In less than 24 hours, I escaped from cactus in Phoenix and its 100 degree September steaminess to the Piaza de Novona here in picturesque Rome.  I have modern jet travel to thank for whisking me away to this Italian adventure. 

Come Fly With Me 

The two legs of the journey from Phoenix to Atlanta and Atlanta to Rome were relatively uneventful except for my chance seat assignment on the first leg.  When I noticed the woman next to me acting very strangely, I discovered she was afraid to fly.  Was she ever surprised to hear what I do!  The best part was seeing the look on her face after we were airborne when she realized that she had somehow left her fear behind.  Of course, it's not every flight that you can have Capt Ron in the seat next to you, but I'm hopeful that what I told her on takeoff and during the rest of the flight will manage to stay with her on future trips. 

The scariest part of the loooong trip to Italy happened shortly after we landed.  It was the taxi ride from the airport to our hotel!  Taxi drivers aren't as highly skilled as pilots, that's for sure.  Fortunately, because I was so exhausted, I fell asleep, and according to my fellow travelers, missed the most exciting part where we almost crashed into the back of a vehicle at 60 mph. 

Having Fun, Wish You Were Here 

After an exquisite meal at a quaint café near the Plaza, we began our walk home.  It was now dark and the area bustled with activity.  A special treat was a group of five young, very talented musicians playing classical selections with their stringed instruments.  The sky was clear, the stars were shining, and the temperature was absolutely perfect in the upper 60’s.  Except for several thousand miles and two flights, I'd be roasting and toasting in Phoenix.  I couldn’t help wondering how many people will never have this opportunity to experience a Roman night because of their fear of flying….