Will it be a win for Rome?

Last night we arrived in Rome on a plane full of Scots!

I came to Rome by myself around 7 years ago for about 3 or 4 days, and did not enjoy it at all. I think it was a combination of: staying in the grottiest hostel I have ever been in; feeling slightly homesick and lonely as it was the first place I visited by myself; and thinking that it wasn't an entirely safe and welcoming place.

I am very happy to give Rome a second chance though. Gone is the grotty hostel replaced with an apartment near Campo de'Fiori. Possibly the best part is that it is on Via dei Cappellari (below), which is the street of the hat makers!! This is a good sign surely! Plus there is a bar a few doors away that sells Fosters. I feel at home already.

Well, I can't say that I entirely took advantage of my first day in Rome, as I slept through most of the morning with a headache. But I did manage a bit of a wander around Campo de'Fiori, where there were fresh fruit and veg markets on. Had a good lunch of antipasti and pasta. We visited a palace that used to belong to two cardinals and had a look at a lot of old paintings. Mainly, I was just excited about how brilliantly warm it is. This afternoon Scotland played Italy in the Rugby, which accounts for the Scots on the plane. Italy won.

Into Birmingham

Today was our last full day in England, and to commiserate/celebrate, we headed into Birmingham. It seemed suitably dreary and cold, but, what did impress me was the efficiency of the post office. I only had to spend about half an hour there, and had expected it would take longer. Never mind that I had to purchase a packet of biros because there weren't any on the counters.

The real purpose of our trip into B'ham was to go to a concert - the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra performed works by Tchaikovsky, Chopin and Vaughan Williams. The music was great - particularly the Chopin piece - the only downside to it all was that I had to keep nudging my Dad who was falling asleep (jetlagged still maybe?).

Tonight is our last night in England, before heading to Rome tomorrow for a week (assuming the strikes in France don't hold us up). We are also taking my Grandparents with us. When the oldies leave, I shall be on my own for a couple of weeks, and will make my way back to the UK.

A final English photo - my aunt and uncle's house. I know its rather obvious, but it is just such an English house, and I always associate it with my visits to the UK. I do seem to be taking my trip all the wrong way round though - luxury at the beginning, with hardship still to come. Its exciting!

Mum becomes a sexagenarian

Another big family day today, this time for an early English celebration of my Mum's 60th birthday. Folk descended on Woodlands from far and wide for more eating, drinking and merriment.

Below are my grandparents, the most stylish pair of ninety year-olds that I know.

After all the guests had left we went for a nice bracing walk through the fields in the rain. The rain washed away any remaining snow. Below are the ponds at my aunt and uncle's house. The closest one is 'Tabatha's Pond', named after my little cousin Tabatha, who is almost one year old.

Taking it easy

A snowy day here, and not a lot to report. Almost finished my book, played with my little cousin Tabatha, and heard the latest on the distant relatives. It has been a good relaxing rest day.

Below is a picture of the brilliant powder-blue Aga which has been keeping me warm in the kitchen. Not that I have been slaving over a hot stove. More like getting in the way of my Aunt Amanda.

Snow-covered England

Much country has been covered, and many cups of tea drunk since our family 'do' on Saturday.

Yesterday we made our way through Oxford and the beautiful Cotswalds to visit my Grandparents in Malvern, next to the Malvern Hills (below is a view from the Hills). It is an old spa town, and in the old days, people used to come to Malvern to take the waters for their health. Unfortunately, I fear this has not done me any favours, as I feel a cold coming on. Bother cold England!

On a dramatic note, disaster struck after breakfast, when I realised that the number four hole on my harmonica no longer creates a sound when blown. This is a real set-back, as I was just getting the hang of producing clear notes. Tom and I have set ourselves the task over the next few months of learning the harmonica. I will have to purchase myself a new one, and when we return, we will play you all some sweet sweet harmonica duets.

After morning tea with my Grandparents today, we made our way to my Aunt Amanda and Uncle John's house near Alvechurch. I have been warming myself next to the Aga in the kitchen and with many cups of tea, while looking out on the snow covered fields.

Bradbear family snaps

Here are a couple of family photos as promised, from our get-together on Saturday.

Below, members of the Bradbear-Powell-Dragazis family. Is that a mouthfull or what?

First cousin once removed Rosie and Elsie the cocker spaniel.