I arrived today in Rome for start of 2 month assignment for work. Only took 15 minutes for me to exit plane, make it through passport control and get baggage. Amazing. Had a scare at rental car office. I didn’t bring my US drivers license and rental company did not like my Saudi Arabia drivers license, but eventually I got a car.
First stop was the local grocery store. I wanted bread for PB and Jelly, but there was only a fancy bakery and I didn’t want to ask for Wonder Bread. Store had giant vats of serve yourself wine. At checkout I had to pay for plastic bags. Clerk asked where I was from then threw in an extra bag for free.
Next stop was a pizza place. You pay for pizza by the weight here. I was the only one in restaurant. I was talking to the server who was very interested in Texas and US TV shows. We ended up watching the TV show “The Office” together.
Matthew of Arabia 