After the quietness of Pozzo Della Chiana, the hour drive to Firenze on major motorways was an attack on the senses. Just because you can drive at 130km an hour or more doesn’t mean you should – although try telling my sons that. Europe was out in force in Firenze, but we hear everywhere that we are the first Aussies that they have seen. We constantly get told how much Australians have been missed – they have all been oohing and ahhing about our passports. The Asian borders are still problematic as we have largely only encountered people from the UK, Europe, and a few from the US. I have been so surprised by Covid travelling. It has all been so incredibly easy. We all dutifully filled out our European locator forms and have our vaccination certificates, but it is only in Greece that we were asked for them on a boat. Most people wear masks inside and almost all N95. They are required on trains but everyone just does it so there is no fuss at all. We have had no significant delays in Europe on planes, boats, and trains. Scott said the queues at Manchester Airport were pretty damn awful, but it was Easter and to me it seems slightly easier than pre-pandemic as the crowds are less. We are currently on the train from Arezzo to Roma and we have the carriage almost to ourselves. There is a national strike in Italy today with warnings everywhere about delays. The train protest seems to be confined to 5 minute delays on each train, so all pretty easy, really. The conductor checked our tickets and asked for Covid certificates but was very happy when I showed her one – she said no need to check any others as the Australian QR code doesn’t work – all OK Aussies, just enjoy the train.
Sleeping under the stars 