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| The train trip from La Spezia to Monterosso is mostly in darkness, but when the train line emerges from the mountains you get quick glimpses of country side like this. |
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| Monterosso is absolutely stunning. |
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| The walk along the shoreline is fantastic. People live here. Amazing. |
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| World War II remnants. |
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| Dinner was at this place. Chosen because it looked nice and was opposite a bus stop. By this stage Michelle and I were over walking. |
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| The highlight was this group of diners who would randomly burst into song singing vaguely recognizable folk songs with enthusiasm. Dinner and entertainment - what more could you ask for! |
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| This dude had a great mullet. |
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| We decided to take advantage of a free walling tour in Rome. Free comes with an expectation of a tip, but for 5 euro it is ace. This area is full of cobblestones and windows with Venetian shutters. |
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| The starting point. Every year the Pope climbs up this (aided somewhat by a Crane) and puts a new wreath up. |
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| The Spanish steps. |
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| The Trevi fountain. Under renovation. People throw coins in it for good luck. In peak tourist season it can get 3,000 to 5,000 euros. |
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| Rome is amazing. |
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| This is where Julius Caesar was stabbed. It seems surreal to be in a place like this. |
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| When Michelle and I are awake we will remember what this place is called. The city is a sensory overload. |
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| And at the end of the street is this place. I believe it was an early prototype for the MCG. |
Plus Camping Roma. A train & bus from the airport (Train.. Airport.. Take a hint Melbourne! ) Swimming pool, 7 euro all day breakfast. What's not to love?
Belt walkways.. To travel a total of 50 meters to immigration we had to do 14 u turns through a maze of blue belt. One good turn deserves another..
People have different routines for air planes. The regulars hate it, or at least those who have to do it as part of work. They are the efficient ones. Last on first off. Just carry on and just the right amount. Air travel at each end is painful -get there hours before your flight, trawl thorough customs, procrastinate in waiting areas, wait around whilst lost passengers are found.. It's a wonderful process. Thank goodness the planes themselves are quick.
Then there is how you actually spend the time on the plane. Dollars usually dictate economy travel, so leg room and general personal space are somewhat limited. Those that can sleep easily are the winners here. Mish takes the mental break option - and comments how much she likes to disconnect - no in flight tv, or wifi required, some games of hang man and made up maths and some shut eye when tired enough. James favors mental entertainment, and it is at this stage he discovers he has forgotten his trusty soduku book. The stewardess favors the toilet. For 15 minutes. One could suggest cleaning- if there was any cleanings products involved. Appears she was dodging some work whilst her colleagues were rushing around.
But still, when it's traveling for a holiday is all worth it. And when your trip kicks off with champagne with Aunty Mary at the airport it's so much better.
