Well it`s good to be home, got in at 00.30 this morning and we both spent the morning dealing with sleep and the builders as there was a major issue with the waste pipe not being far enough away from the house so sludge dug up when footings dug. They now have to build a wire cage to fix the issue and work can continue. Seems all the street knows before us. But will find out more tomorrow.
As for the holiday it was a trip of a lifetime as promised, it just had a twist at the beginning and the end. All 29 from the UK got to the airport at 6.30 to see flight cancelled !!! ~ there had been a fire at Rome airport days before and that was where are connection was flying too. Lots were drawn for 17 seats that were available and we were on that first set thinking the others would follow on another flight and we would all catch the 8.30pm flight out from Rome to Olbia ~ Sardinia. Got to the desk and the 17 seats were at the south terminal and not enough time to get there so it then turned into 7 seats with another airline. We got on the flight and waited 45 mins on the plane to take off and when in Rome 1 hour to get the steps to get off. Then our connecting flight was delayed but they shut the gate so we couldn`t get on. So we had a night in Rome in a STUNNING hotel. 22 others had to get a flight from Heathrow the next morning at 6am so up at 3.30am.
Rome was full up in hotels so we split in 2 groups but we got the tour guide with us so it helped as we got a taxi to the airport the next morning and meet the others. All the while we wished the others were with us but it was all out of our hands. We got the early flight of just an hour so arrived at the hotel at 10am and was able to spend the day to ourselves before a planned meal in the evening.
We had an allowance of 340 euros for meals and drinks that were provided for in and around planned trips. Sounds lots but a club sandwich was 34 euros and a orange juice 10 euros !!! Still freshly squeezed juice was amazing as was the food. Being a 5* hotel it had everything you ever wanted and the service was amazing. Kris did a helicopter tour and I rested before the gala dinner. Everyone had their name called out by the CEO and they went up and was presented with they diamond ring. They allow made a lot of all the counties being the elite team of the company and how much they were valued. I was so proud of Kris. We had the CEO on our table and were served and STUNNING 5 course meal and entertainment was going on in the background.
The next day was a luxury boat trip which I said I wouldn`t do when I came out of hospital but having coped with all the flight issues I thought go for it and it was amazing. We set off at 9am and got back in at 5pm. Food served on board and a stop at a private beach with blue sea and white sand where people had a swim. We anchored in very clear blue seas and took in the scenery.
Then back home for a quick shower and change before another meal in town. I then sat opposite the CEO as we often had 7 on our table as we travelled together meaning he would always sit with us. But it was fun trying get talk with his broken English as he is French.
Next day to ourselves before leaving at 2pm for the airport for this time a direct flight home. Wonderful we thought. There was an hours delay because of storms at Gatwick but we took off and we were warned to the weather 15 minutes before and nothing else said. Then our stomachs all dropped as did the plane. Not great for me as I was edgy of flying. I grabbed the seat in front and put my head down ( why ?? ) wasn`t going to help. After 15 minutes of a rough flight we saw the ground and had a bumpy landing but I was so grateful to walk on the Gatwick floor.
Just had a bath with the lovely Acqua di parma smellies that were in the bathroom and they just wanted to travel home with us. They are divine and I love the citrus smell.
I have added a few photos as the best are on Kris`s phone and I can`t get them off as yet.
The holiday helped to take my mind of hospital issue and I`m pleased things settled down to a fashion. Sending lots of hugs to all in need and to Jak for doing the birthdays this month ~ it`s been a great help. Sending well wishes to all the birthdays I have missed.
Made some great friends in the other 5 with travelled with and the single lady was so pleased she felt included and not left out in the trip which we loved.
Need to catch up with some work tomorrow but I`ll try look in at what`s been going on ~ Suzanne x
Sorry for the long post and if some of it doesn`t make sense only I`m off for a cuppa x
The view from our balcony!!!!

View from terrace with was directly below our room which was great for being close to everything as the hotel spread a great deal around the landscape.

Another view just to the left of the last photo



