Last year we tentatively dusted off our previously shelved Italian adventure plans, cancelled because Covid had pressed pause on everything.

Once the idea was re-ignited, it began to take on a swelling life of its own, with Jeff pouring over flights, accommodations, must visit regions and coming up with a do-able schedule that fits with our purpose of travel – not so much the sight-seeing, but to blend into another country as much as a foreigner can, to experience the culture, the food, the wine, the people.

So much time has passed since our last overseas trip (3 years). We’ve adapted to change in recent years with travel curtailed and have stuck close to home, being quite OK with it all with a “se la vie” attitude.

Now, we’re back!

Our route over the 3 months looks like this

Part 1 – 10 March to 12 April

Part 2 – 10 April to 6 June

I can confirm it is all about the journey…….

We managed to snavel a fabulous flight deal with Qatar.

Qatar Q-Suits – comfy and roomy. We felt like Ma and Pa visiting the big smoke, all eyes and surprise, but quickly settled in for the full experience.

Fine dining with white tablecloths and napkins – now that’s fancy! The little candles added a romantic touch, don’t you think? We both started with an amuse bouche, a small appetizer of tuna.

Jeff chose the “NSW beef tenderloin with potato fondant, with charred onions, mashed pumpkin, mushroom coulis and rich pepper jus.

I chose a lighter meal of Tuna Tataki and Australian beef fillet, with compressed apples, pickled golden beetroots, edamame beans, sorrel and ponzu dressing.

We’re dressed the same because we’d already donned our Qatar PJs. We did this for comfort, OK, not because we’re a little bit daggy.

Twins!

While we were brushing our teeth, Jeeves snuck in to make up our beds. There’s something quite decadent about snuggling down, noise cancelling headphones in place, while watching a movie. I can’t even remember what movie I was watching, but clearly it was engrossing.

And then, this happened. Breakfast in bed with style.

A selection of fruits for Jeff, followed by the Assiette of cold cuts topped with a wedge of boiled egg.

I had the Greek yoghurt, mango and passionfruit compote with toasted granola and nut, a lovely small serving too. Because next came the Spanish egg white rolled omelette with blanched baby spinach, mushrooms and cherry tomato salsa.

Every girl loves smelly stuff, and the gift toiletries of luxury high end Italian Dyptique products, which complemented the products in the bathrooms onboard, were lovely,

There was a five hour layover at Doha International Airport. It’s huge! For some reason, Jeff was open for business again. Check out this Eggs Benedict with Salmon he ate while we were waiting in the Al Mourjan Business Lounge! I don’t know where he put it.

The second leg of our flight was daytime, so no night-time turndown service. The food was equally delicious and plentiful. This was my selection for lunch.

An amuse bouche of rolled beef fillet around a zucchini stick. So tiny but packed with flavour. Then I had the Zesty pea and fennel soup. followed by a tomato, olive and lettuce salad with a rather large chunk of buffalo cheese.

This was Jeff’s selection.

Their signature Arabic mezze with pita bread and then lamb koftas with baba ghanoush and harissa oil.

Settling in for some movie watching on the 2nd leg.

Next stop, Roma!

Jeff and Catherine x