2 days to go and lots to do!

Our boat trip to the Isle of Capri was wonderful . Initially we were disappointed as we missed out on the speed boat but the sailing boat ended up much more enjoyable. We had the shade of the sail and a smaller group. Our skipper Sebastiano was a great guy and his friends Claudio and his girlfriend Tina were really interesting. We had another Brazilian on board! And a russian!
Tina was from NYC and had been in Sorrento for 5 years writing a cook book! In a previous life she was a high powered fashion designer and " suddenly realized she had everything but nothing" ! She packed up and headed for Italy. The book is almost ready for print.
Capri was very hot but interesting. Clearly a place for the rich and famous as George( Clooney) , Leonardo ( De caprio) and Whitney (Houston) had all been there in the last couple of weeks . We got lost finding our way back to the boat but eventually got there after a long walk and a bus ride!
We then sailed around the island and visited the " blue and green" caves. We swam in the green cave. The water is amazing and it really looks an incredible emerald green or aqua blue. We got back late after a great day. Dinner at the marina which was at a traditional kitchen but a bit average.

Early the next day we checked out and headed for the little town of Positano on the Amalfi Coast ( 18 km drive but took about 45 minutes along the very narrow windy roads with all those motor scooters again!). Very picturesque little town with colorful buildings and winding paths passing interesting shops. The beach is grey sand and it costs 12.5€ for a beach chair, umbrella, access to change room and toilet. Had lunch overlooking the beach and, although prepared, could not be tempted to have a dip!

The drive to Pompei from there was about 1 hour 15 minutes. A number of people said that Pompei was a hole but our hotel was probably the best one yet! A quiet little oasis with outside garden bar and restaurant right near the ruins.
Headed for the ruins that afternoon and spent about 4 hours with audio guide exploring the city. VERY interesting and certainly worth reading more about the history later.
That night Jen was petrified! The massive electrical storm was nothing we had ever experienced before and she really thought that Mt Vesuvius may be erupting again! Only a drizzle by the morning and everyone safe and sound!

The drive to Rome was pleasant until we got near our hotel and Tom Tom struggled big time . Unfortunately some of the streets had been changed to "one ways" and all the directions were haywire! Eventually got to our apartment which was on the third floor of an " office block" ....very contemporary and comfortable. Rosie ( another Brazilian! ) was our host. Spent the afternoon walking about the Vatican City and surrounds.

We are now up to today ( Tuesday) ..... We had a great day visiting St Peters Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican museum. Took a few sneaky pics of Michelangelos ceiling in the chapel but unfortunately photos are not allowed anymore. Climbed the 550 steps to the dome of the Basilica ( great views of Rome and the Vatican gardens) and back down for a nice big lunch of spagetti and risotto and gelato... We needed it! The Vatican square had thousands of chairs set up for tomorrow( wednesday) , as the Pope gives his address on a wednesday each week. Unfortunately we are off to see the colosseum tomorrow and can't make it!
Next off to the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. Felt like something different for dinner so had a burger and Caesar salad at an American style bar! We did see an Italian Chinese restaurant, but Jenny knocked me back!
Rome so far is very pleasant, not too hot and easy to get about. We have walked everywhere as only about 40 minute walk from one end of the old city to the other. ( and we are eating a lot of pizza, pasta and ice-cream)
Jen and Gus

PS our very organised fellow cyclist, Rob, has now put together his video. Unfortunately, for some reason, I can't load the movies on my iPad, so I have included the links if anyone wants a look. He did it in 2 parts and I am not sure of the content. It might give some idea of the country side we passed through in France.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAGDBNA5gl0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAQReFR6poE

We had a great time in Florence visiting the Museums, monuments, shops, leather markets etc. Yesterday I climbed the Capito of the Duomo. There are 463 steps and the views of Florence are amazing. The stairs are very narrow and claustrophobic so Jen decided not to to come.
Picked up the car this morning and left after peak hour ( we were advised by the hotel to do so) to drive to Sorrento near the Amalfi coast. 4.5 hours mainly along the autostrada, so OK driving. I am still amazed how there are not more accidents in Italy. They NEVER use their indicators and just seem to do what they please.. In the end it all works out but I try and keep my distance. Sitting on 130 km/ hr ( the speed limit) you are passed by most cars! ( except the hundreds of trucks)
Sorrento is a lovely little town perched above the Tyrrhenian Sea. Wonderful views and typical small cobbled stoned streets with quaint little shops and hundreds of motor scooters!
We have booked a boat trip to the Isle of Capri tomorrow which should be fun.
Our Brazilian friend from the cycle trip has put together his very professional blog ( the video is yet to come). Rob is a lovely guy, single and quite emotional and I think his words really reflect the feeling on the tour. The link is http://robertopeixoto.wordpress.com/2011/09/15/1536/
He has included some of our photos and his english and descriptions are nice. Have a read!
Gus and Jen.

Just went to see Mike's David at the Accademia gallery. Very impressive! Luckily booked a tour as the "public" line was huge and they are not allowed in until the tour groups are done.. No photos allowed or you get thrown out.
Drove from Venice to Florence in a lovely little 4 door Lancia. Very clever.. It turns itself off when you put it in neutral at the lights and then starts again when you push the clutch again. The drive was OK until we got near Florence and hit peak hour. There was a line of trucks in the slow lane (right side) for kilometres and there must have been several hundred lined up tail to tail going nowhere! Luckily we could drive in the fast lane( left) and the trucks are all very respectful. The motor scooter drivers are lunatics and do not follow the road rules! I will certainly hit one at some stage, or they may hit me!
Our hotel in Florence is lovely .. 18th century building with GREAT showers. Yummy traditional dinner last night ....tuna in sesame seeds ( Jen) and I had grilled chicken... Both with salad... Which means just lettuce!
I have to revise the "bruise count" on Jens body. The previously mentioned 21 was on one leg only! The current count is 32 and don't ask me to tell you where they all are!
Heading to the leather markets and the Uffizi gallery later this afternoon.
Very hot and crowded.
Gus and Jen

Here in Florence, not sure if the last blog went through?
Will update soon.

Hello All,
No matter how hard I tried I could not get any success with Internet connection in France. I hooked up with Orange with a French SIM but still no luck! Even the Orange store could not get me going... So what chance did I have!
WiFi ( whiffy to the French) was as scarce as hens teeth, so really no luck ... Anyway I'll give a brief summary of the trip.
We completed a 300+ km round trip and ended back at our starting point for a final dinner and wrap up. It's amazing how " close" you get to your fellow cyclists and there are many stories to tell!
We both thought the trip was amazing and we would certainly like to plan another one some time in the future. The Bordeaux and Loire Valley tours sound the next best.
The cycling was on the whole OK but there were some steep climbs which Jen thought were quite tough...BUT she made every hill over the whole week. That granny gear is a great thing! We usually cycled together so could chat away and help each other along. Jen loved the gel seat but it got " gooey" at the end of the week so ended up in the bin. Jen had 2 falls ( not too bad) and at last count had 20 bruises in varying states of resolution! The one on the left thigh is the best!
The food was magnificent and on the whole home cooked in the traditional way for the area. We had a lot of Duck, fish, wild boar and tried Frois Grois( fat goose liver) pate and also grilled slices. We always had 3 large courses and the deserts were also a highlight. ( lucky for 50-60 kms on the bike each day!)
The wine ( again selected from the area) was also outstanding and Toby, our guide, was expert at selection. He chose whites and reds each night and there was no shortage! After dinner we also had nut wine and prune liquour as needed. Unfortunately the coffee was crap so usually passed on that.
Toby really made our week . We was a great bloke who is really passionate about the French country side. His knowledge is immense and the locals knew him well. He knew the best things to order and organised a nice selection at each restaurant.
He is planning a cycle trip in Rawanda next year which sounds interesting.
The country side was stunning and each little town needed multiple photographs.
Our final stop at Salat was probably the most beautiful.
Along the way Toby and the Chain Gang Company had planned many touristy things to do. This ranged from visiting an old fortified mill to castles, monasteries , amazing water caves and prehistoric artifacts. There was always something to do along the way. After the morning cycle we would usually stop for some sight seeing and lunch and then head off again in the afternoon. On 2 days we carried our supplies and stopped on the banks of the river( Dordogne) for a picnic. We usually reached our hotel by 5.30 for pre dinner drinks till 7.30, then shower and dinner.
Some of the hotels had pools for a dip.
They were all very cute and interesting, generally small rooms but certainly adequate for tired bodies.
Our other team members were nice. The older couple ( nearly 70!) from Melbourne had a bit of a hiccup as Margery, the wife, had to stop cycling for the last 2.5 days as her legs swelled up and she felt ill! Jim, her husband and a tough old scotchman, kept cycling and left her to her own devices! ( luckily Toby organised the back up vehicle to help her out and get her to the doctor) We both thought that was a bit cruel of Jim!
Weather was good , we only had one wet day and it wasn't all that bad as we had our wet weather gear.
All in all a great experience!

We are now in Venice and having a great time wandering about all the streets. Lots of galleries, museums and monuments! Very easy to get lost as you lose all sense of direction with all those canals, bridges and alley ways.....it all looks the same and you end up going in circles! Had to save a seagull yesterday as he was tangled in fishing line and had the hook through his shoulder region.. Lucky I packed the Swiss Army Knife! Cut the line , detangled his wing and beak and used the pliers to pull out the hook! We flew off so hopefully he was OK. Went to Murano to watch the glass blowing today and then to Burano where they still make hand made lace.
We were going to get a car tomorrow and drive to Florence but have decided to take boat to the railway and catch the train( 2 hours).
Hope everyone is fit and well back in OZ. Go the Eagles!
Gus and Jen.