I continue to follow your “Roman Holiday” with much interest. The Naples coast and south to Capri is always an area that seems so beautiful – along the lines of the Riviera.

It doesn’t seem to matter what country you’re in there are always “touts” to be found and each with a different scam. Stations are always easy pickings because they are so crowded – the can avoid the officials as they work the tourists. Fortunately it wasn’t too bad an outcome. he obviously wanted to “help” you get your tickets for a price.

Once you’ve been there, you’ll probably recognise others when you come across them. I can give you some early advice for Thailand. In Bangkok there are lots of touts selling gems – usually emeralds. They will offer a once in a year special to celebrate the king’s birthday [which is actually in June] but my advice is to decline the offer.

In Phuket and the other islands, the scam mostly seems to be trying to sell you time-share. Young guys stop you on the beach to do “surveys” and when they know where you are staying you will get a voucher under your door say thay you’ve won an incredible prize – to collect simply ring this number, and we’ll arrange to pick you up for the prize presentation. You only have to sit through a 60 minute “hard-sell”.

Other than that it’s all part of the “life experience” and fortunately not too costly. It tends however, to make you a little suspicious about everyone from that point onwards. Which is probably not a bad thing.

Enjoy the rest that Italy has to offer and the meeting with the new relations.

Dad XX

I have fond memories of my visit to Rome and the tour very similar to your own. In particular I couldn’t get over the guys dressed as Roman
Legionaires outside the Colloseum who would eagerly have their photo taken with you [for a cost].

Well as you know the Pope is here and has his big finale tomorrow with a mass at Randwick Race Course for an estimated half a million pilgrims. They are probably the ones you would have normally have encountered in St. Peter’s Square – it may have been good fortune that it was quiet.

Naples sound terrific. I was reading an article in today’s paper about the Isle of Capri which is located just south of Naples and overlooking a beautiful mediterranean. I also checked the temperatures for Rome and you are a couple of degrees warmer than Noosa.

I spoke with karl today and he told me that you rang Nikko and he has filled them in on your recent movements.

Well I’m into Mia Cucina for lunch then off to the local footy later. I don’t know if you have had a chance to follow any AFL, but it has been an interesting year. Geelong 1st [only 1 loss] Bulldogs 2nd [1 loss & 1 draw] and Hawthorn 3rd [2 losses]. The big game today Bulldogs v Geelong at Geelong …. don’t think my ulcer could stand it so I’m off to the local game.

Well soak up a bit of sunshine and chianti and enjoy Naples. Will look forward to the photos later.

Love dad xx