Warning: this blog entry contains lots of whinging further down!
Arrivederci Roma! Visited the Spanish steps today. What a crowd! You could hardly move. We got out of there pretty quickly and headed for quieter streets. Visited more churches (simply amazing - so much detail). There are also lots of artists down the quiet back lanes, it's a great city. We have really enjoyed Rome. Organised for a private car to take us to the airport. What a delight, clean, extremely fast, knew his way around. Also saw some more sights on the way there. Checked in straight away with no lines. Asked whether our bags would be checked in all the way to Hong Kong (rather than to London only). The girl just about rolled her eyes and said "yes". First flight to London, only 2 hours, by British Airways. Very accommodating staff. Came straight over when Celeste crying and having a tantrum. Provided her and Alex with colouring books, etc. Also enquired whether her meal ok. Next leg from London to HK waited ages for gate confirmation. On board there was no appearance by a staff member when pressed the button for assistance. Celeste was feeling like something caught in her throat. Then asked what I'd like for dinner when there was only fish available. Not a good choice for a child feeling sick. Poor little Celeste threw up! Managed to direct her to her pillow (an extra one begrudgingly given by a Qantas steward earlier) and over Mario and I. This time we did get some assistance and a lecture on the use of sick bags! Apparently a 5 year old is expected to know when they'll be throwing up. Then the staff "ran out" of immigration forms. There's an extra wait added with tired (and sick children). One of those journeys I suppose because 2 of our bags (the big ones with a change of clothes for Mario and I) didn't arrive! Thankfully (!) they weren't pinched or lost but "they didn't have time to put them in London"!!!! They could arrive the next morning or at 6pm the next day. Complained that we were in clothes that our daughter had been sick on and got offered approx $175 to buy toiletries etc. Quick cab ride to our hotel. Lovely place. Modern, clean, very large. Efficient and very helpful staff. Received a welcome call that our baggage would arrive in the morning. Had a light dinner at one of the hotel cafes. Watched the Disney fireworks from our room window. Just gorgeous, feel very lucky!