5.5 hrs from SFO to Washington Dullas Airport, get out of the packed flight, moved quickly to the next terminal to catch our connection to Rome. We had 50 mins for this transition, we made it. Then 8 hr 35 mins later, we safely landed in Rome Airport. We picked up our luggage with no difficulties, but we were wondering why we didn't have to go through customs?!
As we walked out to the airport exit, there's a guard with a dog sniffing everyone's bags, including mine. The dog for some reason hopped on me and my luggage. At that moment, I knew I was in trouble. That dog was "customs". We were "greeted" immediately by 5 normal dressed big Italian guys. They showed me their badges and asked me to give them my passport and whether I brought a lot of money into Rome. I didn't know what to think but, "who da heck are these guys?!" I was wondering if they are actual police! Why would these people be so interested in how much I brought into Rome?! I didn't give up my passport. I asked who they are and how they can prove to me that they are actually police. I think I totally got them mad now (it was not my intent). After a few words (they yelling in Italian and I spoke in English)...an Italian American ran to me and told me to surrender my passport and that these guys are indeed cops. The guy looked trustworthy so I gave up my passport to the "cops". They took me into this room with a table and a few chairs, there they searched all of my bags. Started with my largest bag, then moved onto my laptop bag, then at last, my camera bag. They founded nothing. I had nothing with me but a bunch of clothes and a few pairs of shoes. After the search that came up with nothing, their attitude immediately changed, told me that the dog is a puppy so he makes a lot of mistakes, then ended my experience with "Welcome to Rome (and a smile)!"
What a way to start out my trip in Italy huh?!
This was ridiculous! I could barely get a picture in ... there were so many people.
I had to take a picture of these "benches". They were all over next to fountains. Perhaps they do this so people won't linger too long? or is it to prevent water accumulating on them?!
Great simple traditional Italian dinner.
11 comments:
Must be your smelly underwear the dogs smell.
hilarious story! only you augie! love the photos. i can't wait to see more!
That's a crazy arrival story Augie! Hope you two are having a fun time! Your pictures bring back great memories of our honeymoon trip! Spanish Steps, Trevi fountain, the food...wish we were there!
OMG AUGIE!!!!!!! That would totally freak me out! Hope you're enjoying now. Looks like it. Congrats to you and your wife on your anniversary. My husband and I are in Hawaii for ours.
When in Rome... do what the big Italian guys ask you to! :p
Be safe you guys and looking forward to more pictures!
Prosciutoo Ham pizza! Yum! Great story at the airport. Need more pictures of you & May together!
Scary! Something similar happened to me in spain. Except they weren't cops and they stole all of our money :(
Wow! what an experience! This sounds like something that only happens in movies! ;)
Awesome pics!! You do look like a terrorist with those Levi's frames. LOL
I am so jealous! I LOVE Rome! Congrats on 10 years!
I love these pics, makes me want to get on a plane. I am wondering, what lens are you using to shoot with?
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