“Welcome to Italy!”

Here we are today, our first full day in Italy. We arrived last night after a flight of approximately 1.5 hours from Gatwick Airport in London. We then arrived in Italy and proceeded to go through the fiasco – I think that might be a word of Italian invention – of trying to enter the country. A new system for processing passengers has been put in place, which I think all agreed had far from the desired effect – If the desired effect was to welcome visitors – in which we were made to undergo processes that seemed without logic and without consideration for the difficulties and confusion they induced.

I came to a booth as I hoped to finally clear Customs and so to cross Italy’s border and begin our Italian holiday. I found myself in front of a Customs officer who seemed to have forgotten that she was dealing with people or how to produce a smile upon her face. She barked orders at me in a way that I found hard to understand and instead of trying to assist me, she seemed annoyed at my very presence. At one point – somewhat annoyed at her attitude, I said, words to the effect of “You could be a bit nicer!” my gentle reprimand stopping me from saying anything more sharply. After what seemed to be an eternity, she waved me away, without once looking me in the eye or perhaps – would it be too much to ask – wishing me a pleasant stay.

After that experience, the only way to go was up and the welcome from the tour company rep was friendly and welcoming. Being part of an oldies tour group is certainly something I would recommend. Arriving in a strange country it is comforting to have others who had chosen the support of a group of similar age. Looking around at the proliferation of grey haired and no haired participants we are certainly in the right place. A short gathering to instruct as regarding the opportunities and timetable on offer and we went on to our rooms. Meeting up in the morning, the welcome we had perhaps hoped for was now given to us all. A tour of the town, which was pretty much all uphill, made me grateful for my poles. In using them, I noted that many of those on the outing had some kind of stick to hold onto to assist them and/or sometimes a husband or wife to steady them.

I have never really considered going on ‘an oldie’s’ tour, but there are distinct advantages in not having to work out every small detail of our travel plans. Much less stress for all in the group and I am particularly pleased for my husband, who is the one who usually is the person to set our itinerary and all the work and responsibility that goes with it. It is nice to know that we will have plenty to do and see while in this beautiful country.

I awoke this morning, opened the curtains and said one simple word “Wow!” The scenery before me certainly having the wow effect and continued to do so during the day.

Despite the inauspicious beginning, we look forward to discovering the Italy we hoped to see in all it’s glory!