One for the story books

Our last day in Rome proved to be most eventful, arriving at the airport just after 7 am for our 9.40 flight to Paris. We suspected there might be difficulties arriving in Paris on time due to forecast snow, but weren't prepared for the sudden evacuation of Ciampino airport just as we were sitting with a relaxing coffee with Mauro. We were left standing out in the airport car park as a succession of emergency vehicles arrived, and we were slowly pushed further back. A young man stepped into a flack vest and other protective gear, and was ushered into the airport, surrounded by firemen who didn't seem too keen to join him. After 10 minutes a loud explosion was heard, and we were soon readmitted to the smells of gunpowder. We were to learn later that someone had left a suitcase unattended, and it was exploded.

But the day didn't end there, as we suffered a succession of delays as flights into and out of Paris were held up as work proceeded to open the airport. The delay allowed time to catch up with Marco, who worked nearby and was able to come to the airport. In coping with long and unexplained delays it helped to have a friend like Mauro (who works at the airport), who was able to tell us that the flight was on its way from Paris, and we had a slot allocated for take-off - some four and a half hours later than scheduled.


Our arrival into Paris revealed a white city... snow cover by the runways was about four inches deep, so it had been heavy. Our journey to the apartment took us past the lights of the city... a tantalising taste of what is to come.


Our apartment in Paris has spectacular views of the Sacre Couer from our windows...