30 ans 31st May

30 May dawned in Nelson as a perfect winter’s day with a cloudless blue sky, fresh snow glistening on the ranges and our first frost of the year. Bags were already packed so it was just a case of last minute lockup, final goodbyes and Executive Limousine’s Mercedes Benz S320 and chauffeur John were ready to whisk us to the airport` then

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Auckland was looking gorgeous under clear blue skies and we filled the time prior to checking in at International Departures by reading in the sun. It occurred to me that we’d be unlikely to sit again, on this trip, at an airpost where we could gaze into a totally clear blue sky; no pollution, no clouds and no stack of planes circling.

Our first trip travelling on Emirates airlines the 380 Airbus and both the airline and the craft are just great! Everything from the eyecatching hostess gear to a smooth as butter flight, extra leg space and great service on board including a complimentary flight socks and toothpaste and toothbrush!! Departing Auckland at 6.00 pm the flight to Sydney is just a nice time frame to enjoy dinner and a movie. But boarding again at 10.00 pm NZ time heading for Dubai knowing that we would eventually arrive in Dubai at 5.15 a.m. Dubai time, translated into a 13 hour night which felt a little daunting. However, with Fred on the aisle seat and me in the middle we were lucky enough to have a tiny, pleasant and couteously travel savvy Swiss girl in the window seat. We managed to get some reasonable periods of sleep and Fred churned through a few movies while I listened to some great music.

Dubai 5.10 am was 31 degrees celsius and the sun just rising to give a bold red glow through the thick haze. The terminal with 235 gates was seething and the masses of shops crammed with shoppers buying anything and everything.

Prettypleased to eventually touch down in Rome.Immigration pathetic with 2 staff processing about 500 people but once through baggage and customs a cinch and on the train into the City. Having recieved excellent instructions from our B & B hostess we easily found our way to B&B Smart and were kindly welcomed and shown our more than adequate accomodation. A shower was first up, then a walk in the local vicinity to view Santa Maggiore a renowned basilica then to a beaut little Pizzeria we'd spotted earlier. Yes Emily, these real Italian pizzas are on a different level to what we're used to........... delisio!!!

Home now and crashing into bed! Photos next time I hope Ciao for now