Into the hills of Umbria - and along the coast to Sorrento

Yesterday we left beautiful Venezia to drive into the Apennines, the winding spine of Italy.
Mid afternoon we arrived in Assisi where we climbed the steep hills to our hotel in this ancient mountain town.

There was a tour of the famous 13th Century Basilica of St Francis, where we saw the bones of the founder of Franciscan order of monks and received a whistle-stop tour of the ancient frescoes which decorate the church.

Today we left a fog-shrouded Assisi to drive four or so hours along the coast to Sorrento, a resort town perched perilously upon a clifftop with astounding views of the Mediterranean.

The world's longest flight

A few months back I wrote about taking the 17.5  hour direct flight from Auckland to Dubai, currently the world's longest air route. Tomorrow, I'm doing it again.

Before that there will be lunch in Auckland with my old mate Lil and some work in the lovely Emirates lounge before being herded onto the plane for what seems like forever. This time, sadly, the Travel Gods were off having a long lunch and I wasn't able to get into business class. But at least I scored some lounge passes so I can have a shower in Dubai before the next 6.5 hour schlep to Rome.

I shall miss my two boys, especially given the aftershocks that are still rumbling through the region. Poor Bristol is so freaked out he'd rather sit in the garden, even in the rain, than come inside. It breaks my heart. Here's hoping the quakes stop soon.
 
See you on the other side....

11 days in Italy?

Don't mind if I do...

On Friday I fly to Rome for a media trip with Insight Vacations' 11 Day Best of Italy tour. 
It's going to be a tough gig, eating and drinking and swanning around Italy. But someone has to do it.

I'm well aware of the irony of swapping one earthquake-infested place (800 aftershocks since Monday) for another but what's a girl to do? Say no to Italy???!!!