Disembarkation day – always bittersweet, but today, not so much as we are excited to be on our way to meet Gaby and Sigis in Orvieto for our 20-year anniversary reunion – 20 years ago we met on the Costa Fortuna and have been friends, traveling the world together ever since.  Can’t wait to celebrate with them in Bella Italia!

Unfortunately, our original flight was cancelled and we ended up on Ryan Air at a little bit later time, reducing our hours in Orvieto and increasing our time aboard Oosterdam.  We didn’t have to leave the ship until well after 9:30 to get to the airport, but even though we wasted as much time as we could, we still ended up off the ship a little before 9. Everything worked smooth as silk, we were through immigration in no time, the officer even complimented me on my Spanish and accent!  That’s a first!!!  Then onto the Taxi line, into the taxi easily and to the airport super-fast.

Too fast unfortunately.  We actually got to the airport too early to check-in. Ryan Air. What else to expect? So, we sat, watching the masses queue up – at one point the line stretched on for 100’s of people – until finally we were allowed to check in.  We paid for “priority” to get cabin bags (you pay for everything with Ryan Air!) – but priority doesn’t get you a special check in line, just the normal long snaking line. Sigh. Luckily we had butted our way into the line in front of a huge group of school kids, so it only took about 20 minutes to get through. The people who got stuck behind the kids? Who knows?  After the check-in, it was a breeze!  “Priority” gave us fast track security where there was no one in line and nothing had to come out of the bags. Seamless. We were in the lounge in no time, which was a really cute small little place but with pour your own wine and finger foods!  We had a blast snacking on the best little sandwiches, stuffed croissants, Panini – made ourselves in a Panini maker – olives, nuts and charcuterie. Just great. 

Then it was off to the gate, where, yes, we sat.  And sat. The plane was 15 minutes late arriving, and then it took forever to clear before we were finally allowed to board – again we managed to get to the front of the line to be sure we had enough overhead space for our “Priority” bags – and sitting in our seats.  30 minutes late, then delayed on the runway.  Sigh. 

Finally we were off, rising high above Barcelona, getting our last glimpse of the Oosterdam in port and then up the coastline. Bye bye Spain, bye bye HAL.

The captain made up time, fortunately and we ended up being only 30 minutes late into FCO, further reducing our time with Gaby and Sigis. Bummer.  By the time we got the car and got out of the airport it was almost 4pm.  And then the traffic!!  OMG! Brutal.  The normally a 1 1/2 hour drive to Orvieto took over 3 hours.  We sat in stand still traffic for almost 45 minutes because there was some sort of water main break on the entrance ramp to the A3 autostrada to get to Orvieto.  And while all the Italian drivers knew to be crazy and race out in the right lane (that went away) only to merge into our left lane at the last second way up at the water, we were not so bold and sat with the trucks.  It was so frustrating.  

After the water main break, the roads were perfect, and the scenery dazzling as ever, but we still didn’t end up getting to Orvieto until after 7pm.  We drove into the old town, parked in the piazza near our house, then met Rosalba, the sweet owner, who gave us the keys and toured us around this awesome house with 3 levels – the top level being an amazing patio.  Tour complete, we then had to go park the car down in the parking lot at the bottom of the hill and walk back up to the house, further delaying us.  

By the time we met Gaby and Sigis at the Duomo it was 8pm!  But at least we were all finally together, and even though delayed with little time but for dinner, it was a joyous reunion!   

After hugs and kisses all around, we headed off into the winding little streets of Orvieto in search of sustenance.  Our original plan was to go to Trattoria del Moro Aronne, but unfortunately they were completely full, so Plan B. We wander.  It’s a lovely cool night, it’s Orvieto, the streets are perfect for meandering around while chatting and catching up.  We ended up at Antico Bucchero on a little side lane for a lovely first meal in Italia.  Choosing to dine indoors, as it is fairly chilly out on the patio area, we spend a delightful first dinner with our dear, dear friends sharing excellent food (Antipasi, Pasta con Cinghiale, cacio e pepe – just to name a few), lots of good conversation and lots of reminiscing.  A wonderful time overall!

Bidding each other farewell for the evening, we stroll back to our sweet little house, get organized and wander through all the rooms getting the lay of the land before falling into a lovely deep sleep after a very long, but happily ending day.