It’s a strange thing with some Italian delivery drivers. Give them clear skies and warm sunshine and they’ll find endless excuses for ignoring you. But the first flake of snow inspires a kind of mass Pony Express mentality that sees them battling through the elements to bring you a package that’s been sitting in the back of their van for a week.

(For more – and scenic snowy shots – click on the main headline title above…)

At the moment, four big dark brown heaps are sitting in the sun. Walk past and you get a rich and fruity scent – rather like a good Christmas pudding.

(Heaps of leaves in case you were wondering…Find out more by clicking on the main headline title above !)

The only way you’re going to spend a day out in Rome – and have enough time there to enjoy it – is to go by coach.

Di Fonzo Autolinee run a terrific service from nearby Lanciano to the Tiburtina bus station just outside Rome’s centre. Catch the 8am service and you’ll arrive at 11am. A 100m walk to the Tiburtina metro station and you can be at the Vatican; the Colosseum; or the Spanish Steps about 20 minutes later. It’s a no-brainer.

(Read more about our day out in Rome – and see our snaps – by clicking on the main headline title above)