Day 10. Rome
The day started with a walking tour of the city passing important sights.
We then walked over to the colosseum. It was quite a sight to see, as I was standing there trying to imagine being in that stadium during its prime with a roaring crowd surrounding me while watching
After the colosseum we walked to the Vatican City to have a guided tour of the Vatican. Where the popes bedroom is was pointed out, we walked down a long hallway with ceiling to floor tapestry’s which instantly made me think of how much my mother would appreciate seeing that, then into the famous Sistine Chapel roof painting by Michel Angelo, Naturally this was incredibly impressive and without a doubt a must see on anyone’s Europe trip

That night we had a party which a white board theme. Wear a white T-shirt and people write in permanent marker all over it. I can’t remember if I still have that t-shirt now however I have a feeling it could possibly still be in an old set of draws at my parents’ house. Contiki partys tend to get pretty wild and my memory of the night is limited to a dance floor and that’s about it.

Day 11 Rome to Pompeii to Greece Corfu
I woke up on this day very rough. One of my worst hangovers, I was convinced I didn’t care in the morning enough and wanted to miss the bus however I managed to finally just make it on with a bag in hand, a pair of sunnies, and a pillow. I slept the whole way to Pompeii however I imagine the landscape was supposed to be lovely. The walk through Pompeii unfortunately was far from pleasurable for me since at this point I was struggling so much I could barely keep my eyes open let alone walk around in blistering heat. It was however even through the hangover when I look back a pretty special place to be.
After Pompeii we drove all the way down to Southern Italy (also sure this would have been a beautiful view) where we boarded an overnight ferry to head to Greece. I really enjoyed my time on the ferry, we had beds and the gentle rock of the boat on waves made me have a very peaceful sleep.

Day 12, 13 and 14. Greece
One of the first things I learnt about Greece as we headed to where we were staying was how they live by “local time” meaning, nothing has a sure time. The bus will come or the shops will open around the time displayed, or if it is a beautiful sunny day the bus may not come at all or if it is raining the shops may not open.
My first 2 days I spent in bed or tried to lay beside the pool feeling extremely ill with swollen tonsils so my friends when into town and got me some antibiotics as in Greece they have it over the counter. The second night I was up still feeling ill but well enough to go to a toga party. We all wrapped ourselves up and headed out. Classic contiki style the party was big.

On my last day in Greece myself and a friend got a bazillion wax from a local salon which took 3 people assisting in the wax for some reason also if someone wanted to get to the hair salon they walked through the room to get there. It was no place to feel shy, bizarre however I did not ask questions and then late went on a boat cruise called ‘Georges Boat”. Nonstop drinks and his home made Tzatziki while cruising around in the hot sun was just the perfect way to spend your half way point for the tour. We got a chance to hop off and sit on the beach on a lounge chair while sipping a cocktail and possibly take part in some water sports. Some went snorkelling or stand up paddle boarding, I chose to go parasailing. Myself and a friend loaded with parachutes while strapped also to a boat with a long cord ran off the deck until the parachute launched and we went sailing in the air as the boat pulled us along for about 20 minutes. It was so peaceful and amazing to have a panoramic view from so high. We concluded the cruise with everyone stripping naked and jumping into the ocean from the boat desk.  We are in Europe after all.

Day 15 Corfu to Venice
Today we relaxed by the pool then hopped on an overnight ferry from Corfu to Venice Italy.

Day 16 Venice
We open the day with a guided tour through the streets and laneways of Venice while learning some historical facts about the city. We went to a glass blowing factory where they showed us how they make their famous Venice stained glass and you can purchase beautiful ornaments or jewellery very cheap. I bought an orange band watch with colourful glass flowers around the outside of the clock face. We also got to have a private boat tour down the canals and islands in the warm sun while checking out the houses and shops on the river front.

Day 17 Venice
Today we hired bicycled to ride around the city and see as much as possible. At one point we road completely off the tourist map we were given so we had lunch beside the canal. My friend ordered a latte. In Europe a latte is just frothed milk, you need to say café latte. It took some convincing but finally she politely asked if she could have a coffee shot put in h frothed milk. This was a good day just spent riding around and finding this with no real intent. A nice break from racing around.

Day 18 Venice to Vienna
Bus ride past beautiful countryside and Chalets and Villages to get to Vienna was a beautiful time.
In the evening we went to a Mozart and Strauss concert is an amazing historical building. This was such a pleasure, and really reminded me of my brother and his passion for music. The gardens around were also filled with hedges shaped as musical notes and fairy lights setting a magical scene.

Day 19 Vienna
Time for some sightseeing; There’s the imperial grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace, the elegantly ornate State Opera House and The gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral  followed by a walk down the main street called Kärntner Strasse. After we had free time and we chose to have a local coffee and lunch in the gardens and after we all went to the old schnapps museum to try a few samples and of course a schnitzel dinner that was the biggest meal I have ever had!

Day 20 Vienna to Prague
Standard bus journey day then we got to have a wander through Český Krumlov for our first experience of this unbelievable town.