Rome and Tour Start

Sunday the 30th
Hi Everyone,
Had walk to the Trivi Fountain which was beautiful the 15 minute walk which took 40 minutes by the time we get lost and rubber necked. Then took a quick trip in a taxi which was equilavent to a ride in the shot- over boat in New Zealand ( and cheaper )to the Michangelo Hotel from where our tour starts. We had a lovely alfresco lunch and took another walk to St Peters Square around the corner. In the evening we met up with our tour group and went out for a 5 course Italian dinner complete with a Latino Piano Accordian playing stud and a bueatiful operatic diva with a powerfull diaphragm. Lots of Italian wine included to give us an Italian feel & a hangover in the morning.

Monday the 31st.

Up early at 6.30 brekkie we started our tour at 7.30 a.m. we went to the Vatican City Sistene Chapel St Peter's Basillica then onto the Forum and the Colosseum. Security was tighter than the Rome Airport. Only one word to describe what we saw and that is Awesome. We are about to head off for another quick tour of city highlights Rome here we come again.

We went to the Spanish Steps where all the lovers meet for flirting you could not move it was that crowded. Next stop Trevi Fountain where we had Gelati which was delicious threw our coins into the fountain (most of us) hoping to come back again one day. Took a quick look at the Designer Stores (we did not do any shopping there!!!) then on to the Pantheon which was built in 94 BC unbelievable.
Fell into bed ready for the early start to go to Florence.

From Rome To Pompeii

Friday the 28th

Hi All,

26 hours in transit we are knackered!! Except for Jill who apparently slept all the way!!!!! Air Terminal in Rome chaotic no air bridges bus to terminal 400 people queued with only two passport lanes operating.
High speed taxi into Rome very interesting 140 kph taxi driver on the phone the whole time waving his hands about. Motor bikes and Scooters passing at high speed we did our best to stay calm.
Went to Termini Station to check the trains to Naples and Pompeii and got accoosted by beggars, We spoke to a tour operators who talked us into booking a bus tour rather making our own way by train.
Back to the motel to freshen up before going out for a 4.00 p.m dinner so we can turn in early and get some much needed sleep fell into bed after two champagnes for a longggggggg sleep.

ciao



Hi All,

Saturday 29th up early in the morning to join the 7.30 am Appian line tour to Naples and Pompeii. Drove through town headed down Auto Strade del sol towards Naples. We had a quick 40 minutes tour of the Highlights of the city of Naples. Then onto to Pompeii for 3 course meal for lunch.It was then time for a two half hour tour of the Pompeii Ruins. Amazing awe inspiring worth every euro the ruins were much more comprehensive than any of us had imagined, our tour guide Fernando was very informitive and made the day a great experience. Came back to Rome at 8.30p.m. Back to motel to freshen up before dining alfresco in a lovely Trattoria on classic Pizza's and Pasta great meal fantastic day had by all.
We will fill in more detail tomorrow all knackered as it is past our bed time.

Singapore Sling

Hi Followers,
We finally arrived in Singapore after a great flight. This has been quite adventurous for me (Ian) turning into a culinary expert. First time experience prawn salad with chili dressing then followed by chicken parmigiana then afternoon snack with beef noodle curry with whole chilli's. I don't know which was the hottest the food or me. Sitting next to Jenny was quite an experience one moment full of laughter next tears rolling down her face ( watching a sad movie). However on the other hand Jamie was really enjoying himself (trying to bet Boon's record). After ten alcohol drinks we gave up counting. Jill and Jenny had their Singapore slings Jamie had cognac red wine and every type of beer. Half the plane was filled with Italians heading home to see the Pope. All flight attendants were great food exceptional and we are looking forward to as good a day tomorrow. We arrive in Rome at 8.00 a.m so it will be a long day's travelling before we crash into a proper bed.

More to follow from the eternal city

countdown

Hi all,

We are all counting down our sleeps now with great anticipation. Has been fun planning our trip especially what we are going to take and wear. Jamie and Jilly are already on holidays where Ian and Jenny still have to work. Right now we are testing out Jilly's blow up pillow having a laugh. Tonight we tested some Italian food out at Fasta Pasta but we think it is going to be a bit different in Italy somehow Ian cannot wait to try all the food in Europe. Five more sleeps we will keep you in touch hoping the next blog will be in Singapore.

From JJJI

Well it is just under 4 weeks till departure day. We have had the disappointment of the English tour being cancelled and the subsequent scramble to get booked on another tour. We ended up booking a eight day tour with another operator. The up side of this upheaval was that Jill's cousin Christine and husband Michael have invited us down to Hampshire to spend a few days with them. We had planned on seeing them at some stage of the tour and seeing as we had some extra days they kindly invited us to join them. They have been very helpful planning things for us to do, it should be great being shown around their part of the world we are all quite excited about this development. So barring any further eruptions from Icelandic Volcanoes we should be on our way in 25 days, then we can start blogging about all the highlights of our trip not just the planning.

Bye for now jjji