All roads lead to Roma

Sept.28 – There was a lovely sunrise over the Tuscan hills when we got up to head out on the next leg of our journey. Our first stop was on the outskirts of Rome near the airport in Fiumicino. The drive from Siena was somewhat tedious due to construction and very slow speed limits. Our goal was to get to the hotel and head out immediately to the ruins of Ostia Antica, the ancient port of Rome. For this reason we had chosen a direct route, instead of the windy hilly route. The Hotel Al Porticciolo, although nothing to look at from the outside, turned out to be a very pleasant surprise with stylish décor, jazz playing at the reception and all modern conveniences. We particularly liked the very well appointed bathroom.However, the next part of the day was the first set back of our trip – the archeological site of Ostia Antica was closed (Monday.) I kicked myself mentally for making such a stupid goof – a really novice tourist error. Not to be deterred we went to check out the nearby Lido di Ostia. The beach which is where Romans come to frolic at the seaside, was pretty nice with black volcanic sand but most of it was private beach access and it had a somewhat inhospitable feeling. So we headed back to the hotel and found a Laundromat instead. The hotel had a very nice restaurant specializing in fish. We were lucky because normally it would have been closed on Monday, but there was a small wedding party and they graciously allowed the hotel residents to use a few tables and enjoy the special wedding menu.