As Cath is happily wandering the museums of London today, I'm on the final countdown to take-off. It's about 3pm on Monday 23 August and that shiny Emirates Airlines bullet will be taking to the skies at 8.45pm tonight headed towards Dubai, the inspiration of my photo (plus I didn't think you'd want to see the one of me in a burqini). The kids are now home getting organised for Mum's send-off at the airport. I've left them each a card with a big lipstick-y kiss under their pillows which they will find tonight when they get ready for bed. I feel a bit sad about saying goodbye to my family, but I'll manage to get by until I hit Rome, vino rosso in hand. Meanwhile, the butterflies are doing a few loop-de-loops in my stomach. If I haven't got my stuff packed by now, I'll have to pick it up over there. What a shame - I appear to have forgotten to pack my diamond earrings. Juls tells me that Dubai is just the place for some must-have sparklies. From here, it's a 14 hour flight to Dubai, with a 4 hour stopover so I can investigate the fabulous things in the Dubai Duty Free Shop that I intend to bring back for Ron (perfume, scarves, handbags) ...ok, ok, books, arty things, and maybe a man-bag. After that, it's another 6 hour flight to Rome, Italy - our home for the next three or so weeks. That's it for now - I've got a plane to catch. Somewhere over the next 24 hours, Cathy will fly into Rome from London, about an hour and a half before I turn up, but just in time for a cafe latte and a cannoli. Farewell to the bright lights of BrisVegas - see ya mate ...and until my next chat, buon giorno bella Roma! Love, Kristabella xoxox