When in Rome...

So your girl took a trip to Rome for her 45th birthday. When I tell y'all a time was had, a time was had. I ate all the pasta, pizza, pesto, and bread, and drank all the wine! Rome owes me absolutely nothing.

I had no idea I would go to Rome until about a week prior. I called my bestie and cousin and said, "I think I'm going to Rome." I didn't even shop the way you would when you were going on "holiday". The only thing I purchased was my birthday dress and shoes and as my niece would say, my essentials. Everything else I wore the entire trip came out of my closet and even then I didn't wear most of what I had taken with me.

I flew on United out of Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and God showed favor when I received an upgrade notification to Polaris which is United's elevated service. I could get used to the formal salutations, and greetings addressing me by last name. Oh, and the complimentary pre-departure champagne beverage. Polaris provides private seats with direct aisle access, noise-reducing headphones, and a larger entertainment screen.

They also offer amenity kits designed by Therabody full of goodies including, eye serum, facial spray, hand cream, socks, ear plugs, and an eye mask to block out any noise or distractions.

The seats in United Polaris convert into completely lie-flat beds. For added comfort, they even offer mattress cushions upon request.

You get a custom Saks Fifth Avenue sleep which includes a Saks Day Blanket made from recycled plastic, a duvet, and a cooling gel pillow. The works!

As part of the inflight dining experience, you get entrées featuring dishes from around the globe. Your main meal is served after takeoff and comes with mixed nuts, an appetizer, a salad, bread, and a made-to-order ice cream sundae for dessert. All drinks, including beer, wine, and liquor are free. Needless to say a time was had on the flight alone.

Once I arrived I was a little nervous but eager to let the games begin. I took the train from Roma Termini where I would take the bus to my home for the next few days. I opted for an Airbnb versus a hotel. The Airbnb that I chose was just too beautiful to pass up. My host was AMAZING! Very attentive and communicative.

It was an elegant penthouse, in a noble building from the 1800s, with a modern and functional design; located in the heart of Rome near the most famous historical places to visit between Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, near the Senate, a short distance from all useful and leisure services: public transport, bus, Taxi, bank, post office, pharmacy, market, bars, shops, restaurants, pubs and places for fun.

The space was beautiful with wooden beams on the ceiling and a magnificent panoramic window on the rooftops of Rome, a balcony with a panoramic view with a table and chairs.

Included on arrival is a welcome kit with two bottles of carbonated mineral water, two natural bottles of water, a bottle of red wine, and a bottle of Prosecco.

My stay was exceptional!

Rome in the summer is a different kind of hot. Drink water, drink water, drink water. And use sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. There is a lot to see and so much to do. I suggest dressing comfortably and wearing sensible shoes.

One day I managed to surpass 28,000 steps. Of course, you can Uber around the city, but I found walking and public transportation the most convenient and affordable. One bus ride was about 1 euro per ride which is a little over 1 US dollar.

I arrived in the city around 11 am and one thing bout Rome is if you want to see the attractions you should start early in the morning or later in the evening. The lines are not as long.

On day one in Rome, I did the Hop-On Hop-Off Panoramic Rome Bus Tour

Explore Rome with Green Line Tours. This tour allows you to explore Rome with multiple stops at your leisure! Plan your day as you want and jump on or off our buses at any stops. You can change your itinerary without limits with just one ticket. They offer 3 Routes, 15 Stops, 16 Languages!

Prices vary depending on your age and the hours you want to use the pass. Anywhere from €16 - €39

I did all of the thangs!

A great and wonderful time was had and look forward to returning in the future.