I didn’t set out on this trip to reinforce any particular stereotypes, but I’m pleased to say that the German transport ethic – in the form of Lufthansa – is considerably better than the Italian one. My journey to Budapest is in two legs, via Berlin Tegel airport. As I check in at Rome, I’m…
Getting out of Rome proves considerably harder than getting into it, thanks to the quirks of Trenitalia, the state rail company. The previously efficient looking Termini station again looks simple enough to navigate. Buying a ticket is a painless process, and the platform for the Leonardo Express is clearly marked. But our impending departure is…
It’s wedding day and, of course, the bride and groom are the stars. Although judging by the… ahem… (choose your words carefully, you’re dealing with the a large Italian family here) enthusiasm of the photographers, you’d think the guests were all A List celebs. Even during the church service, each and every person is individually…
If Rome is impressive by day, by night it’s positively sexy. But in a laid back Italian kind of way. The groom to be, Tim, is hosting a drinks party on the roof garden of the Hotel Diana. At sunset, the view is stunning. This is a chance to meet some of the other wedding…
“And you know what to do if he comes out onto that balcony? We all say ‘Happy Birthday’!” When queuing, it’s not uncommon to overhear an amusing conversation. When bunched up so close to others, it’s virtually impossible not to be able to hear another English voice among the general melee of expectation. Or to…
I love September, especially when the kids are back at school. Not that I have any kids of my own, it just means I can go on holiday without encountering other people’s. So holiday time it is, and this time I’ve opted for that classic two centre combo of Rome and Budapest. Actually, the first…
Day Seven : 30th March 2012 Mark made the first move. Someone was bound to do it sooner or later, but Mark actually took the plunge, and decided that he could do a better job at singing than the Official Entertainment. And boy, are the crowd happy. His rendition of Angels could easily pass a…
29th March 2012 – evening I blame my passport. Either that or dark forces have been operating behind the scenes. But most likely it’s my passport. It starts in the bar, before dinner. I’m used taking a seat and waiting for one of the waiters to take my order. But…
Day Five : 28th March 2012 Before I continue with today, I should just wind back to yesterday. One of the highlights of a trip to the Maldives is how you get to your island resort. When I booked this holiday, it was compulsory to include sea plane transfers. And out of all…
FOR THE LATEST PICTURES, CHECK OUT THE MALDIVES 2012 ALBUM ON NEWS MUTT’S FACEBOOK PAGE Day Four : 27th March 2012 – Doha To Male Like many airports which have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, Doha is undergoing a makeover. And being in an Arab state, it’s of palatial proportions. Unfortunately, it’s not…