It’s really been a day of different emotions. If you haven’t been following, this is my first split trip abroad in about 19 years.

Poor Craig is working all weekend and I fancied some sunshine and found this trip to Rome.

I had a great nights sleep, which surprised me, though I did remember to take the progesterone which was something. That always helps me sleep. I felt calm when the alarm went off at 4.35am, there was no nerves or worry.

I got ready and we left the dogs sleeping so I didn’t have to do that goodbye… and I drove to the airport in Bertie Beetle. That helped focus my mind and not let it wander.

When Craig drove away I had a bit of a wobble. I checked in with Jet2 and the young girl said, “oh you’re travelling alone? That’ll be lovely” and the tears welled up and I couldn’t speak properly.

This weekend was my idea. I booked it and yet I’ve created some kind of mental turmoil for myself ever since. I’ve been surprised at the fear I’ve felt.

I walked into the main terminal to head to departures and the two women in front of me were whispering about me. Cringe.

I literally felt like a flashing light waking through the airport as if everyone was watching me.

Just before we boarded the plane I met a guy that I used to work with in my old job. I told him how nervous I was… I told anyone who would listen.

I sat next to a lovely couple on the plane from Knightswood and we chatted for most of the flight. They don’t drink either. Denise gave me her phone number in case I was stuck when I was here. How lovely.

Her husband Simon was sitting at the window so he took some photos with my phone. That’s the Austrian Alps!

When we landed I met another woman and her son and we got a bit lost together!!

At baggage reclaim I found my old work colleague again. I left them to go and find my transfer only to end up sharing the transfer with them, although they are staying somewhere else.

What are the chances that, miles away from home and end up sitting with someone I worked with for 12 years!!!

There are no other photos of my trip until after 3.30pm, my head just wasn’t in the game. Even although I was talking to friendly people, I still felt quite overwhelmed.

The Aparthotel Adagio Vatican is fine. It’s nice enough but a bit run down…. As suspected it’s also miles out from the city. I took this on the way back in the evening.

I have a small apartment with a seating area. It is quite basic but it’ll do fine.

The tears spilled over again when the receptionist asked if anyone was joining me.

I can’t believe how emotional I have felt about being on my own.

The hotel is right next door to the train station.

She gave me all the details on the trains and told me to go to the Tabac on the other side of the train station to buy a 3 day ticket.

That’s been my fear since I finally figured out how far out the hotel was…. The travelling across Rome.

Here I am heading down an escalator into the station.

I am a new woman.

Gone is the quivering wreck, replaced by Mrs Practicality. Into the Tabac, bought a ticket, into the station, no fear at all. It felt like the most normal thing in the world.

When you suffer from anxiety you just have no idea when it will strike and when it will disappear. It’s been completely the opposite doe me today. I expected the travel to be easy and the negotiating Rome to be terrifying. 🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️😂

So now that’s out the way… let’s get to the good bit.

I got some advice for a Fb group called “solo in style: women over 50 travelling solo and loving it”…. Full of very inspirational women. They suggested I look up Romewise who detail what you should do when you’re in Rome for the first time for 2.5 days… eh moi!!

Day 1 is

• The Spanish Steps
• Piazza Navona
• The Pantheon
• The Trevi Fountain

I had them all in my sat nav as I knew I’d never remember the order.

I got the train from Balduina Station to Villa Aurelia. Only the second time I’ve ever seen a double decker train.

I changed at Villa Aurelia onto the Meteo and headed to Spagna where I immediately found the Spanish Steps.

What struck me most, as you’ll see, is that it was heaving. There were thousands of people.

Everyone is trying to get the perfect shot, the perfect pout, the perfect selfie that it felt really sad and I wondered if I was just as bad. I’ve never been aware of the Instagram or TikTok culture as much before. It was all about the shot.

I went into the Trinità dei Monti at the top of the Spanish Steps. It’s behind the Obelisco Sallustiano.

It’s a 16th century church with beautiful views across Rome.

Back down the steps.

I then headed to the Piazza Navona taking random shots on the way.

This is Piazza Navona.

Again… heaving!

Next stop is only 5 minutes away, the Pantheon.🏛️ it’s a format Roman temple and has been a Roman Catholic Church since AD609.

It’s looks very old.

It was so busy that I didn’t bother to queue to get in. There were two huge queues and I was already 4.30pm and I hadn’t eaten much.

I walked around the back instead.

I can’t remember what this was but it looks quite unassuming…was a stunning church inside.

Nothing would prepare me for the Trevi Fountain.

It is just beautiful and break taking… however, this is the reality…..

A crazy amount of people!!!!! It’s been a long time since I’ve seen crowds of people like this. All posing, vying to get the best shot of themselves in that place.

I found a lovely little roadside bar, La Fontinella and sat down for garlic bread, veggie pizza and an alcohol free beer.

Loving life.

The hotel is so far out that I want to get home before it gets dark so I thought I’d come and sit by the pool.

The pool doesn’t open until MAY!!! I brought two bikinis. 🤦🏻‍♀️😂 I must get help with my next city break hotel booking. 🤦🏻‍♀️

So I sat on my balcony and watched the sun set over Rome.

The end to a lovely day. A loud day and a busy day. A very emotional day but I am here. I have done it and I’m excited for the Vatican tomorrow.

Stay safe everyone ☀️☀️☀️