tempting to miss this photo op. We headed to our gate to see the big scary…
ROME CANCELLED 

Oh Crap, We are going to have to spend our first day on vacation stuck in Philadelphia!

April Fools! No, actually we taxied out right on time on a plane that was only half full. Janet and I were able to spread out with hopes that would lead to a better sleep. It was a good thought, but neither of us slept long, which is very uncommon for me. It was a very smooth flight on a brand new AA - A333. The entertainment package was amazing with literally 100s of movies to choose from. We decided to watch some Oscar nominated movies. Janet went with the Danish Girl, while I decided to go with the Remnant. Not real sure why Hollywood was so excited about this film, and I have definitely seen Leo in better films. Albeit, I did learn if you are freezing to death you can gut a dead horse and make the carcass your sleeping bag. Wow sure glad the movie was only on a 9 inch screen.


We had great tail winds, which shortened our journey by more than hour. As I arose from my nap I could see a small French town somewhere near Bordeaux as the sun was rising. How fitting for me to wake up in Bordeaux. 

As we descended into Rome Airport (FCO), we were in awe of the countryside and farms. Every now and then a village could be seen, but for the most part it was all agricultural.

Clearing passport control in Rome was quick and easy. We headed straight to Ryanair check in desk. This Irish discount airline has all
sort of rules and regulations. You miss one and they charge you.

The cheapest thing about flying on Ryanair is the ticket. We got our tickets stamped and were told to come back in a couple of hours. So it was off for a GOOD MORNING espresso and a light breakfast.

It took standing in eight different queues to pass Ryanair’s process and donating an extra 50 euros for our bags to go on the flight, we boarded for the short flight to Malta. Both of us passed out and do not even remember the takeoff. 

Upon our arrival we grabbed our bags and were off to the other side of the island. I did make the right choice to be driven to the Perogla. Very very confusing. 

Opening the door to our room we were welcomed with this view.

We dropped our bags and went for a walk up and down the town’s streets and stairs. 

After stretching our legs we had a wonderful Maltese dinner, with Janet doing fresh seafood, and Tom going for a four course rabbit dinner. 

We have now been up for almost 30 hours and it is time to say good night. More tomorrow.