Jane Let's go food shopping there when I'm in town!

vikki hey darl, sounds like you're having a great time. it's bloody pouring here again, day after day , more flooding coming they say. Not good for business so doing some more nails. look forward to catching up when you get back ;)

Jax I really have to try and get down that part of Italy next time I am there. Hopefully 2012!

aggie jealous

aggie oh dear god, can it get any better darlin.....and here I am contemplating life after walking 100km - god it's going to be a tough slog after just the other day 34km walk.....eeeek. keep enjoying and get some more walking in there......

Jane Calories don't count when you're on holidays, remember? Cheers!

Jane Pig and wine - what more would you need?

Mum Hope you are now safely on your way to Italy where good food and coffee wait you.

Jane Oh no!! I have everything crossed for you.. Looking forward to hearing that you reached Italy with no further dramas. At least the bad food courts will all be in the past..

aggie yum!!!!, The Guggenheim and Metropolitan both my favourite - hope you gifted in the fab shop.

aggie Oh my darlin Shell, I totally get the hair thing - I thought I'd cut some expense and discovered a training academy at Kelvin Grove, so off I scoot..... The nerve and stress you build up before getting in the door just about kills me, but when you think you've got the consult sorted, he takes to your hair a little close the scalp and find yourself scrambling at the flloor to retrieve and glue back to what remains JUST attached to your head...... I hope you had a better experience. Now, I have one fabulous restaurant for you, not too sure if it's too late now, but I discovered this little French bistro in the Meat packers district way before sex n the city was conceived - Pastis, straight out of a bogart movie - smoke filled the room, fans swirling everywhere and french accents all round - the best mussells and fritz..... bloody yum........

aggie Hey my intrepid traveller....... there's always the good, the bad and the even friggin uglier, especially in NYC. Sounds like you've had an awesome time regardless.....Bring on the Italian stallions to pamper and pinch you!

Jane Hello again! It sounds as though your food (and champagne) experiences are getting better! I have nearly finished all my San Fran salted caramel chocolates (from Wholefoods). I'll really miss them! I found a Lonely Planet anthology called "The Kindness of Strangers". It has contributions from published authors and first-time authors recounting stories of kindness encountered during their travels. I think you'd like it - there's plenty to relate to, or aspire to. Forget the rude people; they're everywhere and aren't having a fabulous holiday like you!!