Had a few days in Rome before we headed off to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and then Thailand. We flew back through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on our way to Rome. It was tiring. More tiring than I remember the trip there. The few days in Zanzibar was maybe a bit too much ...
In Rome we stayed at a cute little bed & breakfast right near Termini station (a major hub- train station). We wanted some relaxation in Rome too so our goal was not to see as much as we could, but rather enjoy the few things we did see. We arrived midday and by the time we got to the B&B it was almost evening so we went to see the Coloseum and just walked around. It was chilly but not too cold, and it was really nice to be able to walk around at night and have good lighting in the streets! Its unbelievable what we take for granted in the first world- lighting, hot water, safety, tasty food....!!!........and in this case, Italian food! Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
The next day we did a guided tour of the Vatican that we booked online with viator.com. You pay more to have an official guide but we were well advised that there is so much going on in the walls of the vatican that you really need an experienced guide with you to get the most of it! (thanks Tricia for the advice!). That morning before the Vatican we found a laudromat and brought bags and bags of clothes over! It felt AMAZING to use a washer and dryer again! Call me spoiled but I am not very good at washing clothes by hand!!!
We had trouble finding our tour group at the Vatican. There was so much going on that we didn't know where the meeting point was supposed to be! Tom finally asked a million people and ran around and found our group- but, ofcourse, I was quite stressed! After the Vatican we ate at a great spot for dinner and has some fantastic lasagna- just what I was in the mood for.
Wasn't feeling 100% in Rome. Not sure if it was the change in weather, or the travel stresses, or a little bit of everything, but definitely felt a bit out of it these last few days. Sitting in Cairo now waiting to board our plane to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia......feeing good but still a long flight ahead of us! (8hrs). We are staying at a friends place for a few days (thanks Rasyidah!) and hope to experience a bit of Malaysia through her and her friends eyes! (if I can find the energy!!!). Then we are off to Thailand to take advantage of a groupon we bought last year on Koh Samui :P
We have Christmas and New Years covered in Australia- house sitting in Sydney on Bondi Beach !! and hanging out at a cottage with Tom's friends and Jill for New Years---but I think I want to check out the Opera house too! We will see what details come of it.....
Still no concrete plans for January but thinking we will get a working holiday visa in Oz instead of New Zealand, but still decisions to be made!!
flight is boarding....better go now!
