The Big Trip

Hi All

Today went to the Ufizzi Gallery which is one of the biggest in the World. Saw all the major artists - fantastic. There were whole rooms dedicated to the different artists from 1300's to 1600's. Nothing modern at all.....

Having 7 nights in Florence is great -lots of time so dont have to rush around and try and fit it all in. I've been to so many churches and seen about 7 different artistic versions of the "Adoration of the Magi". I have even started to know what it all means.

Its a great city - all very old and you can spend quite a lot of time just walking around taking it all in. Lots of walking -my feet are feeling it. But not too bad. The shopping is fantastic - lots of labels -very expensive. The handbags are to die for and I,m going to shout myself one. Beautiful leather. The shoes are also to die for but unfortunately my trip has just started and I don't feel like carting kilos of luggage.

Kris - you'd be proud of me!! To get from Rome to Florence, had to cart luggage through 1 bus, two trains and then onto Florence train. Never complained!!!! Actually wasn't too bad but must admit was buggered when I got to Florence!!

The train station in Rome was huge. 25 platforms just for regional trains. You don't get told what platform you are on until 10 mins prior to train leaving. And then its a mad rush to get on. There is no seating allocation so you have to find one yourself. Bit of a panic.

Otherwise, its pretty easy to find way around. Map is invaluable and its never out of my sight. Most italians speak a bit of English which is helpful. However the other day caught wrong bus and ended up actually off the map. >Knew it was the wrong way but thought it would eventually go back to where it started. no , not this one. It finished up a long way away. With the only bus driver who didn,t speak a word of English. Had to walk a bit but then found an alternate route back (very lucky) because there were no taxis or anything. Anyway, 1.5 hours later, got back to hotel. At least I saw a bit more of Florence.

Food is pretty good, although lots of carbs. Lunch is usually a panini or roll with ham and then dinner is usually pasta!

Im hanging out for a salad or vegs. Had a fantastic pizza for lunch so am still full. May try and find a salad for tea tonight. Doesnàt get dark until 9ish so havent actually seen it at night yet. Usually back in hotel by about 8ish. Tried to stay out later last night but there is not much to do.....

Tomorrow going on half day tour out into the country for Chianti tour -visit winery etc. Pretty expensive but its the only way to get out to the country.

Have organised Ferry to Split Croatia for Saturday and am spending Friday night at Ancona.

Once I get to Croatia, I,m going to try and be a bit more budget conscious and do more for myself (eg got tourist agency to organise ferry etc and it cost me about $30 commission.

Well, better go.. limited time and I still have to organise some accommodation in Croatia plus do some banking.

Having a great time but am missing everyone. Its very lonely travelling by yourself and miss talking to people. Must admit am having some great conversations with myself though!!! Gees, Iàm an interesting person!!

Lots of love

Kay

Well....whoever built this place had a thing about big statues and lots of paintings on walls, ceilings, floors etc.

Amazing! And bloody hot.

Flight over was good - had spare seat all the way so was able to spread out a bit and not feel too cramped. Slept Ok ' as well as you do on a plane.

Found accommodation Ok ' although originally thought it out of the way ' need to catch 913 bus to train and then train to St Pierto station and then walk to Vatican. I must admit, was very apprehensive getting on that bloody bus as I had no idea where i was going - however must start trusting instruction givers because it was fairly straigth forward.

Accomm a bit out of the way but it is very peaceful and suburban. Own shower and toilet and aircon so pretty good.

Yesterday did the vatican and sistene chapel. Speechless. The basilica is so big and so very religeous!! Statues everywhere and lots of saints that I dont know anything about. Lots of nuns around the place (plus millions of tourists - although it-s not too bad. Bit of a wait in line but lots to take in.

Today got double decker bus to take me around the place. Went to colloseum. Again, bloody big and old.

Difficult to find things here ' only internet cafe is on stop number 9 and I have no idea where I am. I know that I have to go back to the bus stop and wait for a red bus!! Then back to Teminal station, then back to another station, then back to another station and then onto a bus....And Im home!!!

Tomorrow off to Florence and feel a bit better now that I have a ticket booked and I know where Im going. Hopefully booked accommodation on wotif ' havenàt received confirmation yet but fingers crossed.

When I get to Florence, Ill have a bit more time to relax. Ive booked 7 nights so that will be good. Ill also try and find out how to upload photos on to this page.

Gotto go....time has run out. Ciao 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

ITINERARY

Thursday, July 06, 2006
From: Karratha Airport, Karratha Australia
To: Perth Arpt, Perth Australia

Monday, July 10, 2006
From: Perth Arpt, Perth Australia
To: Hong Kong Intl, Hong Kong Hong Kong

Tuesday, July 11, 2006
From: Hong Kong Intl, Hong Kong Hong Kong
To: Fiumicino Arpt, Rome Italy

Tuesday, August 22, 2006
From: Ruzyne Arpt, Prague Czech Republic
To: Helsinki Arpt, Helsinki Finland

Friday, August 25, 2006
From: Helsinki Arpt, Helsinki Finland
To: John F Kennedy Intl, New York NY - U.S.

[b]Itinerary from here is tentative -have to book the legs but may change the dates and locations. Basically I have 3 and a bit weeks from the time I leave New York to the time I fly home. Some of it is dependent on a friend of mine and whether he's around or not. He lives in South Carolina so I may spend some time there - hence trip to Savannah (closest airport)

Saturday, September 02, 2006
From: Newark Intl Arpt, Newark NJ - U.S.
To: Dallas Ft Worth Intl, Dallas TX - U.S.

Saturday, September 02, 2006
From: Dallas Ft Worth Intl, Dallas TX - U.S.
To: Savannah Intl Arpt, Savannah GA

Wednesday, September 06, 2006
From: Savannah Intl Arpt, Savannah GA - U.S.
To: Dallas Ft Worth Intl, Dallas TX - U.S

Saturday, September 09, 2006
From: Dallas Ft Worth Intl, Dallas TX - U.S.
To: Juarez Intl, Mexico City Mexico

Friday, September 15, 2006
From: Lindbergh Intl Arpt, San Diego CA - U.S.
To: Los Angeles Intl, Los Angeles CA - U.S.

Wednesday, September 20, 2006
From: Los Angeles Intl, Los Angeles CA - U.S.
To: Tullamarine Arpt, Melbourne Australia

September 22, 2006
From: Tullamarine Arpt, Melbourne Australia
To: Perth Arpt, Perth Australia

Saturday, September 23, 2006
From: Perth Arpt, Perth Australia
To: Karratha Airport, Karratha Australia

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