Day 43 - 7th June. Delphi-> Athens

Day 43 - 7th June. Delphi-> Athens

Wake up at 7.15am and on the road at 8.45am today.
We stopped soon after at a store which opens for Trafalgar tours. They sell lambskin gloves, jackets and long coats which were lovely. Then we drove round to a look out point – to see the true Delphi town of Arachuba- it is picture postcard perfect. Was standing outside the shop there waiting to re-board when a nasty little Greek wasp flew up and just stung me in the side- I hadn’t even touched him! Asked the TD if they had any anti-histamine in the first aid box, which they didn’t, so next thing I know the bus driver has borrowed a motorbike from the shop owner and is driving to the nearby chemist to buy some for me!! This is before I can say, no I will be ok- didn’t want to cause a fuss. Andreas returns and gives me some clear liquid to put on it and the welt and swelling was gone within an hour- good stuff!

Then we drove for 3 ½ hours on to Athens.
Meant to say the other day we saw something you never see at home. At the port of Patras when we came in on the ferry, the TD pointed out half a dozen young men who were scaling a 12 ft fence, in to the area we were in and bolting for the parked trucks there.
He said they are Iraqi’s fleeing from the troubles at home and trying to get to England. Apparently they pay the truck drivers who were bringing all their trucks across on the ferries – the Iraqis pay the drivers to stow them away in the back of their vehicles.

Problem is, a lot of the trucks have cool stores and stowaways have been known to freeze to death in them. Sad really, as they are just young people trying to find a safer country to live in and the greek government are turning a blind eye to it since they don’t want the problem either.

Arrived at our hotel, then went on a tour through the city and ended with a walking tour of the Acropolis. Not sure how old it is, but Graeme described it as “bloody old” !! The local guide told us that many of the artifacts from the site have been taken to the British Museum, where it is one of their most prized possessions. The Greek government has asked repeatedly for them to be returned but they will not. This see’s the sight fairly empty of all but its buildings and ruins.

The city of Athens is incredible and from the Acropolis you can see it spanning out everywhere and up towards the mountains – am amazing sea of white stone buildings.

There were lots of old gypsy women hawking the usual stuff outside the Acropolis which we don’t usually buy, but a couple had these beautiful thick throw rugs (or tablecloths) that they told us had hand sewn ends- this I doubt as they looked way too perfectly straight for this!! However, they were very nice and she tried to sell them for €40 each. Of course I said no, then she tried €30 – no, then she asked me what I wanted to pay. I said €10, so she came back very pained eventually with €20. Stuck to my guns and I now have a lovely throw for €10 !! Dad, you would have been proud!! Graeme said I’m better at it than him, so he just sits back and smiles!!

Later we returned and freshened up for the farewell optional tour at a traditional Greek restaurant. What a night of song and dance! It was great, with wonderful food and the costumed dancers were very energetic.
Danni ended up the most popular female there- she danced all night !! It was a really enjoyable evening of regional foods and music. We ended up losing 4 of the group on the way back to the bus, but somehow they turned up at the hotel before us?!!!

Day 42 – 6th June. Olympia->Delphi

Day 42 – 6th June. Olympia->Delphi

Wake up was at 7am today, is a good time for most to be getting up. On the road at 8.30am where we drove for 4 hours to Delphi. We stopped at lunch time at a restaurant where they bring around all the food and you choose which one you want. Wasn’t a great system as it took ages and no-one really undertood how it worked, plus it was really expensive.

Graeme had a small slice of mousaka which was € 6.50 alone, then a surcharge for sitting ! of €1 each. Danni had the best choice of a plate of spaghetti bolognaise for the same price.
We also went to the view point that overlooked the valley- it was incredibly high and rocky, with an aquaduct running down the mountain. The channeled water is quite a feat of design!

On to another Amalia hotel- same chain as yesterday, a large sprawling hotel complex which is aesthetically very pleasing. And the first view we have had from our bedroom – YAY, it is at the top of the hotel, great and after 42 days! However, to keep us in line, still not one double bed on this tour, even though the TD has it on his request form. Dad reckons it is because we are traveling with a child, so no hanky panky needed !

When we arrived in the tiny town of Delphi we all felt abit car sick as the road was really windy all the way up. They dropped about 1/3 of the group at the Oracle, which are greek ruins – not much left and up a steep steep hill. We didn’t go as it had started to rain again and the bus wasn’t coming back for 3 hours. Instead we went back to the hotel and crashed out for an hour in a lovely cosy sleep. One difference with this Amalia hotel- the beds aren’t hard, one of the other women on the tour said she woke up this morning after sleeping on the rock hard beds and thought she had dislocated her shoulder! But this one is much better.

When the shops re-opened from siesta time at 5pm, we walked into the small main street to look around. Graeme bought a statue of ‘Winged Victory’. We had seen the original in the Louvre. It is a headless figure of a women that adorned the front of a statue of a ship. A greek farmer ploughed it up in his field and there are no clues as to how it had got there or where the head is. The original was massive and Graeme took a real liking to it. He also bought a small replica of a Greek helmet, similar to the pic of one I posted earlier.
We also saw a opal and gold greek style ring that I can strangely wear on the finger I broke- I haven’t been able to wear anything on it for years, but this ring fits perfectly- must have been meant to be huh?!

Cruise - 3 days of the Greek Islands

Hi wont be able to post for a few days as we are on a ship in the Greek islands and there is one computer with a very slow connection for 750 people!!

Will catch up once we are back on Monday though- still having a ball though!

Day 41 – 5th June. At Sea-> Patras->Olympia

Day 41 – 5th June. At Sea-> Patras->Olympia

Interesting night on the ship – they started making announcements over the loud speakers around 4am in 4 languages that came on every 30 mins or so. To top it off, I was lying awake after the first announcement in the dark and I hear a staff member outside in the hallway saying to another person Ï am going to wake up all the people, ALL the people.”The other person was saying “wait”but the first guy says “No! I will wake up ALL the people.”

Now I'm WIDE awake and having a Titanic moment – should I wake Graeme and tell him something is very wrong, or should I go find Jack and a whistle to go with my life jacket??!!
I decided to lie in a a sweat and wait for a bit, then about an hour later at 5am they announce that they are stopping at the first port. Phew! Wake up call must have been for all those people getting off first?

Lay in bed till wake up call at 8am, the ship is very stable in its sway and it was nice to lay there looking out at the Greek Islands.
We got into port at lunchtime, so off the ship and onto our new bus with the greek driver – Andreas.

We drove to Olympia in the middle of a storm – apparently it NEVER rains here and guess what? This June is very strange they say. But when we got there it fined up and we had a great greek meal that I have forgotten the name of –it had pita bread, pork, yoghurt and cucumber and onion – delicious! Then we went to the Olympus where the original stadium is. The first games were played there in 779BC ! It was amazing that something thousands of years old still exists, albeit in ruins.

We even saw the track with the start/finish line! Apparently only men could attend and they all competed naked –imagine watching the sprints !@#!!
Two of the aussie guys decided to do a strip and go for a run, but only got to undoing their trousers when the local guide panicked bigtime! Apparently, the police would be called and they would be arrested! It was funny though. Also went through the museum with all the stadium artifacts displayed.

Then to our hotel which is by far the largest most sprawled out hotel yet. We are all so sick of being served pasta and fish every night for dinner as you don’t get a choice on tour, but tonight – OMG! We had the most amazing buffet meal with every meat you can imagine. We are all so starved of red meat, so we were all in heaven. Everyone said they are true converts to Greek food now as we haven’t had the regional foods of the countries that we thought we would sample, but this was fantastic!

Day 40 – 4th June . Pompeii-> Bari->At Sea

Day 40 – 4th June . Pompeii-> Bari->At Sea

We had a sleep in today until 7am, never got that on the France tour! Have to say that this tour is a great pace, we only had that one long day on the bus and its been pretty cruisey since. Most days we have only had 4-6 hours on the bus and some hardly any.

The tour had been great so far and while the TD is longwinded (at his own admittance), to give him his dues – he gives you lots of info and its always willing to point you in the right direction when you need help. Timekeeping is also much improved. He certainly does more than he needs to.

Today we say goodbye to Ferdinando our bus driver – he is a real sweety and is a gentleman to boot, we are all sad to say goodbye- but we tip him well for all his hard work. Álso have included a pic today of someone you might recognize- Robert De Niro was working at the hotel we stayed at – undercover for his latest movie!!! We blew his cover.

We then went into town to an inlaid wood factory that would blow you away. It is the only place in the world where they practice this particular hand crafting of wood. They cut out all the designs with a very fine coping saw and then glue all the pieces back into it. Then there is an intricate process that is so time consuming to come up with the original hand crafted pieces. We all fell in love with the furniture and other pieces and I bought the most beautiful large cherry wood jewellery box that has an old pianolla style music disc inside that plays different tunes. There have only been 6 of these made and will be a great heirloom for the girls one day too.

We left the hotel at 8.30am and travelled for a couple of hours out of Sorrento and to Pompeii. Its great to not have to worry about anything, no parking or buying tickets. Got our local guide who took us all through the ruins. They were amazing- 2/3’s of Pompeii have been excavated and that has taken 200 years! There were 3000 shops there, so it was a hub of trade. It was a similar feeling there to the Coliseum – eerie and awesome.

Went through the brothel – the paintings on the walls were pretty explicit!! We were surprised how many paintings there were in the city that had survived- mostly painted in ochre. It is all sitting against the backdrop of Mt. Vesuvius – the mountain which erupted 24 August, 79 A.D. You wonder how a huge city like this could simply disappear and be lost for over a hundred years before being accidentally re- discovered when people were excavating to build.

It got so hot while we were there- never happy! Drenched one day, sweating like mad the next! Wandered around a little longer though, enjoying this amazing site, although it is sad to see there are stray dogs there that have been dumped and they look lost and aren’t in good condition with no one to feed them regularly.

We looked at the stalls outside and had lunch then back onto the bus for 4 hours to the sea port of Bari where we boarded our “superfast” ferry. This is a surprisingly upmarket ship – only 6 years old and as flash as the cruise ship Pacific sky we have been on.
Michael had got in early and secured us all outside cabins- great! Had dinner in the restaurant – 4 courses and very nice, washed down with some german beer that comes in a 500 ml bottle! A great day today- Goodbye to Italy – have loved it here and having the week before in Tuscany really set the tone!

Day 39 – 3rd June. Aisle of Capri

Day 39 – 3rd June. Aisle of Capri

Up at 6.30am today, woke to rain rain and more rain. We left for our trip over to the aisle of Capri which isn’t far, but is reached by boat. We all thought the TD would call the excursion off or give us an alternative due to the horrible weather but as we didn’t know we were going to be in the rain all day, we were all blissfully unaware!

We were all glad of the umbrellas the hawkers sold us in Rome, but then most people ended up buying green rain coats for € 4 each at the harbour as it really set in – they were VERY attractive as you can see from the photo!
We got so wet that Danni’s and my shoes bled the dye onto our feet- looked like we had foot diseases!

We got into mini vans and went up to Ana Capri - literally ‘Above Capri”- there are 13,000 residents here altogether and about 50 million tourists I’d say! The trip up was so funny – it was very hair raising to say the least as the drop off the cliff was about 1200 feet ! People were freaking out as the road was very narrow, with the vehicles just scraping past each other! Got to the top and had a lovely lunch in a hotel though, view would be great on a nice day I’d say.
Apparently Tom Cruise and Mariah Carey come to this island to holiday.

Then we went to Axel Munthes villa- a Dr who wrote a book about something or other. We went there as we couldn’t do the boats into the grotto and caves which was disappointing, but would have been way too dangerous in this weather.

Then we hung around and got the vans back down to Capri and onto the ferry. Much better trip back to Sorrento than this morning as there was enough room -in the morning we were all locked outside in an overcrowded area and the rain was pelting in the sides! Not sure what was going on, but it was one of those days you say….”Remember the day we went to Capri?!!”

Day 38 – 2nd June. Assisi->Montecassino->Sorrento

Day 38 – 2nd June. Assisi->Montecassino->Sorrento


Big thunder storm at 4am this morning- Graeme said it woke him as the booms resonated in the streets here as they are high up and narrow. I was blissfully unaware thanks to good earplugs! However, we both noticed it wasn’t a very restful night, surprised me as I thought sleeping in a nuns convent would see us peaceful as babies?!

Up at 6am, bags out at 6.30am and on the road at 7.30am. There is a parallel tour running on the same tour itinerary as us, so the TD is trying to stay slightly ahead of them at toilet stops etc for obvious reasons.

On the road for 4 hours then we stopped at Montecassino for 15 mins. The Kiwis are all buried together on the right hand side of this cemetery- it is different to the other military cemeteries we have stopped at in France and England as instead of a white cross or the Jewish star, these were full grey headstones – they have the silver fern on them and for the first time, the age of each soldier.
Danni noted as we walked along 2 Maori battalion soldiers next to each other and said “Mum look - that man only lived 1 day longer than the man beside him”. Out of the mouths of babes…

We walked along and came across the grave of the only NZ’er we saw who had a photo on his headstone. It was one of him obviously taken just before he left for war, in uniform – sitting proudly with Mum and Dad - Corporal T. Wetini,
28th Maori battalion, 25 years old.
So here we stopped, it seemed that this man put a face to all the men from home.

Graeme put the song 'Pou karekare ana' on thru the laptop and I-Pod and we stood and listened to it in the silence. Hearing the beginning where Tui’s are calling out was very poignant. You don’t realise until you are away, the sounds that take you straight back home and this was one of them.
Would have loved more time here to give the respect these guys deserved to just wander amongst the graves but we were last back on the bus as it was ! It was great to have done this as it is new on the itinerary for this tour this year so we were lucky. I liked the way the cemetery looks back over a towering backdrop of mountains – it was very restful.

Travelled along for another few hours on the bus, through Naples to the outskirts of Sorrento, where we stopped at a 4 acre farm that produces all the food and alcohol it serves to the tour group. They showed us they make mozzarella cheese, then served it to us with tomato, salami, olives and bread. This was followed by pasta then a cake with the famous lemoncello poured over it – rocket fuel !! Have included a pic of the dog at the farm, he was so happy Danni patted his tummy!

We returned to the bus and through the windy streets up to our hotel in Sorrento. Quick turn around then back into town for those that wanted to shop. We went as we needed to get a new suitcase – we had found Danni’s suitcase broken at the second hotel- the porters had obviously pulled the handle up so hard that it sheered off and pulled right out, then they had just put it back in! So the TD pointed us in the right direction as Sorrento’s cases are Italian made not Chinese and are good value for money.

Ended up buying a light weight, hard shell case that the lady demonstrated to us by standing on one!!! Graeme is sick of softer ones that eventually break, so he wanted to buy a good quality case.

It had been raining, so we didn’t stay long and were amongst the first in the line to get the hotel shuttle back to the hotel which was great as others ended up paying for taxi’s or waiting ages in the rain.

Dinner was great but more pasta- we are all pasta éd out!! Heard word that the All Blacks had won their match against France and that Team NZ had won the yachting- you get ridiculously proud of such achievements when you are overseas- well the guys do when they are full of home made red wine!

We are off on an optional to the Isle of Capri tomorrow – Pompeii has been left until Monday now when we have more time. Will be good as we have 2 days here. Sorrento looks amazing clustered on the hills as you come in- very traffic clogged though, but better than Naples which was dirty and ugly. Naples has a huge refuse problem and is controlled by the Mafia wives as the Mafia heads are in prison – hence there is a lot of standover tactics it is rumoured and poverty there.

Day 37 – 1st June. Firenze->Assisi

Day 37 – 1st June. Firenze->Assisi

Had an easy day today as we weren’t on the optional tour in the morning to San Giamangio, so we could take it easier, although we still had to have our suitcases outside our doors by 7.15am.

Did emails and internet for abit as we had it in our room for 10 euros which wasn’t bad. Had breakfast then wandered down the road looking in the shops. Saw some nice leather boots but they didn’t have my size. Just as well probably!

Onto the bus and drove for a few hours to the bottom of Assisi where Michael took us to a church that had the original tiny stone church was totally encompassed inside the bigger churches walls. It was tiny in comparison and had great paintings on its inner walls. This is where St Francesco spent his life and is apparently buried under the floor- that’s what you get for building it !

Then we wound up the hills into Assisi where we are staying in an old Nuns convent called Hotel Giotto. I had heard lots about it on the Trafalgar forum as the rooms are the size of cells ! After last nights carry on with our room, the TD made sure we have a decent sized room since there are 3 of us.

Then Graeme went out on a walking tour of the large church here, while Danni and I went for a walk down the small lanes. It had been cloudy and wet, but then the thunder really started and the skies opened. We all had the umbrellas the street hustlers had sold us at the Colliseum, so we were right but it continued to pour, so we came back and relaxed until Gray came back.

Dinner at 7.30pm in the hotel tonight then to bed as we have an early start I think- we are off to Pompeii tomorrow amongst other things. Really enjoying this tour.

Day 36 - 31 st May. Venice->Bologna-> Firenze (Florence)

Wake up at 6.15am and on the bus at 7.45am after a good sleep of course- still having NO problems laying down and being asleep in 10mins!!

We drove for 4 hours today and stopped at the American War Cemetery where 4000 americans are buried. It is Memorial day here so all the headstones had an American and an Italian flag on them. This is such a beautiful cemetery, gently sloping uphill laid out in front of you. It was very moving and there were americans on the tour all coming back blowing their noses. Our turn on Saturday with Montecassino and the Commonwealth cemetery - there are hundreds of the Maori battalion buried there also.

We have brought along a recording of Kiri Te Kanawa/ Maori Mens choir version of
Pou Karekare ana, so might play that there if it feels right as it will have been along time since these NZérs have heard a song from home....

Anyhow, we continued on to Florence and guess what? We are cured of our post traumatic stress disorder form when we accidently drove in there at rush hour traffic time!! Easy as, in the bus. Stopped at a look out and had our tour group photo taken and took some pics of the city and the synagogue with its green dome, then back on the bus and into a small square. Here we had a gold and leather making demo then were set free with all the other tourists!

Its funny these cities we are visitng are like the old days where trade was strong in each city in a particular field. Venices was the hand blown glass and lace and Firenze is leather and gold work. We seem to have lost that over time and now modern cities seem to do it all but mostly machine made.

Graeme has been very keen to buy me a ring for my birthday and we found a simple dark ruby here with 2 diamonds that I loved. They made it quite a few sizes bigger for me in a couple of hours, so it was ready for picking up later.

We went on a walking tour with a local guide in the meantime and keep being told to really watch our valuables- will be happy when we get back to NZ and not worry about this! as you are constantly aware of people being close to you.

Came back and went to a local restaurant for dinner which was lovely, then out to the bus and on to the hotel.On the way danni teased me that I had stood in some doggie doo which is everywhere- I hadnt but chased her with my shoe- see the pic!

Found upon arrival at our hotel that we had a room with 2 king singles, split by a small single in between them - so we couldnt even walk in between. Graeme was down to the lobby pretty quick as he is getting frustrated with the rooms we keep getting. None have been large but this was ridiculous and we have paid 90% of the adult price for Danni on the tour! Luckily, he found an "error had been made"and we were changed to a room with 2 doubles- phew!

Day 35 – 30th May, Venice ->Murano then Burano!

Day 35 – 30th May, Venice ->Murano then Burano!

What a cool day today! Knew these were going to be the best optionals of the tour and we would see lots of firsts.

Left the hotel at 8.30am, with a short bus ride to the ferry, then over to Murano where the famous hand blown glass is made. Venice is a world of its own with all its water, water everywhere.

We did the obligatory glass blowing demo which was actually very interesting and wandered around their Murano factory, where you would not want to knock anything over. All the glass objects are amazing but very expensive of course. An apprenticeship for a master glass blower is an incredible 15 yrs!! You would have to be dedicated.

Then we were free to wander around and discover the wonders of Venice. The day had cleared for us after all the rain yesterday and we wandered up the warren of alleyways looking in shops.
St Doges palace was shut today due to a strike, so we decided to just wander back through the square- came around the corner and found this huge open square we had just walked through an hour ago was under about 3 inches of water!!!! Apparently it floods 350 days a year and it had come up in an alarmingly short time.
Only one thing to do – take off your shoes and wade through it with thousands of other stranded people! The water probably wasn’t too clean and it stung my skin causing a rash straight away – eeww! But it was a funny thing to experience.

Luckily though it lead us to what Danni later called the best experience of her life. One of those things that just happen – we came upon a large flock of beautiful grey/green and pink pigeons. There was a man selling corn feed so we bought a packet and they came straight up.

The birds all flew up, landing on our arms and hands to get the feed, it was fantastic. One even landed on Danni’s head and our delight was plain to see!! It did pass through my mind about bird germs but they all looked in great health and it was such a cool experience, it was worth it!

Then we wandered around and bought gifts etc and met up to board the boat over to the island of Burano. This is where all the hand made lace is made and has the famous homes on it that are painted different bright colours, depending on the family who own it. These colours were significant as originally it was a fishing island and the fisherman would wear their house colour when they went out to sea. If one was lost, they would know who it was by the colour the man wore.

Went to a restaurant that served an amazing seafood meal of fish pate/spread, seafood lasagna and risotto, then fish steaks, calamari and battered shrimps. This was followed by almond brittle and shortbread with fresh fruit to finish. Drinks were included in the price so a few beers and wines were had!

After being taken care of so well we walked around and bought more gifts. This time though I bought myself 2 lace parasols made here by hand. They are beautiful, once cream and one black – these will hang from the ceiling at home Graeme tells me! We were just so lucky with the weather as this optional would have been off if it had been bleak, but we could have used the parasols today as it was hot.

Caught the boat back to Murano and then on to the famous gondola ride! It is true that there is a lot of rubbish around Venice in the water and some in the harbour area are really bad, but the canals weren’t too bad. Unfortunate for us, we got a very surly gondolier who wouldn’t let us sit together and broke the couples up, then seated us with the 2 heavier guys on one side so we all spent the trip tipped over to one side! He was a grumpy so and so, so I asked him if he was going to sing for us since he wouldn’t let us sit together but – No,”the guy in the next gondola does that”!

The man who sang had a beautiful voice and had another playing the accordion which we could hear so that was good. To finish it off, we caught a water taxi and went around the grand canal – complimentary glass of champagne in hand!

The TD said that the gondoliers are born in to the profession, you cant just decide to be one and that these guys are millionaires – they would need to be since the cost of making a gondola is €150,000 ! This is because they are handmade to very specific specs.

Back on the water taxi across the island, back to Venice and the bus.
What a cool day we have had today- one of those memories you will always have.

Day 34 – 29th May. Bus Day, Rome->San Marino->Venice

Day 34 – 29th May. Bus Day, Rome->San Marino->Venice

Wake up at 6am today, bags out at 6.45 and on the road at 7.45am. We drove almost ½ the length of Italy today! Stopped after 5 hours at a fantastic little town called San Marino, which used to be the smallest republic in the world until Naru declared its independence. It is way, way up in the Appenine mountains.

Friendly people there after Rome, and the shops were full of imitation label perfumes, watches, caps etc and it was actually great to see cheap stuff for the first time since we left home. Had a nice hour there, even in the rain it was picturesque.

Drove another 5 hours to Venice and stopped at a restaurant for dinner then finally to the hotel at 10pm – a long one today but since we had previously done a tour, it wasn’t such a shock for us – although this has been the longest bus day overall for sure.
Danni was so great, she never complained or asked how much further once, she was happy reading and playing the PSP. We do make sure though, that if we are having a long day we tell her about what to expect in advance.

We have a big day with touring in Venice then 2 optionals tomorrow- a trip to the island of Burano on a boat with the infamous “Burano seafood meal” that everyone on the Trafalgar forum raves about then a combined one in the evening with a trip in a water taxi up the grand canal and the famous gondola ride.

We get to sleep in till 7am tomorrow Michael the TD tells us, he is a real chatterbox and likes to tell stories a lot of the time about himself and his experiences?!@#!!

Its been great history wise to have read the Da Vinci code prior to coming overseas, so learnt heaps about Paris and its architecture, history, religion etc. Also, now reading Angels and Demons which is centred around Rome and the Vatican – I was reading today about things I just saw yesterday in the Pantheon- this author really does his research!
Was also interesting to note that the Coliseum was actually called Flavivin ampitheartre and many Italians don’t know it as the Coliseum! (think it was something to do with a family name?)

Day 33– 28th May. Rome- The Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St. Peters Basilica, Catacombs, The Pantheon.

Day 33 – 28th May. Rome- The Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St. Peters Basilica, Catacombs, The Pantheon.

Phew !big day yesterday and another today. Last night we went out for the welcome dinner then on to an optional for the illumination tour of Rome. Have to say it was a bit of a disappointment as it was rushed in some places like the Spanish steps and the Trevi fountain, although in the short 15 mins at the steps, I was accosted a dozen times by hustlers selling roses (try to shove them in your hand), neon flying things, flashing earrings and other assorted junk. They are so persistent.

It was quite funny really, Danni got into the swing of it and when they would try yet again she would come out with this loud “NO” at them, which sent them packing as don’t think they expected it from a 10 yr old!! They nearly got some of the Italian language I had been taught in cases of extreme irritation!!

There were many, many people in theses 2 places and lots of pickpockets – often young pretty girls in their 20’s, trying to lift wallets etc – cant say we really enjoyed it there at night in that environment but was good to say you have done it. Then onto a driving tour and got back to the hotel at 11.30pm after the TD told us it would be 9.45pm!

Wake up call at 6am today, which we expected but others hadn’t. We thought that it was pretty good considering we were going to the Vatican and I know others have had wake up calls at 4.45am on their tours to get there early!

Had breakfast all together, this is quite a quiet group compared to the very outgoing group on the France tour – but still early days yet, got to get to know people.

Unfortunately, the Tour Director was the same today with time, really lax and the schedule went completely out the door pretty quickly. Late to leave, late to arrive at the Vatican and into a loooooooooonngg line but we were lucky as we did get in after an hour or so, another 50 metres back and the TD said they dont – even though they had reservations as tour groups.

The Vatican is somewhere that is so immense and opulent in its paintings that its hard to explain. The roof in the great hall is unbelievable and the statues were pretty impressive too. Had to smile as I am reading Dan Browns ‘Angels and Demons’I think (or was that the kiwi tour director yesterday who told us??!)about how one of the Popes at the Vatican in the past had feared the male statues genitals might insight lustful thoughts, so had them all hacked off – and guess what – its true!!! They don’t say anything about it when you are there, but sure enough they were all eunuchs!?!@#@.
Someone wondered if somewhere in the Vatican is a room full of discarded penises!!

We also saw the glass coffin of the pope who died 44 years ago – believe me he looked like he should be buried again- have included a pic!!

The group went on to the Coliseum, but as we had been there yesterday, we three went off for lunch in a restaurant. It was funny, it was semi quiet there, then the skies opened and it poured and the wind howled in a sudden storm – the place was instantly filled!!! We had a great meal of pizza, bread and strawberries and they were very nice – until they decided we had had long enough and paid the bill- then they got very rude and asked us to leave before we had even finished our drinks!!! Told them we would go when we were done, so the waiter whacked all the glasses together loudly and took them all away?! Rude little Italian! We stood to go and the tablecloth was off and table re-set before we reached the door, so he got a little Kiwi flea in his ear as we left.

Stood outside waiting for the 2.15pm pick up in the bus for the optional, and were set upon by ?Indian hustlers now selling umbrellas!!! Where do they keep all these wares ? Dig them up? It is funny – they have wares for every weather type. Bargained them down from €5 each to 3 for €10!
Stood and waited and waited for the bus- didn’t turn up till ¼ to 3pm, so we were wet and cold. This TD is really unreliable with time which is rare I have heard as they are usually very pedantic about being on time.

Once picked up we were taken to the catacombs, I was really looking forward to it as have read abit about them - 17kms of tunnels. Was disappointing though, we were taken into the catacombs, looked at the empty niches where the bodies used to be, walked around 3 corners and that was it ! Only about 20mins and no bodies which for some reason we thought we would see. But still interesting how the Romans buried their dead. Not enough cemeteries, so they dug into the rocks dating back to 600AD and put whole families into crypts on shelves in the walls.

After this we were taken on a walking tour to the Pantheon which is architecturally very different – there is a large circular hole in the roof of this basilica! Walked around various piazza’s then stopped for a gelato. Back on the bus- 2 hours late getting back and for those who are going on the optional for dinner, they only had 15 mins to get in, freshen up and be back out again – not good really. Graeme had a word with the TD about it, but not sure he will change his spots as has been doing this for awhile I think.
He tells us we have an amazing 13 hours on the bus with stops tomorrow – it is a new route this year from Rome to Venice. Trafalgar advertise though that the longest days are around 7-8 hours! A quiet night in with left over pizza for us!

Day 32 - 27th May. Roma- Coliseum, Palatine Hill & the Forum

Day 32 – 27th May

We both tossed and turned during the night as we possibly had one of the hardest beds in europe!! They felt like tables, so late in the night I swapped a sleeping Danni into our bed as Graeme was fast asleep, and slept in her fold out.

Woke to a grey day but with promise of fining up. We decided to come to Rome a day early to see the Coliseum and Palantine Hill, as it wasn’t clear if that was included on the Trafalgar Itinerary. No-one at TT was sure if it was a “visit”or just a “view of the coliseum” on the tour, so we decided to go alone as it was something we really wanted time to see.

We walked from the hotel, only took about 20 mins and found it no problems due to Graemes amazing sense of navigation – you would think he was born in Rome (He made me type that)!!
There was of course a huge queue we could see, but were approached by a company offering guided tours, English speaking, with headsets and no queue. All for €6 more than if we waited in the 45min line. Even better they told us that Danni was free as she was from NZ and under 18yrs! Guess which choice we happily picked?! The tour was great, lead by an Italian god ‘Daniella’, who would have all the girls at home drooling. He gave a great tour and the headsets were so much better than the TT ones we had at the Eiffel tour.

We spent several hours happily wandering around – I think we were lucky there didn’t seem to be huge crowds even though it is a Sunday. Filled 3 sticks of memory with photos! Then went outside for a gelato – a rip off at €4 each! But in the heat it was a necessity!

Sat with the crowds outside the forum until the next tour they told us about, which was free. We were split into 2 groups and lo and behold this very Kiwi accent tells us he is our tour guide.
A young guy from Masterton who came here 3 years ago to study Anthropology, he was so funny and it was great to have that typical easy going, humour around us again (Makes you realize that eurpoeans on a whole seem to more serious by nature).

He took us on a great walking tour of Circus Maximus and Palatine Hill – boy was it getting hot?! We were all sweltering but the guide said the temp actually reaches about 47C in July. Not sure it was that hot today but nearer the 40’s probably.

It has been a great day today, to stand in front of the Coliseum was amazing and something I've always dreamed of.

After we had had a good look around we walked very slowly back to – yet again McD’s!! Their icy cokes are great!.

Back to the hotel and caught a taxi to the Mercure Corso Trieste where we are staying to start our next Trafalgar tour – Best of Italy and Greece and 3 day Aegean cruise.
We have learnt quickly to just suck it up and pay for taxi’s when we are transferring with heavy suitcases, its just so much easier and safer with the metro and buses being prime targets for pickpockets- some of whom we have heard are very aggressive.

Met our tour guide, reminds me of a English professor, sure he will be good?!
We are off to our welcome dinner and then think he is offering an optional of Rome illuminations, Trevi fountain and the Spanish steps – plus a Basilica. Think we will do this as we haven’t seen any of these yet.