Italy was in the grip of a burning heat wave and after landing at Ciampino and on opening the aircraft doors there was a blast of heat from the smouldering tarmac baking in temperatures that, coming from Northern Europe, we were unfamiliar with, which was rather like opening a pizza oven door. Ciampino was once the principal airport for Rome but it has now been superseded by a modern facility north of the city so it quite small for a capital city airport and we were processed through immigration control and customs nice and quickly.
Have Bag, Will Travel 
Good morning Andrew,
Ah, Italia!
I almost love it as much as Spain and Australia.
But even more, I adore your passion for one thing!
Tell me, Andrew: is this blog sponsored by the Portman Group?
Does that question surprise you?
I think not.
I ask because your blog is a positive HYMN OF PRAISE to the glories of alcohol.
[“And why shouldn’t it be, Dai?”
– Indeed, why not!? Just because I am a wacky-baccy man: I should not let my prejudices run full throttle!]
But, joking aside, another nice piece.
Just one thing though: having sold their Nastro Azzurro* around pubs, I need to point out your incorrect spelling of Peroni.
And on the subject of typos: you have missed out the H from “rather” in the 4th line of your second para.
* It never struck me BTW remotely as the “blue ribbon” beer that its name proudly proclaims. I find most bottom-fermented beers anonymous: but then I was privileged to sell Jever Pilsener, and that is a lager beer that is sooo different!
Will sign off now.
Hope you are ready to play my carer Rosalie at squash!
I should add that when she was a young woman, she made the England under 23 hockey squad.
[“Yes” says Andrew, “I think I will go back to bed!”
Ha!
It’s a great life, eh?
Surprises are around every corner.]
Kindest,
Dai.
daigress@hotmail.com
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