Towards Roma

It doesn't feel like 5.00 in the morning - we cannot remember being so relaxed on a trip into Europe.

Towards the airport - some of my new found enthusiasm for Dubai has waned in the night - the world's tallest building spikes through the morning mist - what did the architect intend? - whatever it was it is not obvious to me! - seems tall for the sake of being tall - reminds me of a Harold Robbins heroine's description of Arabian male genitalia - long, thin and not very satisfying - if indeed that was the architect's intention then he or she has been entirely successful!

Engage with the Pakistani guest worker driving us to the airport - how lucky are we? - we don't have to leave our families behind for a year at a time to give them the chance of a better life - as usual Bernie encourages a more generous tip - "give him something extra to send home"

We pinch ourselves - are we too relaxed? - why is this all so easy? - through passport control - through customs - easy - easy - ah! - now look at these female Emirates airline staff - the uniform looks appropriate - the chiffon scarves all remain obediently in place - beware trans-locating dress across cultural boundaries!

Roma - here we come!