Roman Holiday

We went, we saw, we conquered, we returned unscathed. The long distance driving was fine, and we were glad we did it that way, Icelandic Volcanos being considered! The boys were excellent and we just stopped when we needed to. Small bribes were used when necessary, and everyone ate more junk-food and sweets than normal.

The route down from Annemasse to Assisi we had planned to go via Florence (the central route) but the GPS said to go on the coastal route (via Genova). Word to the wise. Don't go that way. Very, very hilly and you spend the day driving through tunnels. The Italians are very fond of tunnels... not a very nice way to drive. Go for the central route every time. We did it on the way back and it was just fine... very easy drive.

Our holiday house (Chez Raz) was fantastic, and I can recommend it to anyone wanting some space to breathe outside of Rome. Velletri is on the trainline and it is very easy and cheap to get into central Rome. Chez Raz is spacious and has a big garden with a big trampoline, a ping-pong table, a foosball table, two friendly, dopey labradors, two friendly, dopey donkeys, oranges and lemons growing in the gardens, grapes and olives growing in the garden and just outside... idyllic, and just what the boys (and we) needed after a day stomping around Rome. And the owners are lovely too. Paola is Roman and her husband, Paul is Scottish... so they speak English (handy for us!) and are very friendly and welcoming. Accessible without being intrusive.

So here are some photos to entertain you:
Choosing icecream in Annecy
Assisi
Cluny. Stopped there on our return journey. Had the best meal of the whole trip in a little restaurant there... lamb... divine!The Forum
PompeiiPipsqueak on the beach for his birthday. His day, his choice.