Hi All,

Have just arrived in Florence after a romantic train trip through the countryside. The Academy hostel is behind one of those beautiful big old doors you are used to seeing in Europe. Behind which are an array of apartments businesses and a courtyard.

I have yet to meet the other travellers am always slightly nervous about this. But the place seems really nice and a few people I met in room said it was an amazing place to stay.

Rome was fabulous, in the end I did find the beauty in it! The last night I was there a group of us went out for dinner which was great. Including one of the guys that worked at Hotel Lodi. His friend owned the business and we ended up not having to pay at all! That's five bowls of pasta, three bottles of wine and coffees. So kind!! Cheap night for us. We left a hefty tip though.

Can't wait to upload the photos from Rome. Keep posted!! xxxx