So we have 40 people on the tour.  Most are from America and a few from Canada.  Apparently some other Aussies but we haven't met them yet.  Too early to know how they are but a few loud obnoxious ones in the group. 
We did the Vatican today and what an experience.  By the end of it I had a few words to say:
Overwhelmed
Overawed and finally
Over It
How much can you see.  It was incredible.  The rules surrounding the Vatican are over the top.  Being their own state they love to change the rules on a pretty regular basis and give penalites to those who do not follow the rules.  The guide was telling us how things have changed over just 6 months.  They change where the parking will be and then the following week another place and it goes on and on.  Apparently the new pope loves to do things on the spur of the moment, so his swiss army have a hard time keeping up with him.
We then went to the colloseum.  I was blown away by that.  To have learnt about it at school and seen it on TV is one thing but to be in it and walking around it.  Words just cannot explain. 
John and I took off on our own to find the Jewish Ghetto and that was very interesting.  Of course the day was not complete without gelati and coffee.  Life is good. 
We head to Pompei tomorrow so until then
Chow

So, we have arrived in rome.  I must admit to my first bit of excitement flying over Rome.  Our transfer was there, which was just lovely.  He drove us, very fast, to our hotel.  Obviously 100 km means 130.  We arrived, both thinking "yay, a hot shower and a little walk around, maybe some pizza or gelati, and then sleep", only to be told, the hotel had a water problem so we are now going to another place that they will organise.  Another 30 minutes and we are here.  I am not actually sure where here is.  I must find out the name of the hotel.  Not a good start as the hot water had almost gone.  Anyway, a quick shower and I just went down to the lobby for a while.  Sleep wasn't too bad, although I woke at middday brisbane time. 

The end of a full day.  Got the local bus into the centre of Rome and got off near The Vatican .  Walked the entire day around the city, sometimes going in circles.  Managed to eat wonderful food at many stops.  People certainly didn't lie telling me the food here is good.  Most of the time we weren't really sure what we were looking at but had a good time regardless.  The weather went south around lunchtime and we had to walk in the rain but not long enough to destroy our fun.  We met our friends from Germany at night and were told they had extra tickets for us had we been able to join them in witnessing their son being confirmed by the pope. We could have been a matter of metres from him but it just can't be done.  I am sure my catholic friends are envious
.  I laughed telling John I felt very comfortable with my "roman nose" I am not the only one.   A funny story leaving the airport and a south African lady asked me if we were going towards the luggage claim .  I said I was just following everyone else, actually I said "when in Rome".  How often can you say that and be exactly correct? Until tomorrow.

Hi All,
Here is the start of my blog.  Amy had to help me of course and here is what I had to buy her to bribe her for her services. 
We leave in 5 days and my list of things to do is extensive, least of all is the organisation of all of the pets.
The itinerary is landing in Rome and two days later going on a two week tour of Italy, seeing Pompeii, Sorrento, Isle of Capri, Assisi, Classe, Venice, Verona, Milan, Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Pisa, Florence, Siena.  So you can see we will see lots.  We then move on to our friends in Munich and see some of West Germany, Nuremburg, Wursburg, Cologne and then down to Lucerne and Zurich in Switzerland.  On our way home we stop in Dubai for a couple of nights. 
I know the month will go super quick but you know how much we can fit into that time and I will endeavour to keep the blog interesting.  Please give feedback as this is my first blog.
On that note it is off to work through the list.
Until next time.
Jenny