Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Rome - last entry for the trip

Tomorrow I fly home to take up my real life. On the one hand I am sad my travels have come to an end but on another, more true way, I am looking forward to getting home, enjoying what's left of the summer and seeing my family and friends again. I've missed you all, and I am not "just saying that"!

And I've even missed going to work and using my brain. If I suddenly won the lottery (which I don't play) I don't think I could lead a life of leisure indefinitely. It's true - you need work to make you truly appreciate holidays. Having said that, I don't know how well I will be able to slot back into the working life. I have such a travel brain - I feel unable to concentrate on anything for any length of time. Even writing my blog for more than 15 minutes has me getting up and searching for a diversion!

Before I forget, my final gem of wisdom for the day: apart from the atrocious public transport, we have it pretty good in Australia. Of course there are things we don't have to the same extent that Europe has them – the charm of historical buildings, the endless art galleries, the extensive cultural life, the cheap flights, the purchasing power of the Euro. But I have yet to taste a pizza in Italy that's as good as I can get back home. Our beaches are the best I've seen anywhere. I got a replacement camera from an Australia website cheaper than what I paid for it in Hong Kong. I don't have to live in the middle of a concrete jungle. No one has ever stolen my bag, I've never been pick pocketed, I leave my front door unlocked all the time. And I honestly feel that the food, the weather, the range of activities, the natural environment are hard to beat. I hope that doesn't sound like I am knocking anyone else's lifestyle - there is just nothing like travel to make you appreciate home :)

Oh and here are some pics of Rome:

Colosseum



Palatine Hill
The ancient Roman commercial, political and religious centre.



Fountains and Piazza's of Rome

Trevi Fountain
Piazza del Campidoglio
Piazza Farnese

Piazza Navona

Fontana San Carlo

Pantheon

Built in 27BC! Love the dome.



Castle Saint Angelo

4 comments:

Polina said...

I know what you mean about Australia. I keep having these thoughts a lot, too. Australia is wonderful, in all the things you mentioned and some more. But right now Europe's charm is still too great for me to resist :)

Anonymous said...

We do have it pretty good in Australia! But at the end of the day it's all about priorities... I'll accept worse food and smaller living space for the pleasure and privilege of spending my evenings at the theatre and my weekends in Europe. At least for now :-)

Vika said...

Yes, you are both right... it's just nice to be home is all :)

Zoya said...

How is life back in Oz? Hope you are settling back into it without any problems.