Day 1 - Rome (Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon)

Veronica and I arrived in Rome around 7.00am this morning after a long 22 hour flight (not including stopovers). The plane was delayed 1 hour in Hong Kong but time was made up in the flight to Rome. Food was good and the service was just ok. Our section of the cabin in the first flight had no air conditioning! We were cooked and only realised it was just us when we walked through the other sections to get out. Anyway, all seats were equipped with their own TV set so I just loved that and we discovered that games were available as well. V and I had a few trivia battles and some other passengers joined in too.

We checked into the hostel around 9am this morning but the room wasn't available. V and I set out to explore and checked out Trevi Fountain, The Patheon, Piazza Navona and walked past the ruins of The Forum. Lunch was cheap - 1 euro each for a roll and some good old mortadella. Tomorrow we're off to The Vatican.

First impressions - old, historic, a little unkept in parts, crazy drivers, no real road rules, lots of gelati stores, very hot (35 degrees today) but we're loving it.

Trevi Fountain & The Pantheon
What I love about Trevi Fountain is that it is tucked away in a side street - we just stumbled across it. The Pantheon is another structure in which the size of it is just amazing. Materials used in the construction were removed and taken to St Peter's Basilica so wood now replaced the beams in the entrance (these were once bronze). The light shines through the hole at the top of the Dome and when it does rain the water drains into the 20 holes which can be found on the marble floor.

My travel buddy

My travel buddy - Veronica (left). We were celebrating her birthday in this shot. Many more good times will be had overseas!

1 week to go

The countdown continues and it's now only 1 week to go. The mad rush is on to get everything in order. Still need to purchase the essentials - a back pack and some good walking shoes. A few family dinners have been planned as well as farewell drinks with my friends. This time next week, I'll be on a plane and have nearly reached Hong Kong...wow - can't believe the time has nearly arrived.

Last day at WDG

Yesterday, Friday June 16 2006, was my last day at WDG. I have worked there for more than two years as a Strategic Analyst. I enjoyed a few drinks after work at a nearby pub and it was lovely to catch up with my colleagues who I don't get to chat to everyday. I'm certainly going to miss the place, especially the friends I have made but I will be staying in touch via my blog!

So, it's only 10 days to go. Leave for Rome on June 27. Not long to go now...