happy new year!

We spent the new year wandering through the piazzas of rome. Incredible, to say the least. People just throw firecrackers in the streets, and you had to make sure the open walkways are open, not vacated due to impending explosives. We got some hot chestnuts and some pizza, and headed to piazza spagna for the countdown. The spanish steps were packed like sardines, with the exception of a few small areas for fireworks and around the fountain. At the start of the new year, they sprayed champage everywhere, and we found out why the center of the piazza was empty. People started chucking bottles in, and you couldnt even hear them break over all the din. It was pretty fab.

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rome!

We finally made it to rome. We arrived on the 28th. More to follow with better internet...

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sunset at the airport

Although our flight was cancelled yesterday, we managed to rebook tonight. We were delayed boarding for 2 hours, because the previous flight on the plane left pittsburgh really late. But we've just got the go-ahead to board soon. Maybe this will be it!

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the next morning

in the end, it all worked out. my dad managed to find us a hotel 25 miles north in cherry chill, new jersey. he also managed to get us booked on a flight out tonight, which is miraculous because they, at first, decided it was full, but when they heard we were already in philly, we got on the flight. the hotel was not toooo far away, so we hopped on 95 and started our journey. we were driving 30 miles an hour, tops, and we could saw a total of maybe 6 cars during our trip. what we couldn't see: the road, the lines, whether we were on an overpass over water or land, and more than maybe a hundred feet in front of us. it was pretty amazing we got here.

the hotel is pretty nice, and so we crashed here last night and grabbed breakfast this morning. we're checking out soon, and probably heading back to the airport then.

hopefully this time, we'll make it out!

stuck in the airport

We got on the plane, and i figured that meant we were safe. After waking up to snow and our first flight (baltimore to philadelphia) being cancelled, then driving all the way to philly to make this flight, waiting in the airport for 5 hours, an extra half hour on a late flight attendant and going through two de-icings (okay, so the flight was cancelled before the second one), and sitting on the runway two hours, i was really hoping we'd make it to rome.
Currently, our flight is cancelled, they have no plans to reschedule it, we have no place to stay, and the scant overpriced dining options are starting to close.
The picture is of all the people on our flight sitting at the gate and wondering what to do.

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snow at the airport

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on our way!

We've already been delayed once, but we're on our way. Our flight from washington to philadelphia was cancelled, so we're driving up to philadelphia instead. We'll catch our international flight there and be on our way. We're hoping to make it out of the northeast before the snow catches us. Reminds me a bit of the storm chaser shows, the image of a car driving just ahead of a raging blizzard. Thats pretty far from the reality, but, still, all we can do is drive and hope the storm doesnt make it to philadelphia until after 7.

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the night of christmas and all through the house...

christmas night and, weather permitting, we leave tomorrow! should the weather behave, my family begins our trip, flying out of baltimore on sunday afternoon. unfortunately, the forecasted snowstorm may slow us down a bit.
nevertheless! my bags are packed, i've taken my last american shower (may have to amend that one if the weather gets too nasty), and i'm ready to go. i'm still nervous, and i can't believe that i'm really going to live out of a suitcase that small for 6 months, but i will.