Started the day with a hearty breakfast of yogurt, croissant, coffee and fruit (can't keep that up for too long), and then off to our tour bus. We get on the tour bus at the Vatican, in front of St Peter's. We had bought a 48 hour ticket yesterday and of course we have to make the most of it. Investigated a few of the sites we had driven past before on the first tour, including the Pantheon, inside the National Monument of Victor Emmanuel II and a walk down to the Coliseum. The day was a bit wet but not enough to get in our way, but Eileen wanted to do a final tour at night. You know how it is - 'we've paid for it so have to make the most of it'. Was ... read more

Touched Roman soil on Sunday about 12:30 midday. Just another airport. Shuttle bus into Rome and got a glimpse of the driving conditions I can look forward. Hmm - exciting? I think so. Staying at a B&B right next to St Peter's. Have not been woken by any bells as I originally suspected - Pope needs sleep as well I guess. The B&B is actually a 3 bedroom apartment and the rooms are excellent and beds very comfortable. Our hostess Maria has been really helpful, but we have had to rely on her use of Google translator!! The day we arrived we did a quick walk around St Peters and then got some dinner. The kids were falling asleep at the table. Gulped it down and then finally a good nights rest, but early wake with ... read more

We left Sydney on Sat 09:45 pm and had a 14 hour flight to Dubai. Good flight but trying to sleep with a couple of hundred TV screens is a bit of a psychedelic experience. Then discovered an eye mask and got about 2 hours sleep - better than nothing. Not much to report about Dubai airport itself. Modern and surprisingly not enough toilets - always a queue. 20 men queuing for a pee from various nationalities, but all with a common understanding and goal - and all very polite.... read more