This is the third and last addition of the Italian Adventures of Jamesone and Hannahlina. We might be near the end of this adventure, but there is certainly a lot left to see: namely Pompeii, Naples and Rome: all in two days! We started at the ruins of Pompeii, and knowing we were about to be overwhelmed with information, James and I decided to get a guided tour of the highlights before embanking on our own explorations. I didn’t realise not only the size of the place, but also how much of it is still standing. I could really imagine what the town actually looked like, how people lived, worked, shopped... standing in the streets I could almost hear chariots going past and people hurrying along the sidewalk. The Forum (large open public area) provided a ... read more

Roaming along the various beaches and coastline of Sicily and southern Italy, sampling the local cuisine all made with the freshest produce and offering endless gelato ice-cream flavours, stopping only to take a swim or take shelter under a tree from the hot sun whilst looking through ancient ruins which have captivated mankind for hundreds of years. Thinking you could get used to this? Well this was our life for 10 days as James and I travelled through Sicily and up through the southern Italian towns until we reached the mecca of Rome. So come and join me for the first of three instalments of the Italian Adventures of Hannahlina and Jamesone!* *(Hannah-lea-nah & James-oh-knee) We started our venture in the Sicilian town of Palermo, where James’ friend Laurel kindly gave us a bed for the ... read more

Well I’ve had my five days of work, its time to head over to Europe again to catch up with Leah & the gang - this time in the beautiful city of Prague in the Czech Republic. Transport from the airport was interesting, since the only directions that the hostel gave was for a bus that finished running at 9.30pm - even on a Friday night!?! I got dumped right in the middle of the old city - Stare Mestro -, full of beautiful buildings and cobblestoned paths. However, I must say I was quite happy to see Leah & Co, who by now knew enough of the city to get us home with little brain power required from me :) We had a massive day organised on Saturday, starting with a bike tour of Prague. ... read more

Denmark, the first of many weekend breaks over this summer, this time with Leo who I’m ashamed to say I hadn’t seen since before Christmas. It was little surprise to us that our no-frills flight was running a little behind schedule; however it was a bit of a shock when we arrived at our hotel to find the reception closed! and no sign of life anywhere! No one answered the door bell or phone that we could hear ringing on the other side… Realising that we were not going to get into this hotel any time soon, we started scouring the city for another place to stay, as it fast approached midnight. We did find a place not too far away with the door open, sign outside and a guy behind the reception - phew! It ... read more

Today was the big day when I finally got to go to Vatican City! Not only because its another country to add to my list, but even this small place has so many ‘must see’ things on the To Do List. And besides any place called the Holy See must be worth a look, right? My first sight was two Swiss Guards standing at one of the entrances.. and I just burst out laughing! I knew they had their own special uniform - but to me they looked like jesters! However, after walking into the magnificent Saint Peter’s Square, and the atmosphere that comes with it, everything seemed to fit, including the Swiss Guards. Saint Peter’s Basilica is amazing in its own right, even with out the grand Piazza entrance. The Basilica is simply huge inside ... read more