Rome, city of love, home of thousands of historic sites of western civilisation. Got here from Florence alright, found it on the outskirts, bit hairy but ok. Decided to stay in a branded hotel for a couple of nights. It rained which was a shame. We got the shuttle bus to the town centre which was easy (and free). But after one hour we were soaked and feeling miserable. Kind of lost the afternoon and missed a city bus tour, also got to the Coliseum but it closed at 3pm. So as it was late we got a bus and came back. Got a bit lost so got a taxi.

Rigged up a drying cupboard in the room with a hairdryer and some hair bands tied to a shoe . We were soaked. Meals were ok but not exceptional. Breakfast was pretty good though. Next day we got out early and bought rain macs then got to the Coliseum in time. That was pretty good. Sun came out later so that was better. Also saw more sights, Spanish Steps (strange), Trevi Fountain, Forum and loads more. Tried out the metro, not bad - pretty easy. Got us lost walking back with the rubbish tourist map and with all the hills was a strain but Tina was good about my rubbish directions. Still couldn't seem to find a restaurant. Weird.

Next day toured the Vatican and a few other places. Guide was good but it was a long trip. Wandered through all the history and the vast wealth of the Vatican. Sistine Chapel was interesting. Back to the hotel, getting better at directions then set off to the South and Naples area.