Hi gorgeous girl, it was so fantastic to hear your voice tonight and you sound pretty chirpy even if yesterday was such a bad day. As they say s*** happens, and the holiday would not be the same without a few dramas eh. It sounds like Fabbro has given you good advice about not going out with too much in your wallet. As much as it is a pain, that stuff can be replaced. It is tiring on your won as you have to manageeverything and can't leave thingswith a freind to go off and a drink or whatever. The magic of Italy will seduce you I am sure. It is so European. I still think you will fall in love with Florence.

Roma is a mad bustling city full of crazy Italians but it is great. You were not far from the Sapnish Steps at Piazza del Popolo. If you had walked back down the main avenue (an ok walk ) you would have ended up there. So your sense of direction can't be too bad. Remember too that all the designer shops and in the street at the bottom of the Spanish steps - it is a lovely walk too.

I think booking yourself on some tours has been a great idea and it will give you a sense of the city and some of the history plus some company. We scattered Iain's ashes on one of the hills (Jupiter's)_and he has a great view over the Forum one way and to the Coloseum the other. He would have been 50 next Friday - how he would have hated that!!!

Campo dei Fiori is beautiful - we stayed around the corner in an apartment and went every day to get fresh fruit and chesee and bread for lunch. It might be a fair way from your hostel tho". Another great place to go is the Pantheon which is not far from Trevi, in between that and Piazza Navona if I recollect right. You can sit and have a tea at one of the cafes and just look at the structure (it is a perfect dome and original ruins are first century,). There is a fantasic paper shop just off the square too. But you will see plenty of that in Firenze.

My last message on Wednesday night clearly did not get through. My telstra connection dropped out which is does often so I will tell you the news other than what we said on the phone.

The really big news is that I have booked to go to Byron on Christmas day for 4 days - it was a big thing and I felt pretty sad (I know that is stupid but you know me -hate the change and then I seem to bring it on!!! - sometimes I wish not so much) but I think it is good too and we will find a different way to celebrate with the family and do the stockings and tree. Havbent' told them yet - they might read it on this site first.

Daniel and I went to Cutler and Co last night. The only booking was for 9.30 pm!!. The food was really good but not to die for. Expensive. However you can go and have a drink and a nibble at the bar so we should do that - it is a groovy space. At the top end of Gertrude near Nicholson so we could walk from the city.

Am trying to get Colin to give Pip back to us as Leon got home last night from England. Colin says she won't have a good time here now because I am at work so am working on that. His birthday next week - 42 and we are going to Agapi with a group of people.

Well will post this and think of you taking photos this afternoon - have a beautiful gelati in that hot weather.

Loads of love. Miss you but know you are on an amazing experience. Chris

Dear Stais,

I had lunch with a rowing friend on Wednesday and he will be in Italy at the same time as you, but not crossing paths much. His name is Dave Weigall and mobile 0418 128 232. He and his wife Pru arrive in Rome on 20th Sep and then go to Lucca: Palazzo Alexandra, then Monterosso Albergo Cinque Terra on 23/25 Sep, then Como palace hotel on 27/28 Sep. I am just letting you know in case you need to call him for anything.

Today, Thursday, it has been raining most of the day in Melbourne.

Remember, please don't fall asleep on any boats or trains.

Love,

Dad

Hi there,

Can't wait to see the photos - hope you took your bathers for a swim in Corfu! So pleased you enjoyed the sand dunes - hope you met some nice people. Give Noula a big kiss.

Met Carolyn on Sunday night - first draft for Inverloch plans are looking terrific. Love always. PK really moping aboput without you. AG

Hey Staisy! hope your flights have been ok so far! cant wait to hear more and see some photos if you get time to put them up, and i hope my letter was mildly entertaining haha xx

Stais,

This is a great idea! I delivered your car this morning and it should be fixed by Friday this week. We had a very busy weekend. Rowing on Sunday morning then a trip to the Yarra Valley for wine tasting and lunch. Caroline Roberts came round to our house to discuss our renovations at Inverloch on Sunday night.

Love,

Dad

Hey stais! so excited you have a blog to keep us all updated! Have an incredible time babe, and stay safe :) xxx