Extra Bits and Bobs

A few more things that I have now remembered.
Whilst in Rome we visited a school to pick up a friend of Daniella who was visiting her sister. However, it proved difficult as the gates were locked. After ringing the bell, and telling the operator who we were visiting we were allowed in. On entering the school I was in for a bit of a shock. Children were running around the corridors, standing around, doing as they wished. And there were no teachers in sight. Later on I was informed that it was a student occupation, that occurs about once a year in Italy. I can't remember what they were protesting about, but they basically took over the whole school and wouldn't allow teachers in. Even though this action is illegal, nobody seems to mind as it always lasts only 5 days, generally right before christmas so that they have an extended holiday. This got me thinking that we never have any decent student revolts in England any more (remembering those TV pictures of the 60s).

As everyone knows, I like my food. So I decided to bring back some typical products from Italy for my parents for Christmas. This included a Panettone (light bread with raisins and orange in it) which we are currently eating, some Turrone which is yet to be started, some coffee which I will be drinking on returning to Birmingham, and a bottle of lemon liquor. I also managed to cook Spaghetti a la Carbonara for my family last night, which turned out really well.

Any of you wanting to know what I'm doing for new year (yes, Jordi, I got your 3 SMSs sent from my website) I am still awaiting a cheap price offer on tickets, so cannot guarantee anything yet. However, as some of you have mentioned in the voting page of this website that you want to spend new year with me, if you see any special offers, please let me know. I am open to going anywhere (well, not Afghanistan) as long as someone else will be there (it's a bit boring on my own).

OK, that's about it for now. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year (if I don't see you beforehand).