Australia

Hi All

Well, its come to the final entry of my travel blog!!! I've now been home for a few nights and gradually adjusting back to normality (whatever that is). Thought I'd do an overall summary of the trip. Firstly, just a couple of statistics!!

68 nights away (16 times - packing suitcase)
Rome
Florence
Ancona
Split
Dubrovnik
Zagreb
Pecs
Budapest
Prague
Karlov Vary
Prague
New York
Savannah
Charleston
Savannah

About 6 Train trips, 5 buses, even a ferry. Numerous metro/trams/bus trips in cities (over 100)
Approximately 15 different types of beer
About 5 of wine(bit more expensive so drank less)
4 visits to McDonalds (I know - I was desperate)
3 visits to Subways (healthier)
Countless restaurants (from cafe style to 5 Star)
Pizza in every country (its cheap and easily obtained)
Cuban food in Prague; Thai food in Budapest; Prague; Charleston; Brazilian BBQ in Prague; Italian food everywhere.

Highlights:
Sitting in a restaurant in Dubrovnik right at the harbour's edge and watching the sun set on the old fortress walls
Watching a high school orchestra rehearse in Florence while eating a Gelato
Listening to Prague Philamonic Orchestra while looking at the ornate ceilings and chandeliers
Looking at the great masters in Zagreb Museam and having it all to myself
Catching the subway in Prague and going up and down the escalators (longest and tallest I've ever seen)
Walking through Central Park and getting lost in the "Rambles"
Going to Chicago the Musical on Broadway (top highlight)
Sitting at a diner in NY for Breakfast and chatting to two elderly transexuals
Looking at all the lights of Manhattan on the Circle Line Ferry
Sitting at "Reds" in Charleston with Joe and having a Margarita and catching up on old times
Travel Blog (Visits 1752) 20 entries

Not so good....
Those bloody stairs!!!!! (You should see the bruise!!!!)
Subsequent - the flight home (not great when you are in pain!!)
Having to lug your suitcase everywhere because you are by yourself (eg - if you need to visit toilet at train station, you cannot leave case with someone)
Blisters (I'm now an expert on Bandaids)
"I'll have a table for 1" - most restaurants give you the shit tables and look at you as if you are a leper
The rain in New York
Ear infection in Prague (from spa treatment)
Finnair (wouldnt let me on a plane and had to buy another ticket)

Overall, everything went really well. I didnt have any huge hassles and accommodation etc was great. Travelling by myself had its good and bad things. It was great pleasing only yourself. Getting up when you wanted, seeing what you wanted to see. It was also a great feeling of accomplishment when you did something. I must admit, in most cities, I felt great walking around like a "native" and coping with transport, finding things etc.

It was lonely, especially in the evenings - must admit, have read heaps. Would have been great also to have someone to lean on at times and let them do the organising etc. I think that's what made me feel quite tired - not having anyone else helping with things.

So... as I said, its now back to normality. I must admit, I feel a bit displaced and not really sure what to do.. after being on the move for so long, its hard to do nothing. Its a strange feeling (restless, but also pleased to be home)

I hope that the blog wasnt too boring for all the readers. It was great for me being able to recall what I'd done and its a great record for my trip.

So, for the last time (with a little bit of sadness), its adieu for the time being. I'll be catching up with everyone in the next week or so...

Thanks for reading
Cheers Kay

I'm leaving on a jet plane. Don't know when I'll be back again...Oh please don't let me go....

No...really, looking forward to going and I do know when I'm coming back (Late Sept)!!

Pretty well organised. House is nearly ready for Gordon and Margaret - just have to mop the floors and general tidy up. Then, its packing the bags and off to Perth for a couple of days.

Lots of shopping - Port (suitcase for you non-queenslanders); some comfortable shoes (I always get blisters on holidays)+ some odds and ends.

Then off to see Dusty on Friday night. Should be good.

Fly out of perth Monday morning. Must admit - not looking forward to about 23 hours on a plane plus about 6 waiting for one in Hong Kong. I really hope I get to sit next to someone nice (Brad Pitt look alike would be great). This is when you hope that people all use deodorant, clean their teeth, don't snore, fart etc. Because really, you are sleeping with a total stranger (if you get any sleep!)

So, hopefully I'll get picked up in Rome. I've organised one - didn't think I could handle having to get public transport after such a long flight.

So...arriverdici everyone!! Hope my blog isn't too boring!!!

Cheers Kay

Well - trip is nearly all booked and starting to feel very real. Booked my accommodation in Rome which was very exciting. First time I've really felt like I'm actually going.

Bit hectic getting ready though - bit of stress at work, trying to sort everything out. Must admit - things will be the most organised that they have been for a while.

Not sure about how to "Blog" but will give this a go. Great way to keep everyone informed of my trip.

Just a short message first up - want to see how this works before I start spending a lot of time on it.

Cheers Kay