Oh, what a shame! I loved that beard!! It made you look like the true explorer, John.

Something puzzles me: how many wardrobes have you packed? Or did you ship one onwards, awaiting your arrival in ... er ... Rome? You seem to be well equipped for the European spring weather.

Question: what kind of damage have you done? Is the Beast hurt or did the damage refer to your wallet/credit cards?

Take care and go on enjoying yourselves - you seem to be utterly relaxed.

Love and Light, Maria & Donald.

Your pictures are fabulous, John I think you've got a new day job as a photographer! Happy birthday Marina, hope you have a wonderful day. Liz Lear XX

Hello again -- first read the blog and only thereafter looked at the "fantastic photos" Who is this new chap lurking around with Marina ? It looks a bit like John and if it is , Marina, get him to glue the fuzz back onto his chin or "rent a beard" when in Milan, please do something. Anything would be an improvement !!. The "no fuzz" look has confused all of us over in RSA and scared the kids. Luv ya G / L

Happy Birthday Marina -- what a wonderful part of the world to be in to celebrate the occasion. Hope you had the bestest of days. Thanks to you and John for the sms's and just how do you chaps find the time to think of others, what a couple you two are !! Clearly this part of your trip is more relaxing than parts of Africa and also very different, so soak up the moments- what memories. Take care, keep safe and well

Hi there

i sent you a mail this morning but it would not go thro. Hope you have had a lovely birthday. Where........what?

Your pics of Rome made me want to go again, so another thing for the bucket list as Pen would say!!

Travel safely and enjoy. Much love Jxxxxx

and........

PARABENS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to a wonderful woman!!!!!!

love you mommy, mae e vovo

we looooooove you!!!!!!!!

even though you dont recognise our voices on the phone!! hahahah!!!

love to you both!!!

T,C,L,E

Hi Marina

Happy birthday hope you have a lovely day and that you do lots of shopping :) from all of us in England

Luiza and family

Hi Dad & Marina. Your trip is just getting better & better, your pictures are just amazing. Happy Birthday for today Marina. I'm sure you will do something wonderful to celebrate, enjoy! The kids send love too. Luv Kev, Deb, Josh & Jess

Happy Birthday Marina. Your travels are indeed spectacular. Enjoy the rest of the Journey.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY for tomorrow MOMMY and VOVO! You're the best. not long to go til we can see you. We miss you.

Your photos are great. Please post more photos af you two.

Love your kids and grandson

wauw, already inItaly...

Shortly and you will be in our hometown... well, hope you like it in Europe !

We will leave Africa aswell shortly in a few days... many greetings, emiel and saskia from www.flipflopsonholiday.com