Another early start to the day saw us get up and head to the airport at Dubai. We breezed through the airport security and check in and were amazed at the refugee camp at the departure gates. There were hundreds of people sleeping – blankets and all – we’re sure that Emirates will be looking forward to their new terminal – which is due to open in a couple of weeks.
On the plane journey, we flew over Saudi Arabia, along the border with Iraq, Syria, the Mediterranean, Turkey, Greece and crossed Italy at Brindisi (Stace – make sure you look all these places up on the map!!!). The plane was a Boeing 777 – much better than the airbus as you can straighten your legs in economy (it felt like torture not being able to stretch your legs out straight on the Airbus). Even the flight crew were a little more friendly than the long haul flight crew were. The flight was pretty uneventful until Neil poured beer all over himself…
Our bags took an absolute age to come out in Rome – but we got the train to Termini station in plenty of time. We were completely surprised at the lack of attention the airport staff paid on our arrival – one of the customs people was reading a book – and didn’t visually verify who we were nor even stamp the passports. Once we got to Termini Sandra was glad she had a travelling companion with money – as the toilets cost 0.80 euro – something we tend to forget being from NZ where all public toilets are free. Of course, we managed a quick drink before boarding the train for Florence. What a pleasant journey it was… with the beautiful Italian countryside and wonderfully quiet train, you couldn’t ask for more.
We had a slight mis-read on the map once we got to Florence, but got to our apartment OK. The place is definitely the best set up short term rental apartment any of us have stayed at – the little touches are everywhere – to coffee and sugar in the cupboard to washing powder for the laundry. Karla took a little trip to the local mini-mart to get some supplies for pre-dinner drinkies and nibblies – we turned on CNN and heard about the 7.3 magnitude earthquake in the Kermadec Islands. Hope everything is OK back home…
Then we were off out in search of a meal.
The photo is of Neil and Sandra at Termini station in Roma!
3 comments:
Sounds like you’re really into your holiday – especially now you’re in Italy. Eat, drink, drink, eat, drink… Oh and enjoy the sites of Florence.
Another boy goat Karla – what a bummer. It’s going to take a while to increase the herd at this rate.
bet you are glad you are in Italy now at least you will be able to get a drink & have a smoke in public.When in Rome get Karla to show you where you can get a wine for 1 euro & Neil you can get a Stein of of beer & pizza for next to nothing.Have a beer & wine for me all the best MACCA.
Thanks Jan and Macca. Just read your comments - we will go and do as you ask Macca... right now.
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