Tony and I arrived in Rome Thursday around 11 am and went right to hotel - charming boutique hotel, we had little balcony and I loved the neighborhood. We found out Karen and Mark and Todd and John had already checked in - Mark called our room and asked us to meet them at outdoor restaurant across from hotel - we joined the others and a rude waiter kept giving Tony a menu and then taking it from him (always behind Tony) saying Tony was taking too long to decide on his order- finally annoyed, Tony turned around and realized his waiter was Tom Matassa! We were so surprised and so happy! Marcie told us they'd be in Rome till Monday but we were thrilled to be seeing them for two nights- that night we went out to dinner and during conversation I made some comment about getting something for my cabin and Marcie said "Oh Yes I have that, too, in my cabin" I SAID "WHAT CABIN MARCIE!!!!!???????" That's when we knew they were joining us on 007!!! We had fun dinner and the Mondaes, Mark and Todd and John stayed up way too late on rooftop terrace/bar of hotel but what a fun night! Next day Tom and Marcie Tony and I walked and had a great lunch with good vino - another wonderful dinner Friday night and now we had Olivia and her daughter Joanna - we had small private room in restaurant and had many many laughs - back to rooftop bar for nightcaps with Olivia and Joanna joining us - we were picked up at hotel and taken to ship arriving about 1 PM - our cabins were ready at 1:30 PM how nice - Marcie and Tom co-hosted Todd's cosmo party in their suite - butler brought us yummy treats and the cosmos were perfect - Sue and her dad Bill came, Frank came Carla was napping, Macy came - last night we had 11 at our table - delicious meal I had mussels, pumpkin soup and filet - this morning everyone went to Pompeii but Tom and I stayed on ship - read and relaxed - I am glad I did as they left at 8:15 am for 4 1/2 hr tour and returned at 2:15 PM!! Olivia and group went to Capri - We all had lunch at pool grill (Olivia's son and wife here now) and people have scattered and we'll all hook up before dinner tonight - weather has been perfect - actually very warm in Rome and today is a perfect "10" weatherwise lots of people sunning around pool what a perfect day to relax and look at Sorrento from the ship - - The Oceania is next to us - so Marcie pulled off a perfect surprise and it is such fun being with everyone - she said to say "hi" she was next to me in computer room but left to get her hair done....Todd's friend John is a doll - a super nice guy and I have really enjoyed him - Karen brought 25 pairs of shoes with her - now telling you things as they pop into my head - Tony said this morning "my face hurts from laughing so much last night" - now I'll get on Karen to post - I bought ten hrs of time so you'll hear from me again - great trip, great people - wish you all could be here - Joanna Sunday 4:05 PM
