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half-man, half-geek

Friday, July 11, 2008

Roma Giorni Uno

What a fabulous city!
Our first day felt like a week. We arrived at Roma Termini at 6am having nor slept in our sleeper cabin all the way from Genova. Taking a bus to our hotel we hit the pavement immediately. A tour of the outside of the Colesseum, the wall around the roman forum, the road beside the circus maximus, the banks of the tiber before stopping on the steps of a chiesa for an ice-cream. Then, back to the hotel to find our rooms finally ready.
When the in-laws arrived via dodgy-rip-off-taxi we set off for lunch and a quick view of the place with the cats (Largo della Torre Argentina). All feeling worse for the wear we returned to the hotel to crash before setting out for the afternoon to the Vatican.
St. Peters was at the same time impressive, awe-inspiring and ostentatious to a fault. Finding our way back via a crowded bus and having a short rest, we headed out again for the evening.
Things improved greatly when we found "Casa Bleve" - a classic wine and cheese house. Platters of exquisite cheeses and bottles of wine were enjoyed before we settled the big bill and meandered home via an excellent gelateria.

So finished the longest day. Day 2 has started at an alltogether much more leisurely pace. The morning spent at the Pantheon, Piazza Nuova and a church of which I can't remember the name (but has a blue vaulted ceiling and Michelangelo's "naked" Christ in it).

And so, beer and pizza and a short rest and then on to this afternoon's schedule. Which, will take in the Colesseum again - this time with an entrance ticket ;)

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

jellyfish

Too long since I posted. Never mind - here are some things ....

Amazingly I was stung by a jellyfish. Not your Aussie box variety, but painful nonetheless. Only a minor graze on the arm but still hurting (a little) almost 2 weeks later. It looked cool though - a line of pairs of parallel dots - each of which individually scabbed over. (Eugh!)

Despite the jellyfish incident we have managed to spend some beautiful afternoons on the beach. Recently all of our trips have been to the west of Genova (the Potente side). Taking in Spotorno, Arenzano, Veraze and - best of all - Finale Ligure. Very different to the Levante side - sandy beaches and Riviera feel rather that stunning small fishing village feel.

Jackie and the boys laid on a really nice party for me when I got back from England after my viva. Big banner saying "Congratulations Dr. Dad". You can't buy moments like that.

Today is my Birthday. I followed the rather nice Italian tradition of buying everyone in the lab cake (and Sparkling Italian Wine/Champagne). Really enjoyable.

Got to go - catch bus!