flashman181

Rome

Woke up to some thunder and lightning but not a whole lot of rain.

First up some mingling with the masses to pick up our Roma 3 day pass. A quick walk to followed by a slow wait at the tourist information centre. It was 0930 in the morning and the lady was already cranky- should be a fun day ahead. The Roma Pass allows for entry to 2 attractions eg Colloseum and 3 day all day use of Metro. Today was the day planned to visit St Peters and the Vatican Museums with prebooked tour set for 7 pm at night. We thought we would need most of the afternoon before hand to do justice to the whole religious rebirth thingy so headed to the Colloseum Metro station for the short walk to the Museums Capitolini for sum more cutcha first mid morning. Walking past the Colloseum we noted the usual 100 m line up but also noted a smaller gate with about 6 people lined up – the Roma Pass entrance! It was a fine day so why not. It is certainly an impressive place both from inside and outside. Crowded but easy to move around and then onto the old Forum site across the road. A leisurely walk through bought us out at the Vittorio Emmanuelle monument . Now this is impressive . We sited a lift so thought the view from the top could be somewhat spectacular and were not disappointed. Stopped for lunch in the obligatory attached restaurant and by now the day was very warm – and we still had 6 hours to show time . A wander through the Capitolini museums filled in a quiet hour and then it was a couple of metro stops and we were ready for our blessing. By now it was raining again but we lined up for the St Peter’s entry under strategically placed columns. Inside the Basilica was certainly impressive but then we have seen a lot of fancy churches in our travels. Now the problem became filling in the next 2 hours – luckily we found a pub, had a few beers and even completed the onerous task of writing post cards for the family. Then it was onto experience Italian efficiency in organising crowds waiting to attend the Vatican Museums. It was not a pretty sight but somehow we ended up in the first group. On entry we headed first to the Sistine Chapel and it was all rather stunning and humbling.Very easy to just sit and let it flow over you. Pope Benny didn’t turn up but the place was crowded enough already. Another hour wandering the halls looking at many murals and fancy ceilings and this little black duck was ready for the long trek home. It was a long and tiring day but some memorable sites were seen never to be forgotten. The Basilica was very impressive all lit up at night as we wandered off into the distance dodging the Indians selling ponchos and umbrellas and the Africans selling leather handbags. Who determines which nation has which franchise? A question for another time.

The Roma Pass is highly recommended – good value but more importantly got us into everything quickly and no excess mingling required. It does not get you into the Vatican though. The trick to any good holiday is pre planning and in Rome in particular you do need to book well in advance on line. The CLP outdid herself as usual in this regard . Tomorrow is goning to be a day of rest watching some 007 on the dedicated HD channel. Sweet.

Naples and Pompeii

Our first organised tour for the trip saw us being picked up from our lodgings at 0700 in an 8 seater – being Rome of course they wanted to put 9 people in it. Hope the woman sitting on my lap got a thrill. Onto the big bus at Rome Termini and it was clean and reasonably comfortable . I always scan the likely suspects to see who will likely be trouble and no surprises that my pick of the middle aged Asian woman proved right at the first rest stop. Let me just say I am in constant awe of these bus drivers who manoeuvre these babies through narrow streets . Ours was equally up to the task. An hour after heading south we had our first well oiled 20 minute break where you have a coffee and a croissant and a pee – best in that order. There are obviously a few places like this dotted across the landscape that cater for bus tours as they have massive car parks and always several bus loads at any one time. As nominated said lady kept everyone waiting a further 5 minutes. Back on bus and into Naples. A poor man’s Monte Carlo ? Maybe they just pay taxes. It was a glorious day and you can’t go wrong with a large Bay and Mt Vesuvius dominating in background but it was pretty dull drive through town. The ability to stretch legs for 5 was great though. Onto a Cameo making factory , once again set up for bus tours , before heading to new Pompeii for lunch- apparently the restaurant guide did not recommend old Pompeii! Once again very well organised and the food was great. Only one thing worse than loud American tourists and that is quite American tourist . Young couple at our table, civilian contractors for US army in Kuwait and to be fair the lady was not unattractive. They were from Georgia but it was no peach of a time folks – like pulling teeth only less fun. He even said ” yes ma’am” to CLP once. Lovely people no doubt but dull dull dull. A quick souvenir hunt followed by the usual tip off where I got 3 coins as my 3 € change but if course he slipped me 50c ones not full € and I was in hurry to get out. Am sure it is his usual shtick for tourists and would catch most. Then it was onto the 2 hour walk around the old ruins with our tour guide

Ruins are a bit like art for me – I appreciate the significance etc of it all but after about 3 I have seen enough. The best thing about the whole day actually was the snippets of historical fact given now and again especially about the actual eruption in 79AD. The people died asphyxiated by the sulphur gas which enveloped them . From time of eruption it tràvelled the 8 miles in 3 minutes. It was a casual walk around and luckily after about an hour we found a Gelato store that miraculously survived the eruption. Right on time we left Pompeii for the 3 hour trip back , of course with the 20 minute rest stop at yet another bus load of tourists friendly site. We were dropped off close to our hotel so all in all a very well run tour if some of the actual content was a tad dull.

Rome Day 1

Well the 14 hour overnight train trip was pretty much as expected – runs on schedule, not much decent to eat, beds ok but a lot of noise. What was not expected though was the AC in our sleeper being on the fritz and only blowing hot air all night – most unpleasant. The supplied breakfast was pretty good and arrived on time at 0900 and then we had a 30 minute walk to our VRBO apartment on top of Hotel Medici. Niccolo met us on schedule but was had to fill in 90 minutes while the cleaning was done. A quick coffee at a recommended cafe and then onto the Spanish steps which were a brisk 20 minute walk away. Then settled in to our very comfortable apartment with some grocery supplies . Two things have stood out with the Italian people to date – they are much less friendly in the shops than our previous stops and as opposed to Prague it is the men who stand out here in their tailored suits. There has been a fair amount of work with the ugly stick on the ladies I am sorry to say which may explain why the happy gene appears to be missing. Hopefully this impression will prove wrong in coming days. What will not change though are the crazy drivers and even crazier parking – I have never seen anything like it. Plenty of small cars and scooters.

After lunch we headed to the the Trevi Fountain and The Pantheon – both very crowded but both very impressive. Then we had the almost impossible task of finding some washing powder – cheeses and meats were easy, household essentials not so. So now while the third wash is on must be time for some wine and cheese methinks on our private balcony. Rome ain’t so crowded from 4 floors up

Prague to Vienna

Time to leave this beautiful city with its cobblestone roads, beautiful river, unique architecture and superb affordable food. Did I mention the hot women? The % of stunning women is amazing . It is raining for our final day but that is no drama and the weather has been great. Time for one last hearty breakfast of meats and cheeses and then we wait for Boris to return to take us to the train station for our first experience with European rail. I am told we are on first class for our 6 hr trip so lets hope they throw some food in around lunchtime. The Hotel Elite ended up being great, nice and quiet, excellent breakfasts and even the wifi picked up after at first day.

The system at the station works well. You only know your platform 15 minutes before leaving but all went smoothly. A little old lady carried our heavy bags up into carriage and then hoisted them over head to overhead racks. Then held her hand out and said money! I was still in CZech mode and handed over 5 Euro instead of 5 cronau. CLP fainted. First class was nothing special , the seats we comfortable but service non existent and restaurant car hopeless.

Raining when we arrived in Vienna but once again car transfer waiting and the KK Maria Therese in Vienna is a very nice hotel and our room had bath! We headed out in light rain and ticked off a few must sees and do’s. First up was St Stephens Dome which was tres impressive and then on to Figlmuller for the world famous Schnitzel which did not disappoint. For dessert we backtracked to the Cafe Mozart for the equally famous Sacher Torte. They then rolled me out onto the street and luckily by now the weather had cleared. We spent about an hour on a slow wander back to ou hotel checking out some stunning sights like The Hofburg and Rathaus by night. Stunning.

Prague

Solid nights sleep not surprisingly. Woke to a pretty clear day but first the breakfast. And we have an early favourite for “Worst coffee in Europe”! The rest of the breakfast was fine though with plenty of variety including fresh fruit. My bowels will be pleased. Off we strode on a slow wander to our Segway take off point. Booteeful walk along the river and then across Charles Bridge which was nice and quite this early in the morning. Our Segway tour kicked off at 10 am and were old hands at this caper now although cobble stone roads add a new thrill. We were on the Viewpoint tour which meant climbing a lot of hills so the Segway was best way to do this. First stop was Prague Castle with a great view of the city. From there we stayed on the high ground and through some lovely parks with more great vantage points including Belvedere. We passed the Metronome which use to be a Stalin statue and had a great story behind it. Michael was our guide from Prague on Segway and he was very knowledgeable especially about the communist period. We slowly made our way back down to the main town and passed some memorable sites including the John Lennon wall. All too soon our tour was over but it was simply the best way to see Prague. Next stop was the very impressive St Nicholas Church and then CLP said it was time to go back to Prague Castle. WTF – didn’t we take a Segway to get up that 75 degree 3k climb just 2 hours ago. Yes but we didn’t see the Toy Museum. It appears she has a fascination with statues of nude men. So up we trudged and an hour later we had our photo opportunity . Now for the Pissing Nudes. Let me guess – back down the hill???? Yep! At least there were two so we could each fondle one ! Another church and then another hill to climb – luckily there was a cable car to take us up – The Furnicular. Up to Petrin Tower which was their version of the Eiffel Tower. A few snaps from up there and then alas the camera battery died. Yay. It was a great day of sightseeing topped off with another great dinner at Cafe Louvre.

Dubai to Prague

One of those long nights as we cross time zones. Left Brisvegas on time at 2045 and arrived a little early in Dubai at 0415 in the morning after a touch under 14 hrs in the air. It’s 30 degrees at 4 in the morning!! Food and service were excellent as always on Emirates but 14 hrs is hard on this bag of bones. Caught The Hunger Games and Brave. Now we sit for another 5 hrs until connecting flight to Prague. At least there is free wifi! Phone is also sending and receiving messages so all good. We know it is the International Terminal because just got served an “Italian” coffee by a Chinese woman! Also nice to go to ATM and see you have a balance of $27000. Ok that is AED but still nice to see big numbers for once in a bank account. The coffee for 16 AED would indicate that we are bother being ripped off and that an AED is worth about 35c. Dubai is a busy airport – our flight leaves at 1010 and doesn’t even appear on Flight Board yet because there are about 50 flights leaving before that. One thing you can guarantee though of course is that our boarding gate will be at the furthest end of Terminal 3 to where we are now! There are of course Prayer rooms and Smoking rooms at Dubai International which are kinda unique but the best find was an Irish Pub serving Kilkenny at 0800 in the morning. My prayers had been answered. Dubai still seems a mess at times and we hopped on a bus from our gate lounge to go find our plane. 15 minutes later we were successful. I think we ended up leaving from Kuwait! Had a knob kiss on the plane with as only half full and we could really stretch out.

Landing in Prague and getting through customs very easy and all baggage was found. We had a car transfer organised and Boris ( ok he wasn’t Russian but he was east European and 5foot 6 square!) picked us up in a Mercedes – sweet! Now Boris is not adverse to long conversations with mobile attached to his ear and considers the indicator an optional accessory. We drove through poorer part of town to the more classic city centre with its stunning old architecture. We are staying at Hotel Elite. Ok two words must have different meaning in Czech – elite and high as in “high” speed Internet! We checked into our quaint room and then hit the cobbled streets as the light rain started. Looks like a lovely town to walk around and hopefully the weather will be brighter tomorrow when we have our Segway Tour organised. We only had time for 2 highlights before the heavens opened – the Astronomical clock and the Sex Machine Museum – or Astronomical cock if you like ! We dropped into Cafe Louvre on walk back for an excellent meal of Pork Medallions and Beef Goulash washed down with a couple of pints of local beer – all for under $25. Great value. Now lets see if we can sleep – have pretty well been up for 48 hours

Brisvegas to Dubai

After a rather filling Degustation with matching wines at Restaurant 2 the night before we were slow to move on Day One. The plan had been to spend the night before in Brisbane to both relax and to avoid any possible traffic problems on day of trip. This solid plan fell away a little between course 4 and 5. It was in tatters by the time we realised there was still dessert to come. Ah well, the folly of youth. Not helped at all by a complete incompatibility with hotel pillows this little black duck was running on empty. A walk around the Gardens followed by a late breakfast and a few coffees righted the ship momentarily and before we knew it it was only 4 hrs to flight time and we were alone at Row 10 to open to check in for Emirates EK 435 departing at 2045 hrs. 10 minutes later they descended – the blind who do not read. There are about 747 (spookily) screens around saying that check in opens at ……. But still they line up at the red belt without a staff member in sight. Now this is 2012 right and we are in a technological revolution, I have my iPhone, iPad and iPod in carry on just in case I need an I infusion. Naturally we checked in online 24 hrs ago. I have 3 apps alone that reminded me! So the red tape is ceremoniously removed and the 40 people who have lined up for 30 minutes all move to the one lane for economy while we simply get up for our seats and move to the one lane for economy – on line check in and we are the only ones there! So a very smooth check in even if the staff member seemed rather grumpy so early in her shift. Now we only have 3 hrs to wait to watch humanity once again line up early to get their seat worried the plane may leave without them. Now, we know the food is excellent on Emirates both in quality and quantity but my body clock says at 6 pm I eat so time to track down some fast food to sate the beast and then back to waiting……..