Tuesday, 29 December 2015

How they used to live: Antica Dimora Contessa Arrivabene

One night in Rome, and we checked into an establishment rejoicing in the name of Antica Dimora Contessa Arrivabene.

This used to be a private house, and must have seen some wild times in the 1920s, if the paintings in their sumptuously decadent rooms are anything to go by. Both the rooms and the paintings are huge, colorful and immaculately well maintained.


Balcony overlooking the gardens

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Sunday, 27 December 2015

Thumbs up for Terravision

Getting from either of the airports outside Rome to the city center can be an expensive business. Fortunately, there are some inexpensive and efficient alternatives to taking a taxi. We used Terravision’s bus service to travel from Fiumicino airport to the centre of Rome. Great value for just €4 (one-way). The service was well organized and comfortable, with buses running every 40 minutes or so. This is a big saving over a taxi fare of €40 to €50.

You can safely purchase your bus tickets in advance online here. The service also operates from the other Rome airport – Ciampino. You’ll save money if you buy your tickets online, and you’ll avoid any hassle finding the ticket booth and queueing to buy them when you arrive.

There was no scramble to grab seats. A very efficient young lady kept busy organizing customers into an orderly queue, resulting in quick and efficient boarding.

Terravision Coach Boarding
Terravision Coach Boarding

The bus travels directly (no stops) to the central bus and train terminal in Rome (Termini). From here, you can jump on the metro and travel on to your hotel/guesthouse. Although not extensive, the Rome metro system can usually get you within reasonable walking distance of your destination.

If you use the Terravision service to travel back to the airport, you need to exchange your travel voucher for a boarding card at the ticket office behind the Termini station before boarding. It can get busy at the Termini office, but booking in advance will ensure you get a seat on the bus at the time you need to travel. Give yourself plenty of time in case of heavy traffic getting out of the city center.

You can also take a train from Fiumcino airport to Termini. Trains run every 30 minutes, but the tickets are considerably more expensive at €11 (one-way).

Next: How they used to live

Wednesday, 23 December 2015

Polwaththa Eco Living

From Kandy, we had arranged a pickup by tuk-tuk to take us up into the surrounding mountain jungle to Polwaththa Eco Lodges.
We were looking forward to a peaceful break, close to nature and away from the hustle and bustle. Our tuk-tuk driver arrived on time shortly before noon. We paid Rs 1,000... http://www.sandspice.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/IMG_1544.jpg http://www.sandspice.com/polwaththa-eco-living/