Obama,Rome, and a Doctor

What a brief but fine time we had in Rome. Two naps on Tuesday helped us recover from the flight and then we discovered this charming bar on the ground level of the hotel. The ceiling was white and rounded. Beautiful vines and wreaths were raised out from the ceiling. Mirrors were everywhere. We settled in and spoke with some very nice men working there. The white wine was ice cold and they brought us some little pizza snacks.

The touring Kemps and Stitts returned about 6:30 and we decided to meet at the lovely bar before our dinner. We all ate tasty food- especially the baked ricotta with tomato jam that I had- in La Veranda Restaurant. All the parts combined for a magical evening under the stars and tree tops in Rome.

During the night Jim’s knee got stiff and more painful. He awoke really early and we discussed options for some relief. He called the front desk about 7:30AM and by 9:00AM a most attentive physician came to our door. His name was Francesco, he listened to Jim’s symptoms; he examined Jim’s knee; and he gave a shot, and prescribed some pills a foam and an orthopedic brace for Jim’s knee. Francesco spoke excellent English and is the Director of the International Medical Association in Italy. He got the front desk to send someone to the pharmacy and the medication appeared at our door in about 15 minutes. Francesco also got the concierge to check for the nearest medical supply store and determine that they had the brace Jim needed. The whole experience took 2 hours and cost about 400 Euros…not exactly like the free medical care in England but way better than what might have been available in the US for travelers. We were so grateful for the quick attention of the staff at the Majestic and the physician. Actually we decided the staff at The Majestic was about the friendliest and most helpful of any place we had ever been!

Bill and Lucy and Pat and Jerry were most kind about having our driver to the port take a detour so Jim could purchase the brace. While we negotiated with the driver for the extra trip, a long procession of police rode by with lights blinking and horns blowing AND the next thing we knew several large black SUV’s roared by. One was flying an American flag and adorned with the presidential seal. We had an Obama sighting! We waved and cheered but we didn’t think he noticed. He had been staying at the US Embassy just up the road and was headed to the G8 Summit. WOW!

By the time we drove through the wild Rome traffic, found the store made a u-turn and double parked going the wrong way we were all breathless. From various people in the car there were about 12 sounds indicating anxiety about the traffic or pedestrians. The driver was so helpful in walking with Jim and getting him to the right place in the basement of the store.

The journey on to Civitavecchia- the port for Rome- was beautiful. We arrived at about 1:00 PM and faced a long and not very organized boarding process. Jim got a wheel chair and that enabled us to go to a different line. All 3 couples were upgraded from a Deluxe Veranda to a Superior Veranda Suite- slightly bigger and differently configured. We are now in 6102; Kemps in 6104; and Stitts in 6106.

There were many other cruise ships in the port. Guess right now this is a popular part of the world for travel....and we are glad to be here.

Luggage arrived and we unpacked and settled into our accommodations. We watched the sail-away from our veranda and went to dinner in the Vista Dining Room. Nothing like the life of cruising!