Well not sure what happened to the Rome post, so will write it again. It disappeared when I went to publish it.
what a brilliant place Rome is. We flew there Germanwings airlines, brilliant. Got a txt in from the airport at night, and thought were going to die on the freeway in the taxi. Crazy drivers. Next morning after breakfast we went to the Vatican/Cistine Chapel ( and no it did not fall down). Even if you are not religiously minded it is absolutely a sight to behold. Absolutely amazing. Then we went down to the square where old Papa Francesco comes out and waves to his adoring fans. Down to the fountain where you throw coins in and make a wish. After a bite of lunch and a rest we went off to the Colosseum. Amazing. Out for pizza and pasta (of course). Love Rome.
Off to Florence the next morning. And arrived early afternoon. Travelled everywhere by train. Great system. Great digs in the old Florence. So beautiful. Cobbled streets, narrow streets, window boxes. Just as it is in the movies. Walked through their main square with the most amazing churches, the bridge with buildings built into it, which are shops. Amazing gelato and pizza and pasta (is there anything else)? Wandered around the next morning then off to Cinque Terre. Oh my god, the most amazing place in the world. Something I wanted to tick off my bucket list, and there I was. I will send photos to Shannon as they do not like to attach to my blog for some reason. The day we arrived there was a massive thunderstorm which was spectacular, but the next morning it dawned bright and sunny, so off we went to the 5 villages. We trained to the first one (there was something about climbing hills and 600 steps which put me off for some reason.) It must be the most stunning place in the world bar none. We walked to the next village which almost killed me (so unfit, thinking too much pizza and gelato), so we trained to the rest. Had the best day, and at the last village we swam in the Medaterraean. A must. We got a boat back and got some more amazing pictures. Talked to a lady on the boat who lived in Wellington, but grew up in Taradale. Small world.
next morning we said farewell to Justin and Rachael our wonderful companions and guides who were off to Oktoberfest, and we headed off to Venice. What a magical place Venice is. Oh my god. Fantastic. Pushed the boat out (literally) and hired a gondola around the watery streets. Amazing. This holiday is a dream.
Walked the streets of Venice and looked in all the amazing shops for hours, had dinner in the middle of Venice, then after getting suitably lost in the back lanes of Venice, found our hotel. Am loving this place.