The journey begins: Sept. 16th, 2016

One 30-minute car ride to Eugene Airport, a 30-minute flight to Portland Airport, another 30-minute flight to Seattle Airport, and then a 9½-hour flight to Rome.

Ah, the anticipation! I spent a month planning this “Girls Trip.” My youngest daughter had just graduated, and we had promised both of our girls a trip to Italy as a graduation present. You know what could make a trip to Italy even better? Inviting the grandmothers to join us!

With five of us traveling together, reserving an Airbnb was more cost-effective. I found an apartment in historic Monti, just steps from Santa Maria Maggiore, and not far from the Colosseum.

Airbnb also offered a private car service from the airport to the apartment. It was about $89 USD, and it was worth every penny. We had a driver waiting for us with a sign, and our very well-dressed Italian driver, Sorin, led us out to an air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz van.

Thank goodness for that air conditioning, because the jet lag and humidity were already kicking in!