#I KNOW ITS LATE i meant to write this yesterday and queue it for this afternooon or something

[phantasmagoric-acquaintance]

@taznovembercelebration day 13: honeymoon

[tw: mentions of alcohol]

“Ooh…” The receptionist clicks her computer mouse a few times, grimacing at her monitor.” “Bluejeans, you said?”

“Yeah, uh, that’s right. Is something…?”

She clasps her hands together, some sort of please-don’t-yell-at-me-I’m-only-doing-my-job gesture. Her ponytail swings as she turns emphatically to face Barry and Lup. “We had a room reserved for you, but last night’s guests left a pretty big mess, so unfortunately that room isn’t going to be ready tonight, and we’re pretty booked this week.”

 “Oh…” Barry glances at Lup out of the side of his eye. He can tell from her wide-eyed gape that she’s thinking the same thing he is­– what the hell are we supposed to do now?

 The receptionist’s attention returns to her computer. She clicks a few more times before she continues. “The good news­– well, I guess it’s not good news, per se, I think someone got left at the altar, but good for you guys specifically­, but– we had a last-minute cancellation. It only has one king bed and it’s been, um, prepared at the requests of the previous guests, but it is a bit of an upgrade, at no extra cost to you.”

 One king bed. Panic, or something like it, grips Barry’s chest.

 He and Lup were both scheduled to present posters at the Planar Physics Research Society’s biennial conference, and she’d proposed months ago that the two of them share a hotel room. It was an economical decision, and it had seemed obvious at the time. But as the week of the conference approached, Barry found himself dreading sharing a room with Lup.

 Not because he didn’t like her, though, but rather for the exact opposite reason.

 She had taken too much valium just before boarding the plane and ended up spending most of the plane ride asleep on Barry’s shoulder, and he was still very much not over that. How was he supposed to share a bed with her for the next four days?

 Then again, he didn’t want them to end up alone in a strange city with nowhere to stay.

He turned to face Lup, and she shrugged at him, her shoulders tense. “I mean, we could try to find somewhere else, but what if they’re all booked, too? And we already paid for this one. Plus, she said it’s a free upgrade. The bed…” He’s not sure if it’s a trick of the imagination, but Barry thinks he sees Lup blush a bit. “…i-it’s not ideal, but we can deal with it, I think.”

 She makes a good point. He turns back to the receptionist and takes a long breath. “Yeah, okay. We can stay here.”

 ---

They absolutely, positively cannot stay here.

Rather than the gentle, muted colors Barry had come to expect from hotel rooms, he and Lup are greeted by a tsunami of crimson, like something out of The Shining. Red wallpaper, red curtains, red carpet…

 …a big, circular bed draped in red quilts and adorned with red heart-shaped pillows. Red roses in a vase atop a red end table. A red heart-shaped box of chocolates leaning on two bottles of champagne.

 The front desk receptionist’s voice tears through Barry’s mind– “I think someone got left at the altar”– and understanding hits him like a truck, too little too late.

 “I-Is this the honeymoon suite?” Lup asks from just behind him. Her voice is smaller and shakier than he’s ever heard it, and he wishes he could sink into the absurd plush carpet, never to be seen again.

 “’Fraid so,” he manages. Rather than look at her, he’s glued his eyes to the giant mirror on the ceiling above the bed. Grossarooney. He already knows he’s going to spend his nights sleeplessly staring up at himself in that mirror, simmering in the horror of the situation.

 Lup walks out from behind him and towards what appears to be a jacuzzi, to his right. “Hooooooly shit.”

 “Is it­–?”

 “Heart-shaped? Yes, yes it is.”

 “Oh my God.”

 Lup picks up a bottle sitting on the ledge of the tub. “They left some bubble bath, though.”

 “Lup, please don’t tell me you’re thinking about using that?!?”

 She throws her hands up defensively, still holding the bottle in one. “O-obviously not while you’re in the room!” Her face matches the rest of the décor in the room in hue.

 “Hell, Lup. Do you know how many people have probably had sex in there? You’ll catch something.”

 “Barry, it’s a honeymoon suite. There’s probably not a surface in here that someone hasn’t fucked on.”

 “Oh my God.” Barry hides his face in his hands. “Why are we talking about this?”

 “Okay, look, I know it seems pretty bad­–“

 “Understatement of the year!”

 “­–but, you know, there’s a bright side here, and I think we’d be remiss not to take advantage of that.” Lup walks from the jacuzzi to the end table. She selects a chocolate from the heart-shaped box and drops it into her mouth before picking up a bottle of champagne and a plastic cup.

 “You’re not seriously going to drink that?”

 She shrugs and starts peeling the foil off the bottle “Why not?”

 “Don’t you have to stand by your poster at, like, 10 in the morning tomorrow?”                          

 “I’m not gonna have that much, Barry, jeez.”

 After thinking about it for a few seconds, Barry reaches for his own plastic cup. “Alright, hit me.”

 He’s going to need it to get through this weekend.

[natromanxoff]

Queen live at Bingley Hall in Stafford, UK - May 6, 1978 (Part -2)

Photos were taken by Anthony Mallan.

Fan Stories

“As I write this I can't believe it is over 24 years since my first ever Queen gig. I was 15 years old and had looked forward to this day ever since I had first heard Bohemian Rhapsody 3 years earlier. Before that song Queen had just been another pop/rock group but BoRhap was the song which for me would set them apart from all others, the song that began my addiction for this band's music - an addiction which continues to this day. I had an hour long bus ride to Stafford and then had to walk to the Bingley Hall which was about 2 miles out of town. I remember while walking a couple of stretched limos passed I couldn't see inside because the windows were blacked out but I knew that it was the members of Queen in those cars and that added to the excitement. I arrived at the venue and joined the queue to get in. I was quite early but there were still a few hundred people in front of me. I bought a Black T shirt with the News of The World robot on the front and the words Spring Tour '78 and a program, both of which I still have although the T shirt is well worn. I was also treated to a young lady a bit drunk I think, taking her T Shirt off and running around half naked, quite sensational for a 15 year old lad. We were let into the hall at about 7pm and I found myself fairly near the front it was all standing and I was quite small so I was pleased to see the stage was set quite high which meant I would have an excellent view. The stage set for this tour was the famous crown and as I looked in awe at its size. I can remember wondering how they would get it to lift off the stage? I can't remember the time but probably an hour or so after I had got into the hall the lights went out and a mechanical whining noise started this was followed very quickly by white lights from the stage, smoke and then the drum beat of We Will Rock You with the song breaking straight into the chorus. Suddenly on a platform in the middle of the front row of the crowd Brian May appeared playing the "Rock You" guitar riff. I remember the feeling of joy and awe, I am sure I must have pinched myself to make sure this was really happening. After an explosion they burst into the fast version of "Rock You" and I saw Freddie for the first time. He was wearing shiney leather trousers, jacket & cap and running around the stage like a madman. It's far too long ago for me to remember every detail of the show but I do remember Freddie toasting us with champagne and at the end of '39 Roger threw his tamborine into the crowd and I had it for a split second before dropping it, I stood no chance really. The songs which I remember most from this gig were the ones which after this tour they were never to play live again: "White Man" & "Prophets Song" both were played either side of Brian's guitar solo and I can clearly remember Freddie performing vocal gymnastics during the middle section of "Prophets Song". The concert ended with a Rock n Roll medley. I remember right at the end of God Save The Queen we all started singing "You'll Never Walk Alone", then the lights were on and it was over. In a lot of respects it seems so long ago but as I am thinking of it now, parts of it are as clear as yesterday.”  - Kevin Ruscoe

“It was fun reading Kevin's story about going to see Queen at Stafford Bingley Hall in 1978. This was the first concert I had ever been to (talk about starting at the top). When the lights went down and Brian started with the dynamic We Will Rock You strumming, I was captured. A couple of years ealier I had purchased Night At The Opera for a girl I fancied at work. I took it to give her and before I could present her with it she showed me that she had just brought the album herself. So much for my Night At The Opera with her! So, I had to go home, take a cold shower, and listen to music. Because it was the only album I had, I played it and played it and I discovered a world I never knew existed. Music up to that point was something that was on the radio. That night seemed to open a new and exciting world me. Not as exciting as I had been planning with her but exciting none the less. My biggest memory of the Stafford concert was when Freddie gets us to sing along with him. Whenever I heard the Live Killers album, it would take me back to that moment at Stafford when I found out what I wanted to do with my life. I write now, plays and musicals, some successful, some not. Thanks Queen for my reason to live.”  - Robert

“Memory's a funny thing... and I wish to heck that I had a better one. How come I can remember useless things I don't want to know, like the winner of the first Big Brother programme, but can't remember stuff which would be far more useful... like how to order beer in any language, my bank account number... or the exact setlist of my first ever rock concert, Queen at Stafford's Bingley Hall in May 1978? Sitting down to type up this review I did a quick search on the net but only came up with a partial setlist which ends about two thirds of the way through. Very frustrating. So really this isn't a review, it can't be, but it's more a hazy recollection of just what it felt like to be a 15-year-old boy at his very first rock show. First off I remember getting the ticket. "Harvey Goldsmith presents A Night With Queen" printed in green (tickets for the Sunday night gig were printed in blue) and the price, L3.50 - laughably cheap now. I can't remember how long it was before the gig that I got the ticket but I do know that the waiting for the day of the gig was unbearable. But eventually that day arrived. Another reason it sticks in my mind is that it was the day of the FA Cup final (Arsenal beat Ipswich Town) and it was the first time I'd not sat glued to the TV from 12pm for all the build-up and the big match itself. If it had been my team, Manchester City, it might have been a different story, but I went up to Bingley Hall mid-afternoon, with a friend called Mark Butters, to join the queue and get as good a standing spot as possible. For those of you who don't know, Bingley Hall is a 10,000-plus capacity shed (a giant cowshed, really), at the County Showground just outside Stafford, and owned by the Staffordshire Agricultural Society. Before the NEC and other purpose-built venues came along, gigs at this venue (which on other occasions were filled with agricultural displays or animal pens) were a big deal, on a par with Wembley Arena and the like. Others to have played there include Abba, Black Sabbath, Genesis, Thin Lizzy, Saxon, Yes and Rush. I remember my Mum being worried sick about me going to the gig. Worried about the size of the crowd. Worried about the music volume. Worried about drugs. She was particularly worried that I was wearing a Thin Lizzy badge on my denim jacket and might get beaten up by some aggressive Queen fan who took exception to any other band. I had to persuade her that rock fans were not quite so tribal as football fans. I also remember standing fairly close to the glass-fronted doors in the queue and the physical, painful ache of anticipation. What came next is a blur - the doors finally being opened, the crush as we made our way through and our tickets were examined, the further crush by the merchandise stall (I got myself a big, square programme, which I've still got). Then I made my way into the crowd, jockeying for a position as near to the front as possible. The gig was all-standing and as showtime got closer the build-up of pressure was astonishing. I was pretty central, but there was constant swaying from left to right, if you lifted your legs you wouldn't fall, just be carried along with this sea of rock fans. Finally the wait is over (yes, I know I've changed tense, it just suits my recollections better). The lights go down. The roar of the crowd is unbelievably loud. But what comes next is even louder. As we strain to see what's going on the air is filled with a mechanical sound, the giant lighting rig (Queen's famed crown set-up) is lifting into the air in a sea of smoke. We Will Rock You explodes into the air. It's all light and smoke and noise... and suddenly there's Brian May, playing that guitar, just feet away from me. The spotlights fall on John Deacon and Roger Taylor behind his gigantic drumkit. Just one thing left now. Freddie. And he appears out of nowhere, Freddie Mercury, prancing and preening around the stage, soaking up the adulation, singing his guts out, clad in shiny black PVC. Call me innocent or naive, but back then I didn't really know about the whole gay/camp fetish thing... he just looked like the superstar he was. For the next two hours or so I am transported to a whole new place. We get the rockers (Brighton Rock, We Are The Champions, Now I'm Here, a pre-release It's Late, I'm In Love With My Car), the pop-orientated stuff (Killer Queen, Spread Your Wings, Somebody To Love, You're My Best Friend) and a superb acoustic section, featuring Love Of My Life and its amazing crowd singalong and '39, during which a string breaks on Brian May's guitar but he carries on regardless, note perfect to my ears. Oh, and we get Bohemian Rhapsody too. It's still only a couple of years old at this point, and although obviously something incredibly special is still making it's way up the ladder to immortality to stand alongside the likes of Stairway To Heaven. Anyway, it's bloody brilliant. Queen leave the stage for the opera section, enabling them to make another grand entrance in lights, smoke and pyrotechnics for the rock-out - a masterstroke! According to Kevin Ruscoe's review of this gig at the superb www.queenconcerts.com site we also got White Man and The Prophet's Song, but I have no recollection of that at all. Nonetheless it still sticks in my mind as one of the greatest gigs I have even seen over the past 28 years, and as one of the greatest events of my life. Like Kevin, I remember singing You'll Never Walk Alone at the end of God Save The Queen, a football terrace salute to a rock phenomenon. What a night!”  - Ian Harvey (April 28, 2006)

Part-1

[dragonslayer-5fanfiction]

Haldir x Reader

Alright, here’s another one that I’ve had in my queue. I’m working on knocking the things out in my queue, and working on writing things that I’m not super comfortable with. So here’s another.

I longed to be outside, the Kingdom of Lothlorien is known for its ethereal beauty, yet here I am stuck in a meeting. With each passing moment the more focus I was losing in what the council was saying. I think they were talking about the orcs that have become more daring as of late. I know that is important, but I just couldn’t bring myself to focus. I found myself staring past the ellon talking and into the forest behind. I was glad there were windows in this room. The longer I stared, the stronger the longing to be outside became.

“Our march-warden is coming in today and tomorrow will give us a report of the field.” One elf said. I perked up at the thought of the march-warden coming back. His name is Haldir. He’s definitely one of a kind. They then changed the subject to something more about the borders, but the thought of the march-warden had me distracted me once again. Being a princess I am told that I will eventually be betrothed to someone from another kingdom. However, I have found someone I love, who my father would never let me be with. The march-warden. The meeting ended and I could not get out of there fast enough. I rushed right out to the gardens. I felt a weight lifted off of me once I was outside.

I wandered around for a while until I settled in a secluded spot hidden from the guards. I was so lost in thought that I didn’t hear someone come up behind me.

“Meleth, why are you out here by yourself?” Haldir asked. I jumped when he wrapped his arms around me, almost pulling us into the stream.

“Meleth, you scared me.” I turned in his arms. 

“I heard you were coming in today in my meeting. After I heard that I simply could not focus.” He laughed and shook his head. I wrapped my arms around his neck. “I missed you so much meleth.”

“I missed you too meleth-nin.” I smiled and pulled him closer to me. It had been months since we had seen each other in person. We sat down and started to talk about what has happened in our time apart. “The orcs are getting more and more daring. They have been caught trying to sneak over our walls, into our land. We have to fight them off daily. I’m glad to have a break, and to see you.” Haldir tightened his grip on me, like he was scared I was going to be ripped from him at any moment.

I looked up at him, “I’m not going anywhere.” I took his hand and placed it over my heart. He smiled and wrapped his hand around mine.

“I know, your father wouldn’t allow anyone to take you, but I don’t see you enough. Have you thought about talking to him?” I let a laugh escape and stood up.

“Haldir, are you serious? He would have your head, and lock me up in the dungeons for two thousand years! Is that what you want?” He stood up.

“Yes! Yes, I would do anything if it meant that I can be with you. I think you know that.” I turned towards him, just studying him. “I’m not trying to push you, but I want to be with you.”

“If you’re not trying to push me, then why do you always bring it up?!”

“Because I love you, and I want to be with you in public. I want to marry you. We’ve been hiding this for years and-” I cut him off.

“We’ve been hiding this for years, for a reason. I’ve already explained that to you. I love you, but-” this time he cut me off.

“But what? This isn’t going to work? You’re not going to come forward and tell your dad, so what we’re going to hide for the rest of our lives?”

“No but-”

“But what? This isn’t going to work.”

“Please don’t say that.”

“Then you’ll tell your father?”

“Uh, no.”

“Then this isn’t going to work. I can’t keep seeing you.” I reached for him, and he stepped out of my reach. “I want you to know that I do love you, but if you won’t say something, then we can’t be together.”

“I’m just not ready to tell him, and I don’t want you to waste your time on me anymore. I’m sorry.” I turned and walked away leaving him alone in the clearing. I made my way through the gardens and into the meeting room. I went to my chambers and cried myself to sleep. I slept through dinner, and breakfast the next day. The only reason I was up and moving was because the maids came in and woke me  up to get ready. They dressed me in this breathtaking pastel blue dress. It came to the edge of my shoulders, and dipped low in the front and back while maintaining my modesty. My hair was pulled back into waterfall braids, cascading down my back.In thirty minutes our meeting was where the march-warden would give us an update. 

‘I feel sick to my stomach knowing that I’m going to see him today. I wish things could be different. I love him, I really do. If I just had the courage to tell my father, then things would be different. Maybe he’s right, maybe I should just tell him. I’d have to face the consequences eventually.’ I heard someone come in behind me, so I turned over my shoulder to see who it was. It was my father.

“Are you ready meleth-nin?” He asked.

“Yes.” I paused, turning around, “I have a question for you.” 

“Yes?” I took a deep breath, steeling my nerves for what was to come.

“What would happen if I were to fall in love with someone?” He raised his eyebrow.

“Is this someone a noble or prince of another kingdom?” He asked.“No, he is neither, but he is loyal and caring.”

“If he is of lower status than you, then I will not permit it. I will not have this from my daughter.”

“But father, I love him. I think if you-”

“ENOUGH! I will not have this kind of attitude from you. You do not know this ellon, he could be after you for your status. My answer is final.”

“I do know him, I’ve known him for years, and we have been together for 20 of those. He is not after me for my status, I can promise you-”

“I’ve told you that is enough. Now we will discuss this later, but we have to go or we will be late. You will be breaking things off with him.” His voice was dangerous and I knew that the consequences would be severe if I did anything else, so I nodded and allowed him to escort me to the meeting. When we arrived I sat down in my seat and waited for Galadriel and Celeborn to start the meeting. They started it, but I was not focused at all. Then they turned the time over to Haldir, the march-warden, my love. 

‘I wonder if he would take me back? I wonder if I could catch him after the meeting, maybe talk to him. Would he gather me in his arms, kiss me, tell me everything's okay? Would he take me back even-’

“Lady Y/N?” I shook my head, hearing my name being called. 

“I’m sorry could you repeat that for me?” I let out a small laugh, but didn’t miss the way that Haldir looked at me. I almost missed the question again because I was watching him.

“What would you advise for a solution?” one of the ellons asked.

“I believe given all of the facts presented, that the best option is to protect our borders. Not by going out, but staying at the line and defending it there. If we go outside of our borders, then we run the risk of getting ambushed and losing more lives than is currently necessary.” I saw a few of the elves nod their heads, while some looked upset.

“That is not the best course of action, she hasn’t been paying attention the entire time.” I felt my father tense at my side. 

“That is unfounded! The march-warden just told us that the orcs have been staying where they’re at. A few have come up to the border, looking for a way in, but they have yet to find one. I don’t see a reason why we should put the lives of our brothers, fathers, and loved ones at risk, when we are capable of fending them off. Needless bloodshed is not what is needed right now, I think we all can agree on that.” Once I finished my rant, Galadriel called for a thirty minute break, and we would gather after and continue to diplomatically discuss the matter. Haldir was one of the first ones out, I stood to try and catch up to him, when my father caught my arm.

“We need to talk.” He spoke quietly as the others filed out of the room. I gave him a look but waited so as not to spark his rage even more. 

“What is it you needed?” I asked through gritted teeth. 

“When you were speaking, you spoke of loved ones.” I nodded my head.

 “I think we all have loved ones out there, specifically those that live here.”

“Yes, but there is no one that you love, that would be out on the front lines. Unless it is this mystery ellon who you’ve been seeing.” I looked away from him when he said that. “Well who is it?” I wrapped my arms around myself and walked up to the window.

“It doesn’t matter anymore. When I saw him yesterday he asked me to tell you. I didn’t want to.” I threw my hands up and turned towards him, “I was scared. Scared of what you would say, how you would react.” I stood in front of him now, “He broke it off with me. He didn’t want to waste his time with someone who wouldn’t let their relationship be public. So at this point it doesn’t matter.” 

“Y/N, I’m sorry, I didn’t-” I waved my hand in the air.

“It’s fine. I’m going to go now.” I walked out of the room, trying to find him. I stood on the walkway trying to see if I could find him. I saw him below talking to a group of elves. I walked down the winding stairs, and pushed through the other elves just milling about. I stood behind the group that he was speaking with and cleared my throat. The others turned and bowed when they saw me. “I’m sorry for the interruption, but I need to speak with the march-warden for a moment.”

“Of course my lady.” They responded as they stepped to the side. “Would you care to go for a walk march-warden?” I asked, he gave me a look but held his arm out to escort me. “Thank you.” We walked for a bit, and once we were away from prying eyes, stopped. 

“What did you need to talk about?”

“About us. I know that we ended on difficult terms. I’m sorry though that is my fault. I wanted to talk to you about us ending things.”

“I’m sorry, but I’m unclear as to what you are talking about.” 

“You ended things because I wouldn’t tell my father.” He nodded, “Now I am not asking for you to take me back, but I thought you should know that I told him.” He grabbed my arms and stepped closer. 

“You told him? And?”

“He is not pleased. He told me that he would not allow it and I needed to end it immediately.” I looked down playing with the sleeves on my dress. “I informed him that it wasn’t an issue. That it had already ended, thanks to how he would react.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I know, I just thought that you should know that I still love you. I’m not asking for you back, but I thought you should know that I told him.” He just stood there looking at me, not saying anything. “We should probably get back.” I whispered turning around, and walking away. I could see the others returning to the meeting room. I slowly made my way up the stairs, wishing that things could have gone differently. I was standing in the doorway of the room, when I heard my name being called.

“Y/N! Y/N!” I turned to see Haldir running up the stairs and across the walkway towards me.

 “Haldir, what are you-” I was cut off as he pulled me into him and delivered a rather heated kiss. I instantly wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him back. 

“MARCH-WARDEN, WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!” My father bellowed causing us to break apart. 

“Father-” He held his hand up.

“I asked the march-warden, did I not?” Haldir placed his hand on my arm and stepped forward. 

“My king, I have been seeing your daughter for 20 years. I love her, and would do nothing to harm her. Nor am I after her status, I truly love her for her.” At this point Galadriel had gathered everyone and moved them out of the room, to give us some privacy. 

“How do I know that your intentions are pure? You did not come to me to ask to court her, and yet expect me to be okay with this?”

“Yes, because I am okay with this and I love him. I do not ask you to understand, but I ask you to be okay with it.”

“I’m not sure that I can do that.” my father responded.

“Please just try to get to know him, for me.” I pleaded. He gave me a look and finally opened his mouth to speak.

“Okay, but I expect you to follow the rules of courting.” I smiled, gave him a hug and thanked him profusely. 

[lockdownuk]

Lockdown Diary Part 9

A personal account during the lockdown in the UK due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

23/03/2020 8:30pm Boris Johnson, UK Prime Minister, gives a live address to the nation to, effectively, put the country on lockdown to stem the spread of the deadly coronavirus strain, Covid-19.

Many of us have been self-isolating for days but this latest development within the UK in reaction to the pandemic feels very serious and very scary. I decided to keep a simple diary and where better but online.

Day 241: Shit day at work. To cut a long story short, I could complete a task Sueanne gave to me and then I got it in the ear, including a snotty email ay 5:40pm. Pissed off.

Day 242: Had a meeting with Sueanne (our weekly 1-2-1 actually) and she was alright. I feel much better tonight. Last night I didn’t even have an appetitie - unheard of! Going to make up for that tonight, pie and loads of veg! A much better day. Ridiculously, I believe yesterday was all my own fault - I take work for granted sometimes and I let myself down by ignoring the urgency of a task just because it was Sueanne asking me to do it and she was a peer. She is now my boss, and I should respect that.

Day 243: So-so day at work. It’s strange how used to work I am after over six months on furlough. It’s been less than two months back but all the highs and lows amd frustrations are commonplace. Most importantly, it being Thursday, I cannot wait for tomorrow eveninga dn to kick back, drink and smoke. Spoke to dad this morning, he’s same as...that’s always good to know. Sugar levels have been a fucking roller coaster today, and it has really fucked me off! No salad at lunch due to them being so fucking high when I got back from my walk. It ended up being my tea. Sarted watching The Undoing...it’s OK. 

Day 244: Glad it is Friday. Just cooking a (very hot) chicken madras, cracked open my first beer. Gonna eat, drink, smoke and watch a good film.

Day 245: Gold was the film I watched last night, with Matthew McConaughey and it was a good choice. I then watch a Kevin Hart stand up show on Netflix...very Eddie Murphy, very funny. I did a 12 km walk today...fucking felt it in my legs. Walked the footpath from Stoke Doyle road to Benefield road for the first time. I liked it and it comes out between Lytham Park and Wakerley Close....I posted on FB about the fact that when I move to Oundle, Clifton Drive was the last street heading out of town. Saw Becks on the walk down Benefield road, She mentioned she’s tired of lockdown. I replied that I’m tired of the virus!

Day 246: Up at 1pm, nice long walk, ordered new slippers and waterproof jacket (my Craghopper is bust again).

Day 247: I screwed up at work today, went for a (ridiculously) late lunch right when I was meant to be at an online meeting that Sueanne had reminded me about in the morning. There’s mitigation but, when push comes to shove, I fucked up and now Sueanne’s on the warpath - one more slip up and it’ll be an offical disciplinary matter. 

Day 248: Suzanne wants me to troubleshoot a ticket she has in her queue, some database request for a Cork guy. It’s a test and it’s fucking me off.

I did testing for a network change tonight...8 till 11:15pm.

Elliot and Aaron cleaned the windows today. It was nice to see them.

Rita sent a couple of emails recently. Dad’s ear is all clear but Paul has got testicular cancer.

Day 249: New waterproof jacket arrived today. It’s very nice, bargain for £25 odd. Also picked up slippers from M&S food hall in Corby so, while over their, did a shop at Tesco’s...£109 mainly booze.

By the time I was back, I ended up doing my evening walk at 9.30pm!

Day 250: Leigh from Oundle Chronicle has got back to me. She (he?) has selected the photos that are going to be in the article and wants me to write a sentence on each - where they were taken and what inspited me to do so. Whether that means the stuff I wrote before is not going to be used, or not, I dunno! New slippers are OK and the new jacket is still impressing me.

Day 251: Typing on Day 252. Usual Friday, beers, meatballs, pizza, long chat with Fog. I should mention that, as we approach the end of Lockdown2 in England, Boris and his government have laid out a three tier structure for how the second lockdown will be eased. It’s caused confusion and consternation across the board. None of it affects me, still isolating like I was on day 1. Day 252: Totally forgot about my diary entry yesterday! Up at 1pm, nice long walk, nipped rong Elliots to pay for my windows, had a chat with him, Artron and Camilla - it’s so nice to socialise! Gonna make fish pie and supp a few ales. Day 253: The weekend is over way too quickly. It’s 7.30pm on Sunday as I type and I wish it wasn’t. I wish it was 7.30pm on Friday. Day 254: In a meeting, a working Zoom, with Andy Ashler in the US re: qfiniti, which Sueanne pissed me off about earlier in te day (RCI diary updated), but the meeting went well. I am desparately trying to buy an iPad on Black Monday. As usual with tech, I cannot make my mind up which to buy! Day 255: I haven’t bought an iPad....I’ll wait for the 10.2″ iPad to come down in price. I had more involvement with Andy Ashler and in the US with the Qfiniti project at work. I’m really enjoying it, it’s very technical...although I didn’t finish ‘til 6pm because of it. The Oundle Chronicle is out and an article about me and my pics is on the back page. Leigh, the editor, sent it to me electronically. It’s good. I am chuffed!  Day 256: I booked some holidays today, making sure that I didn’t include any days off in the week December 14-18 (SB’s off). So, this coming Friday (4th Dec), Next Weds-Fri and Monday 21st. I know I have only been back from Furlough a couple of months but I am more than ready for some kick-back time.  1-2-1 with SB today, it was a relaxed affair, most espcially becaus eof my success thus far with the Qfiniti project - that being said, I got pretty much nowhere with it today.  Ordered a couple of long sleeved Ts and a fleeced hoody from a shop called Doubletwo today, well cheap in the sale. I saw half a dozen joggers on the Milton Road blind bend tonight, oblivious to any other potential path user. I posted about it (in my own, sarcastic way) on the Oundle Chatter FB group. It was met how I’d expected plus some direct digs so I deleted it. Cowardly but, I figure, I don’t get my point across, the vast majority of joggers really don’t think they are doing anything wrong by bulldozing there way around town and, lastly, I couldn’t be bothered with the flak, and its tennis like back-and-forth!

Day 257: Got tomorrow off so worked late tying up loose ends, including the qfiniti project - fucking nuts really, making sure no one asks any questions of SB or the team, in terms of my work load, for just one day off! Still, just had tea, cracked open a beer and am watching Shaun of the Dead. Nice.

Day 258: The main thing I did today is walk. It was about 12km but felt much longer ‘cos it was wintry, pissing down, windy and slippery as fuck. And I really enjoyed it! Badge messaged me today to ask how I am and, in replying, I mentioned that I think I am becoming addicted to walking...it wasn’t a throwaway comment. Just cooked up a chilli (which I think I have ruined with a Knorr beef stock pot), and will tuck in with beers, smokes and telly. While it’s been a day off, this Friday evening will be as all others are at the moment, late, drunken and solitary fun - no doubt.

Day 259: Typing on day 260. That chilli last night was actually OK. Plus I ‘invented’ a meatball wrap - moving on from the TikTok ham and cheese wrap you fold into the toaster, I tried the same with meatballs but no fucking way could I fold it into the toaster slot (pissed up kitchen shenanigans), so I wrapped it in tin foil and heated it in the oven, Fucking delicious. I watched Shaun of the Dead. I think it’s the first time since its release and I couldn’t help thinking “zombies just aren’t like that [in real life]” Wtf?

Day 260: I was quite sensible (for a Saturday) last night, in bed by 2am, up at my alarm this morning, 10:30am. Nice long walk, taking in a new path up by Biggin Grange and took plenty of pics that turned out really good. Btw, posh lost yesterday at Portsmouth (with 2000 fans there) and they lost midweek and last weekend in the FA Cup to Chorley, at home. 

Day 261: It’s freezing today...actually 0 degrees. This house is so fucking cold, even with the heating on.

Day 262: Typing on day 263. Last day of work for 5 days. Beers are in order. And a sausage casserole. Day 263: I completely forgot to do a diary entry yesterday....concentrating on starting my work break off on the right foot, which I did. As a result, I didn’t get up until 1pm. So, to stop that sort of day wasting, no beers tonight. Just got back from a shop (£90 in Tesco’s), trying to sort out Romiley’s Christmas present, then something to eat (more sausage casserole) and a early, sober night.

Day 264: So, after abstinence last night, I was up before 11am and did a walk that included the track from Benefield Road to Monson Way past Park Wood. It was fucking hard work due to mud. I have lost coumd the amount of times I nearly slipped right over. Throw into that a hypo, the 12-13km walk was tough. Sorted out Romiley’s present (guitar stand, music stand and guitar exercises book). Took soime nice photos today as well which I’ve prepared and shared. No booze today/tonight either. Some break, a younger me would say!

Day 265: Friday, and I am typing with a beer, balti on the hob and I am just gonna choose a film and roll a single skinner. I am knackered. Up at 10am, cleaned the hall and stairs after a 10km walk. Also, I spoke with dad who is, as always, fine.

Time to make up for the last two sober nights.

Day 266: I am typing this on day 267. So drunk last night I left nearll a full can of beer and went to bed in my jogging bottoms and t-shirt. I have had a day off from any exercise at all which felt very odd. A few beers and watched Snatch. Day 267: While I was nowhere near drunk last night, due to sleeping in late (2pm) I was up ‘til 3am watching TikTok so today I struggled out of bed at just before 1pm. Watch the start of the season’s final GP (Verstappen won from pole and it was boring af), back on the exercising including a 9km walk. Back to work tomorrow which I feel totally conflicted about! Posh won yesterday at home to Rochdale (with the allowed 2000 fans) 4-1 including a 17 minute first half hatrick from Jonson Clarke-Harris.

Day 268: Back to work - Sueanne’s off and it’s the first day I’ve been at work with Jon in charge which involves a daily ‘SUMO’ (whatever that acronym stands for?) at 9.30am every day. I am still involved with te qfiniti upgrade project which seems to have taken a step backwards in the 3 days I had off, so I was working until gone 9.30pm! I have decided to do a quiz, hopefully for Christmas, whereby I don’t want the actual answers (to 25 particular questions, all with a common theme in the answer), merely an omitted question!  

Day 269: Stand Up Meeting Online. SUMO. Ian Bird told me. I might struggle with double Y for my quiz. Work was OK, more Qfiniti stuff. Posh drew away to MK 1-1. Posh were 0-1 up but Lincs lost at home. I can’t undertsand why that pleases me so....oh, yeah I can Steve Dee.

Day 270: Struggling to order Dad and Rita booze for Christmas without it being a Morrison’s delivery that I can do through Amazon Prime. That would be OK but it’s just a bit clinical! Meanwhile, now I am paying for Prime, and they are showing some Premiership games (for example, tonight I watched Liverpool v. Spurs (2-1), I really have to contact Sky - I am paying £71pm atm! Sam posted pic of her Christmas tree but mentioned how she’s finding it hard to get in the spirit - Paul has testicular cancer and the outlook is bleak - fuck know’s what she’s going through with all that, trying to shield Romiley from the worst without lying!

[asterinjapan]

Day of Lights

I eh, very belatedly remembered I still had a blog entry to write about yesterday.  Oops! If you will forgive me, I was only back at the hotel near midnight, so I didn’t exactly feel like writing then anymore.

Sadly I woke up not feeling so great today, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t have a blast yesterday. Let’s get to it – Disneyland day!

I had a bit of a late start for Disneyland, only prepared to leave hotel a little after 8:30 – the same time the park opens, and I wasn’t there yet. The trip was smooth however, so I made it to Maihama station a little before 10 and started my walk to the park. There was a surprise – mount Fuji was showing its face! And so clearly too that for a moment, I thought it was Mount Prometheus from DisneySea. But that one actually spits fire every hour or so, so it would make no sense to give it a snowy top, haha. Nope, the Fuji it was.

I made it to the part with 40 minutes to spare until the first parade, so I hunted down the churro stand and sought a good place to watch the parade. It was a busy parade day, since not only is it Christmas Season, Tokyo Disneyland is still celebrating its 35th birthday. So that meant 4 parades in total!

The spot I ended up choosing was possibly one of the worst, haha, but the Christmas Parade is twice a day, so I’d have another shot later. Walking around in the park and enjoying the views and atmosphere, I sought out the attractions. First up was my favourite during this season: the Haunted Mansion, which is redone in Nightmare before Christmas style starting around the Halloween season. The line was 40 minutes, so entirely doable, and led around the premises now decorated with pumpkins and Christmas hats alike. The attraction is a ton of fun and certainly a lot of work, they didn’t just throw in some Christmas hats and called it a day. A lot of the figures have been replaced by Jack Skellington and consorts, and Zero the ghost dog featured prominently (I love Zero, ssh).

So that was cool! I did some more sightseeing and had lunch (a very responsible burger, ahem, but it was shaped like Mickey) before searching out a better place for the next parade, the Dreaming Up 35th anniversary one. I saw this one past summer, but it’s really gorgeous with some unique floats, so I was happy I managed a good spot for photos this time. The Christmas parade was the same as last year, but this one won’t be around for as long. I don’t recall Aladdin and Jasmine being there at the very end, walking instead of on a float, but maybe it was to subtly promote the upcoming live action remake? I don’t know.

Anyway, that was fun, and next up was an attraction that got a make-over in time for the anniversary: It’s a Small World. The queue here was like 20 minutes, so perfectly doable – must not be a very busy day, I guess. They put in a lot of Disney figures in the remake, so it was a ton of fun spotting them all.

Once out of the park, I noticed several face characters out and about in Fantasyland. I never know with Tokyo Disneyland, sometimes I don’t see them at all (summer too hot, perhaps?) and other times I see characters I hardly hear about walking in the parks (like Esmeralda or Cruella de Vil, though the latter was Disneysea). I spotted Wendy and Peter Pan, and later Prince Charming on his own (what did he do with Cinderella?), Sleeping Beauty and her Prince, and the Evil Queen from Snow White, who mostly wanted to pose fabulously before she strode off, haha. Awesome.

Anyway, I had a goal: Philharmagic! I do so love Disney songs, and the 4D aspect is still great. I did get a little woozy at the segment where Donald rides a magical carpet, though.

Once out, I had a fastpass that I’d secured earlier. Just as well, because as I returned to the Haunted Mansion, the normal queue was 80 minutes! Eighty! Geesh, I love the Halloween/Christmas version too but that’s excessive for this ride, whoa. Even with my fastpass, it took a while to go in.

I was nicely in time for the second time for the Christmas parade now, and got lucky in that I scored a spot just in front of where the Beauty and the Beast float stopped for a good ten minutes, so that gave me some time to switch lenses and what not, haha. It’s a very pretty parade, if a little short. But with 3 different parades today, who’s complaining?

I went to get my picture taken near the castle including Christmas tree next, except the park members taking pictures had already gone, so I had to make do with a selfie, pff. It came out nicely, though, but still.

It was about time for a snack, so I went around the park to find the Special Churro – it turned out to be in Critter Country, which I visit so often that I had no idea I had to go through an underground pass to make it into the actual area, pfff. I always thought it was super tiny and stopped at the entrance of Splash Mountain, but nope! Entire area behind that! Anyway, the churro was purple and supposedly tasted like cotton candy. I don’t know, it was good, as was the hot cocoa I got to go with it.

With darkness setting in, the park transformed into a Christmas spectacle with tons and tons of light, amplified by the extra lights already there for the anniversary. In the dark, I maneuvered to  the Enchanted Tiki Room with Stitch and a bunch of singing birds. I was getting really tired, so when the park member asked me if I wanted a subtitle device, I didn’t even realize what he was asking at first, oops. I happily accepted, if only so that I could finally understand the play 100% (it’s usually around 80%, and I’m guessing 60% today with how tired I was getting. I do think I’m slightly under the weather this entire trip). Anyway, it’s a lot of fun and I absolutely do not care it’s technically for little kids, I love the songs and Stitch. Aloha! Also, I forgot to mention, but the benches in the waiting area were heated. I love them. It was getting rather chilly and I could use some warming up.

On my way to Adventure land, I played a ball game that I hopelessly lost, but I got a cute exclusive pin for my efforts, which was probably the easier thing to take home with me anyway, haha. (The prizes were pretty big plushies of Minnie or Mickey.)

I resisted the huge and soft Simba plushies and went to Pirates of the Caribbean, where I got put in the front row by myself.  That did give me an excellent view, but the splash early in the attraction is still a bit much for me, haha. As you can tell, I’m not in Disneyland for all the wild rides…

It was now time for the nighttime parade, Electrical Parade Dreamlights, which really profits from being made over last year, and spotted some extra Christmas additions. I sat a lot closer than the last couple of times, although right in a corner, so I got some good photos! I felt a bit bad about flashing with the camera, but I saw more flashes around me and they sold those light-up sticks by the dozen, so not just me at the very least.

I hadn’t had time for dinner before, so I rushed to get a cheese dog menu (so responsible), and from my seat I had a good view of the (short) fireworks show, which had some interesting fireworks and really seemed to move with the beat of the music, so that was nice little bonus!

I’d had coffee with my set, so I had enough energy to get up and walk again, taking pictures of the scenery on my way to It’s a Small World, followed by Philharmagic again, and then one last rush to Haunted Mansion at 15 minutes before closing, haha oops. I think I made it in with the very last group, meaning I could just rush right into the hall of exposition. Take that, 80 minute queue! Just – wait out the entire day until you may or may not get lucky in the evening, hm. Well, strategy works for me!

Finally, they started to announce the park was closing the minute I got out, so I did as I was told and left the premises (sniff), but not before enjoying the light show in the World Bazaar. So pretty. I think I filmed the whole sequence!

After a quick trip to Bon Voyage, the store before the park (and resisting the Simba plushie, but not a cute little Christmas ball), I made my way to the station and caught the train back to Ikebukuro until finally, I made it to my hotel at eh, 23:30, roughly. Oops.

 So that was a wonderful day, if very tiring, haha. Today was a lot calmer (and my camera hasn’t been out of its jacket yet, oops), so I’ll type up a quick report for that too. But that was Disney during Christmas! I’ll try to filter through the – eh – 586 pictures I took. Oh dear. It might take a while before the selection is up…

See you!

[haphazardlyparked]

euphonious / you always look away first

day 7 of write-o-ween! special thanks to @straycatreadsthat, who responded to my whining about the prompt with an awesome secondary prompt (which i might use again, in a more serious tale.)

here is the silliness i promised but didn’t deliver! 

euphonious / you always look away first 

“Rex, no,” Monopoly says, as soon as she walks through the door.

Rex swings his feet off the couch, and moves them onto her coffee table instead, nudging aside an empty mug with his toe to make room for himself.

Monopoly sighs very loudly. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Anyway,” Rex says, ignoring her token protest. If Monopoly really wanted him out of her apartment, she would’ve changed her locks.

“I did change my locks!” Monopoly squawks.

“Oh look at that,” Rex beams. “You’re getting better at passive mind reading. That’s perfect, you’ll need that.”

“Rex, no,” Monopoly repeats. I’m not getting dragged into another plan of yours.

“Monopoly,” Rex chides. He eyes her coat stand (the one he brought over from his place, because he mildly detests Monopoly’s habit of leaving jackets and scarves all over her apartment) where his coat hangs; it’s rising off its hook and and floating towards him. “You haven’t even heard the plan.”

“Fuck no,” Monopoly says emphatically, and drops Rex’s coat on his head.  

•••

“Rex, no,” Monopoly moans, covering her face with her hands and flopping back onto her bed. “This isn’t going to work.”

“Ye of little faith,” Rex says, glancing at Monopoly before returning to the frown at the two suit jackets hanging on the back of her bedroom door. “I prefer the charcoal suit. I think Wells would approve.”

“Rex—“

You’re starting to sound like a broken record, Rex interrupts her, before she can say no again.

“—Fuck off, are you blind? I don’t look anything like you!”

“It’s a Halloween masquerade,” Rex shrugs, unconcerned. “Nobody will be able to tell the difference.”

“We’re not even the same height.”

“Monopoly,” Rex sighs. He still doesn’t understand why this is a problem. He and Monopoly are close enough in height, and nobody really knows Rex well enough to recognize if he’s a few inches too short. “The head piece will give you the extra height.”

“But I’m not a psychic like you,” Monopoly protests.

Last time I checked, Rex admonishes, you were a psychic almost exactly like me.

You know what I mean! Monopoly snaps back. “I have the telepathy, and the—“ she waves a hand in the air, then lets it flop back down onto the bed beside her, which Rex presumes means telekineses “—but I’m weak.”

It’s amazing how well you can lie to yourself, Rex comments, a little too sharply. Monopoly radiates annoyance and pride, but strangely shrinks back at the same time.  

“If you’re wearing charcoal,” Rex muses aloud, “You should probably have burgundy shoes. That seems like something Wells would wear.”

“Is Wells the only person you know who dresses well?” Monopoly demands, successfully distracted. She props herself up on her elbows, just high enough so that she can arch an accusing brow at Rex’s frayed jeans and old printed T. He’s wearing a forest green Decemberists t-shirt today. He possibly wore the same shirt yesterday.

Rex shrugs. “I’m not ashamed of that.”

•

“Rex, no,” Monopoly hisses under her breath. It’s a little hard to hear her, what with the giant orange jack’o-lantern head she’s wearing. It’s made from a real pumpkin. Monopoly had been very displeased by the fact, but Rex will toasting pumpkin seeds in her oven for the next two weeks, so she’ll get over it. 

The jack’o-lantern rests heavy on her shoulders, completing her ensemble of the charcoal suit, burgundy shoes, matching leather gloves, and a somewhat ugly and un-matching cravat. It’s perfect.

“Rex, yes,” Rex says. “Try it, Monopoly.”

“Rex,” she growls, stepping closer to him. She gets too close, and knocks part of the pumpkin into Rex’s head. “This is the shittiest costume in the world,” she tells him, backing off a half-step.  “But more importantly, you didn’t fucking tell me this was a masquerade full of goddamn supervillains.”

“I forgot,” Rex lies blithely. “But look, you could tell who’s in there from all the way out here. You’ll be fine. They wouldn’t dare invite any other psychics. Now. What’s the passcode?”

“Euphonious,” Monopoly answers promptly, and Rex grins. It’s funny because they’ve let Score choose the music, and Rex knows for a fact that means there will be a least three Mongolian throat singing songs in the queue, not to mention the heavy metal stuff Score’s been into lately.

Hilarious, Monopoly cuts in, irritated. But how the fuck am I supposed to pass as a villain?

Rex pats her pumpkin cheek. “You’ll be fine,” he tells her again, and meets her gaze. “We’ve even got the same colored eyes.”

Monopoly frowns, and glances to the side; Rex can’t actually see her frown, what with the jack’o-lantern’s thin, jagged smile, but he feels it.

“Hmm,” he mutters, frowning a little himself now.

Monopoly tenses instantly. “What’s wrong?”

“I just realized,” says Rex, staring intently at Monopoly. “You always look away first.”

“What?”

“Don’t do that,” Rex advises, frown deepening. “I wouldn’t. Keep staring until they look away — you’re a psychic, Monopoly. Doubt never looks good on a psychic.”

Monopoly slouches a little at that. Rex gives her a stinging mental rap. 

Her gaze snaps up to his, hooded by the pumpkin’s shadows but unmistakably irritated.

“That’s better,” Rex says. “Just stare at everyone like that, and you’ll have them all quaking in their boots.”

...this probably happens in some other sideways AU 

[sydneytorome]

Where the lemons grow

My dearest friends, family and readers

 I guess I’ve officially turned into an Italian stereotype: I once again didn’t keep my promise of writing a new blogpost on time. I’ll no longer keep you waiting by writing an unnecessary long introduction, so enjoy reading part two of my Italian journey!

The first week of April started off calmly. I have the feeling all of us are a little bit stuck in a rut right now, so the general atmosphere around school wasn’t all too cheerful. Most of us were going to be on a two week Easter break starting from this weekend and the prospects of seeing friends and family again or going on a nice trip away from Rome probably didn’t help either.           With the few of us that were not flying back home over the weekend, we came up with the idea to organise a little road trip to Pescara, a sleepy beach town in Abruzzo. I was more than excited, because I really felt the need to just be on the road with good friends and ‘breathe’, away from the ever so busy streets of Rome. Quite soon, however, we figured I’d be the only one with a legal driver’s license, so I’d be the only one driving. How cool the idea may seem, I wasn’t ready yet to carry that responsibility. There goes my ‘Paper Town meets Eat, Pray, Love’ teen movie scenario.

On Tuesday, I visited the MACRO Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Roma after classes. A lot smaller and not as impressive as the MAXXI, but nevertheless an ideal way to spend a sunny afternoon!

On Wednesday, I booked a spontaneous train ticket to Montecarlo, a Tuscan town right between Firenze and Lucca to visit Allegra and her family in their Italian house from Friday to Saturday. I seriously couldn’t wait and looked forward to just get away for a while, visiting a friend and thus a little piece of ‘home’. Besides, who could say no to a weekend getaway in Tuscany?

On Thursday, we went out for dinner for Claire’s and Florence’s last dinner somewhere near the Pantheon. It’s so crazy how fast time flies – I can still remember Florence’s warm welcome when I first arrived here like it was yesterday, or I genuinely had the feeling Claire had only been here for a week instead of a full month. Florence was like my big sister here, and Claire was a whole lot of ‘woop woop’ fun. Goodbyes are never fun, especially when you’re saying goodbye to people you grew sincerely fond of.

My weekend began early, because on Friday early morning, I was already sitting on the train towards Montecarlo. The three-hour train journey was actually somehow relaxing – a cappuccino, a bottle of ice tea and my travel journal by my side, enjoying the green scenery the train kept riding by. Around lunchtime, Allegra and her cheerful mom came to pick me up at the tiny train station. I got welcomed by the entire family and got handed a glass of divine champagne made in their own fattoria as everyone was busy setting up the table on the terrace to dig into Tuscan specialities for lunch. Little to say, I was so overwhelmed by all this kindness and warmness – something you can really only find in Italy.

Allegra and I spent the day talking about everything and nothing, enjoying the splendid view over the Tuscan valley and walking around the grounds of the house until it was time for dinner. It was so heart-warming and amusing to see how they were all just chatting along and bickering about the latest news; it made me long for my own family yet made me feel so grateful that for a moment I was seen as a part of theirs.   After dinner, we drove up to the closest village that still had an open gelataria to enjoy Italy’s best dessert, gelato!

On Saturday morning; Allegra, her mom and I did some shopping in Lucca. I vaguely remembered a few streets, as I had been here with my parents a few years ago, but I had honestly forgotten how lovely and picturesque it was. We were back in Montecarlo at lunchtime and after another nice lunch on their splendid terrace, it was already time for me to head back to Rome. 

On the train ride home, I had the biggest smile on my face. I was so proud of myself, because the past two days I had seen a Marie I hadn’t realised I had the potential to be yet. I was chatty, open and enthusiastic; never feeling nervous or not at ease. Moments like these just really show how far I’ve come.       One last time; I want to thank Allegra, her parents, her grandparents, her brothers and her cousin to be so welcoming and amazingly kind. This weekend has meant the world to me.

On Sunday; I finally found the time to meet up with Nikolaas, Emma and Jens; who were here on their ‘Italy trip’ with school. They didn’t have a lot of time as their lunch break was short, but it was nice to catch up with them. Afterwards, I quickly said hi to a few of my old teachers before they started the infamous queue to get into the Colosseum. So surreal to see all of them here, in ‘my’ Rome!           After saying goodbye to everyone, I hurried to the metro station where I had met up with my friends to go to Ostia where we spent the afternoon picnicking on the beach. A Sunday well spent brings a week of content!

The second week of April already marked my last week in the A2 level, so that meant I’d have to take a level test to go into B1 by the end of the week. Fair to say I’m learning quickly! On Tuesday evening, we went to a dinner/drink/party event on a boat which was part of club called Lian. The food was surprisingly good, the drinks surprisingly cheap and we all had – not so surprisingly – a really, really good time.

On Wednesday, I basically used the free time I had to revise for my level test, which would take place the next day. So yes, EF students do study. Sometimes.

On Thursday afternoon, we explored Monti, a part of Rome right between the train station Termini and the Colosseum that’s known for its more laid-back and alternative atmosphere. We treated ourselves with some pastries and coffee before looking around some thrift shops in search of some edgy piece of clothing. No luck, but at least I had eaten a gluten free brownie, so I wasn’t complaining.

 On Friday, we got the results back from our tests, which went well for pretty much all of us. B1, baby!  As it wouldn’t make sense to have actual lessons today, the weather was nice and it was Friday; we had both our classes outside today. We did some photography activities around Piazza del Campidoglio and walked around the Ghetto Ebraico di Roma. The nice thing about doing those classes outside is that you find out so much about small, hidden spots in Rome thanks to your teachers – like a stunning rooftop terrace belonging to the Musei Capitolini and offers an incredible view over the city, yet is completely free!

After school, we walked to Villa Borghese and enjoyed the sun for a while. I still remember how wintery the park still looked the first time I went there in February, and now all the trees and bushes had blossomed, turning the park into nothing but luscious greenery.

On Saturday morning; Andrea, Valentina, Thomas and I left for Verona to spend the Easter weekend in the infamous city of Romeo and Juliet. We had our train at seven in the morning, so we got there early enough to still enjoy an entire first day in this beautiful little city. After eating lunch in our AirBnB, we immediately started to explore the city. We walked around the Arena of Verona and Piazza Bra, found our way through the bustling shopping street and made it to Casa di Giulietta. In Juliet’s House, we were overwhelmed with romantic notes everywhere along the outside walls, rusty locks, couple pictures and long-lost love letters. The museum itself wasn’t really worth it in our opinion, but at least we each got our dreamy balcony picture. Has my Romeo already arrived, though?        After enjoying a fresh fruit salad at the market at Piazza delle Erbe, we walked alongside the river for a bit until the sky coloured pitch-black and it started to rain like crazy. We had to sprint back home, but the damage had already been done: all four of us were literally soaking wet when we arrived back in our apartment. We were all so tired and just in the mood to curl up on the couch with some comfy clothes that we ended up ordering Chinese take-away. I know, it’s an Italian horror story, but we’re not gonna lie that it felt kind of nice to eat something else for a change. Besides, our apartment is so damn cosy, we just couldn’t not enjoy a nice night inside. It all made us want to start studying and have our own student dorm so badly!

On Sunday, we slept in a little before having a nice Easter breakfast. It felt weird not to celebrate Easter with our family, even though it’s normally not that special of a holiday anyway. Still, at that moment, I just wished I could be enjoying my family’s Easter brunch. Afterwards, we visited the Giardino Giusti, which was absolutely beautiful. It was so calm and peaceful, and the top of the garden granted an incredible view over Verona. It all left us speechless!

In the afternoon, we walked around Castelvecchio before enjoying the sun alongside the river. We spent some time coming up with background stories for the kids who were lazily trying to let the pebbles bounce on and over the water surface, enjoying the serenity of it all.             On the way home, we walked past a book store and decided to buy ourselves some children’s books in Italian to start reading. I opted for stories I knew all too well in my mother tongue, such as Peter Pan and Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. The nostalgia is real!  In the evening, we had dinner somewhere at Piazza delle Erbe to enjoy our last evening in Verona. Cheers!

On Easter Monday, we took our train back to Rome around noon, so we were back in the city around the late afternoon. Although we were all really happy we’d spent the busy Easter weekend outside the city, we were happy to be back. As nice as Verona is, it’s nothing compared to Rome!

On Wednesday, I had an admission interview for University College Maastricht. I had prepared it well-enough, so I wasn’t all too nervous. I suddenly felt so grown-up having to go through all these things all by myself, though! Anyway, I have a good feeling about the interview so fingers crossed!           On Thursday evening, I went to a jazz bar in Trastevere called Lettere Caffè, where each night a local jazz group hosts a small set before the actual jazz jam session starts. I love jazz, but I had never been to such a thing before, so I was completely amazed by the atmosphere and the beauty of the music. Nothing better than enjoying damn good music in the company of damn good friends. To more nights like these!

 On Friday morning, I joined an EF activity to Gelataria del Freddo Giovanni Fassi, one of the oldest and biggest gelatarie of Rome. We could take a little peek inside the kitchen where the actual ice cream magic happened as they explained us the whole process of making artisanal ice cream. Afterwards, we could all choose a cup of ice cream with three flavours. I like to call myself an ice cream expert, so trust me when I tell you guys it was one of the most delicious and flavourful ice creams I ever had.          

On the way back to school, our teacher Elisabetta got a message from one of the people that work at Fassi that someone had left their IPhone on a table. Panicking, we all checked our pockets and handbags, and I ended up being the one who had been clumsy enough to forget my phone. An ice cream brain freeze, I guess? I ran back all the way to the gelataria, where they handed me my phone back with a big grin. Yes, not my smartest move, I know. Yet I can’t help but think someone is guarding over me, ‘cause I always end up being lucky enough to find either my phone or wallet again. In the evening, we went out for dinner to celebrate Rodolfo’s (Rodolfiiiito) last evening in Rome. I wasn’t planning on going out afterwards, but a few drinks later and I ended up having one of the nicest nights!

 On Saturday, I slept in before kicking a hangover work-out and having lunch with Andrea close to our house. 

In the afternoon, I met up with Thomas to go to Villa Ada, a park a little further away from the usual city centre, but definitely worth the visit. It was packed with locals enjoying their Sunday afternoon, yet felt a lot quieter than the always-busy Villa Borghese. We spent the afternoon reading, gossiping and people-watching. Productive enough, right?   

In the evening, our hostdad Vincenzo taught Andrea and me to make our own ricotta cheese. So easy, and so damn good! 

On Sunday, it was time for another day of picnicking and tanning at the beach. This time, we hit Santa Marinella, which is a billion times more relaxed and cleaner than Ostia. I’m seriously so happy I can still go to the beach from time to time now, otherwise the Sydney withdrawal symptoms would be oh so real.

On Monday, the Easter break was officially over and the school was completely packed again. Plus, a lot of new students arrived as well, so let’s just say things got a little bit chaotic. Because there’s also a tiny lack of teachers for the amount of students EF Rome is currently hosting, they combined my B1 class with the B2 class until they will have found an adequate solution. So, as it was the first day after Easter break for a lot of us, our teacher took us on an outside activity all morning. We had to spot some clues all over Piazza Navona and the Campo Marzio area, and afterwards she told us a lot of fun and interesting facts about the buildings and statues we’d never had known otherwise! School’s hard, you guys. After class; Valentina, Thomas and I went to La Feltrinelli to start some sort of small book club. Each week, we’d get together and pick a book for us to read before the next meeting. At each meeting we’d start with discussing the previous book before choosing the next one and starting to read the first chapters out loud. A really good exercise to practice speaking and reading comprehension, and it’s a nice thing to do with friends! 

On Tuesday, we had a day off as it was La Festa Della Liberazione D’Italia. Everyone, and by everyone I mean literally everyone, was gonna go to the beach again to have a day of fun and picnicking. Even my host parents were doing something. Somehow, I woke up in the worst mood. I wasn’t up to do anything, let alone do something so social and busy. I felt like I really needed a day to myself. And so; I slept in, had a nice work out and ate breakfast in all quietness and prepared for an essay assignment I would have to take on Wednesday morning for the Hotelschool of Maastricht. In the afternoon, I took my beach towel and my book with me, and walked all the way up to the Gianicolo Hill to sit back and relax in the sun while reading and enjoying the magnificent view over the city. It felt so peaceful to just enjoy sometime being all alone, not having to talk to anyone. This was exactly what I needed to get out of the rut I felt like I was stuck in!      

On Wednesday evening, we all went out together in a club in Testaccio, a part of Rome we don’t frequent so often. We tried to change things up a little instead of always going to the same places! I was initially planning on only joining for some drinks – I was even wearing a simple pair of jeans and my oversized knitted sweater – but I ended up joining to the club as well. All in all, I had a really crazy and fun night. You always have the most fun when you least expect it!

 On Thursday evening; Valentina, Thomas and I went to The Space Cinema Moderno to watch “Famiglia all’improvviso”, the latest film with Omar Sy. It was honestly one of the nicest films I’d ever seen in a while, but maybe that’s also due to the fact that I was so happy I had not a single difficulty with watching it in Italian without subtitles! And maybe also because I literally had popcorn for dinner.

On Friday, I woke up wishing I could already press forward to the evening, because that’s when Laurine would arrive to spend my birthday weekend with me! I had been waiting for her visit for weeks and weeks now, and I couldn’t believe I’d finally see her again. It was so nice to find her waiting for me when I arrived in the bed and breakfast at night, and to be able to hug her again! I immediately started talking about everything and nothing, about all the things that had been going on here. Of course, she already knew half of those things I had been telling her, as I usually talk to her on the phone weekly. However, I just wanted to enjoy the moment I had to be actually really talking to her. Just two sisters, giggling and sleeping in the same room together, just like when we were young.

On Saturday morning, we started the day early. We had a quick, Italian-style breakfast before hitting the city. And boy, what a day it was! When I think about it, I have no clue how we ever managed to walk so much and so much in one single day. We started with the Museo Dell’Ara Pacis, where my inner Latin enthusiast marvelled at the sight of this beautiful altar dedicated to the goddess Pax and offered to Emperor Augustus. In my fifth year of high school, I’d also done a whole essay about several architectural pieces in Rome which were built in favour of Emperor Augustus, so I was pretty excited I could finally see it in real life.          

Afterwards, we walked up the Spanish Steps and visited the neighbouring Chiesa della Trinità dei Monti, where we lit a candle for Oma and Opa, our grandparents who both have passed away.      Then, we obviously couldn’t restrain ourselves to do some shopping alongside Via Borgogna and Via del Corso. Girls will be girls! Before lunch; we walked inside the Pantheon, past the Tempio di Adriano and around the Fontana di Trevi before finally ending for a break at Piazza Navona where we enjoyed a well-deserved lunch at the beautiful Vivi Bistrot. It’s an all organic restaurant that serves the yummiest dishes!

Even though I had seen all these places I had guided her through so many times, I never got bored of seeing the ‘same’ city over and over again. Even I discover new things every day, and I notice how I know much more about the city with each passing day. Maybe I could become a tour guide one day, who knows? After lunch, we bought some strawberries for dessert and ate them overlooking Largo di Torre Argentina, the forum where Caesar supposedly got murdered and is now also known as the ‘Cat Forum’, as a lot of cats seem to always hang around the area. Afterwards, we walked around Palazzo Venezia all the way along the Fori Imperiali to end up at the Colosseo. As I personally find it more impressive on the outside than on the inside, we decided to not waist our time and wait in line to get in. We continued our tour to Piazza del Campidoglio, where I showed her some secret spots from where you can marvel at the Foro Romano from above. Afterwards, we took a break on the rooftop terrace of the Musei Capitolini and snacked on freshly-cut melon and ice coffee. Surprisingly, we still had the energy to walk towards the Circo Massimo and to smell the roses in the beautiful Roseto Comunale di Roma. Last but not least, we enjoyed the view over Rome from the Giardino degli Aranci before peeking through the famous keyhole of the Buco della Serratura Priorato dei Cavalieri di Malta, where you have a special view on the Saint Peter’s dome. So, if you wanna see the best parts of Rome in a single day, call me!

In the evening, we enjoyed a really nice and relaxing dinner at Il Margutta RistorArte, that fancy vegetarian place I had already been to once. Cheers to Rome!

On Sunday, we planned on visiting the Vatican. Apparently, there was some sort of catholic gathering going on, so the entire Piazza San Pietro was closed off and we couldn’t get inside the San Pietro either. On the plus side, we did see the Pope cruise around in his Pope Mobile and we heard a tiny part of his speech! Afterwards, I thought we could probably get in the Vatican Gardens for free to walk around for a bit, but they were closed off to the public for some unknown reason. Besides, you can apparently only visit them if you have a ticket for the Vatican Museums as well, but the line to get in there was so mind-bogglingly long we didn’t even bother trying.

Instead, we walked back to the city centre to stroll around the Campo de’ Fiori morning market and have a nice lunch at Ginger, a healthy salad and panino place we usually go to during lunch breaks at school. Afterwards, we walked towards Piazza del Popolo, from where we went to visit the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna. The building itself is so impressive, and the art collection as well! Towards the late afternoon, we strolled around Villa Borghese before treating ourselves to a few scoops of the real gelato artiginale.

In the evening, on the eve of my 19th birthday, we had an apéritivo at Freni e Frizioni, a bar that used to be an old garage and is known for its buffet with all kinds of yummy, atypical Italian food from 19:00 to 22:00. We ordered an Apérol Spritz and joined the many people sitting outside with a drink in one hand and a tiny plastic plate full of food on their laps. For dinner, we went to Tonnarello, a restaurant in Trastevere that’s already been in Rome since 1876. We had to wait outside for a bit before we could get a table for two, but we did get tiny glasses of prosecco to keep ourselves busy. The food was divine, and served in cosy-looking old school pots and pans. Tonnarello’s motto? “Le persone che amano mangiare sono sempre le migliori.” We couldn’t agree more! 

After these two really intense days, both of us were so exhausted. So, we decided to go back to our bed and breakfast and fall asleep before midnight instead of staying up to see the date shift from the 30th of April to the 1st of May. One more night of being 18 for me then at least!

On Monday, I woke up, well, as a 19-year-old young adult. How crazy! It’s actually the first time I ever feel genuinely different, so it was the first time I could actually come up with a reasonable reply to the typical question “And, how does it feel to be one year older?” Because wow, it has been a year of a lifetime... I opened up my presents and cards in bed before we went out to enjoy a long breakfast at Ginger. We all know breakfast is my favourite meal of the day, so you might as well do it right! Afterwards, we returned to the Vatican again so that Laurine could at least see the Piazza San Pietro from up close. As we had already done most of the visiting (I mean, all the visiting) on Friday, today was all about relaxing and enjoying our last day together. I had the idea to go picnic on top of the Monte Mario, Rome’s highest hill, around the afternoon. A lot of people had told me it’s really nice there. Unfortunately, due to it being a national holiday in Italy, the public transport network wasn’t running very smoothly and to get there by foot, it takes quite some effort. Besides, the neighbourhood around it is quite sketchy. We both got a little frustrated at the situation and thus at each other, as we were walking around a busy road with no nice place to sit for a long time and it didn’t seem like we were gonna reach the hill anytime soon. It’s a shame I hadn’t looked it up better and that we had lost some precious time together. We decided to turn back and catch the first bus that would bring us to Villa Borghese, where we enjoyed the rest of our afternoon. We had a really fun time watching all the people and families around us, and coming up with background stories for each and every one of them. It even made us a little nostalgic!

Around 4 o’clock, we enjoyed one last drink together at a bar around Piazza del Popolo. While drinking highly-overpriced gin and tonics, I suddenly started tearing up. It felt so weird that I had to be here in Rome on my birthday, and I just wished I could be able to spend it with my friends and family at home. Although I have so many nice people around me here as well, it never ever could feel the same. But hey, I know I’ll see them all again very, very soon!

At 6 o’clock, Laurine took the taxi back to the airport, and so I was alone again. Somehow, the reunion had been less intense than the one in Sydney; because we had such an easier time keeping in touch while I was here in Rome, and maybe also because we had already learned from the previous experience of me being away for a long time. But that didn’t mean the farewell wasn’t just as hard!

On Wednesday evening, I had dinner at Juul’s apartment together with two of his Italian friends. There’s nothing better sometimes than a good pasta pesto and a glass of wine! Talking in Italian with the two girls was still way out of my league, but at least I could understand everything they were saying. And trust me, they were talking at the speed of light! Juul and I also came up with the idea to write a short story together, as we both like writing and feel like it could be a good project to work on during out free time. I’m looking forward to it!

On Thursday, we had a SPIN class outside again. This time, we had to interview random Italian tourists and ask them about fashion. Nothing all too exciting, but I did positively surprise myself by how ease it was for me to address complete strangers. A year, hell, even 6 months ago, I would have never ever seen me doing it so comfortably. Every day, I discover new parts of myself I never thought I could ever recognise myself in.          In the evening, I had my very last evening with my roommate Andrea and housemate Jemima. My parents were arriving tomorrow morning, and the girls were leaving this Saturday, so I’d have to say goodbye to them now. For me, it was especially hard to say goodbye to Andrea. She has been with me ever since I arrived here in Rome, so without her it’s not gonna feel the same to live in the house!

On Friday, I woke up extra early to work out (I had forgotten how nice it is to work out in the morning) before heading over to the hotel where my parents were waiting for me. Loaded with an extra suitcase full of winter clothes I’d send back home with them, my tiny suitcase for the weekend and a handbag, I huffed and puffed my way through the city. Although Italians are generally nice and helpful, in a touristic city like Rome you hardly find anyone who’s willing to give you a hand. I often have moments where I miss Sydney terribly, and moments like these definitely remind me of the many things I loved about that city. The friendliness, the surf, the sweet potato fries and avocado toasts; oh how I feel ‘homesick’ sometimes! I arrived at the hotel when my parents just had finished breakfast, talk about perfect time. I felt like their little girl again when the both of them hugged me really tightly the second I entered the room. It had been since September that it hadn’t been ‘just the three of us’, so we were all looking forward to this weekend together.             I surprised my mom with a leather jacket she really wanted, and she had brought some Belgian Easter chocolate with her!            After a quick catch up; we started the day by visiting the Pantheon and Fontana di Trevi, where we of course threw a little coin over our left shoulder. Afterwards, we walked passed Via Del Corso, where we did some shopping in a store both my mom and me really love. You gotta give dad some credit for his patience.         When we were done, we walked around Piazza di Spagna and along the small pavestone streets until it was time to lunch at Vivi Bistrot. We finished off our lunch with a creamy cappuccino before walking up the Spanish Steps and all the way over to Villa Borghese. We walked around the park for a while, which was surprisingly quiet for a Friday, before enjoying the view over Piazza del Popolo on the Passagiata del Pincio. Around the late afternoon, we enjoyed an ice cream while walking back to the hotel. We got ready, because around 6’o clock, we walked over the Ponte Sant’Angelo and to the Vatican. The sun was already turning a little paler, so the Piazza San Pietro was covered in a beautiful kind of glow. At 19:00, we entered the Musei Vaticani, which is only open at night on Fridays during spring. I have no words to describe how beautiful it is to walk around the few parts of the garden while the sun is slowing setting and radiating its golden light over the dome of the San Pietro. The museums itself are also breathtakingly impressive. I have never ever seen such an incredible art collection in such a majestic building! In the Capella Sistina, I could have easily been banned from ever entering the Vatican again, as I started taking a few pictures of the ceiling even though you’re strictly not allowed. Woops, my bad.

Afterwards, we headed to Trastevere to have dinner at Tonnarello. I couldn’t not take my parents to this awesome place. The end of a very lovely day!

On Saturday, we started off a rich breakfast at Coromandel, a cool place close to Piazza Navona that kind of looks like you’ve walked in into your grandmother’s house. At 10 o’clock, we had booked a bike tour that would guide us all the way through and along the Via Appia Antica, one of Rome’s most important ancient roads that led all the way to Brindisi, in the south of Italy. It might ring a bell for some of you who’ve watched Spartacus (or just have a kick-ass history knowledge), because it’s also the road where in 71 BC, 6000 slaves were crucified along the part of the road that led to Capua. In the beginning of the day, the weather wasn’t really that good. It was really humid and we often got a little rain shower. Besides, I had been feeling a little under the weather myself lately, so the biking was harder than expected. But, all along the Via Appia Antica, you come across impressive and very well-preserved remnants of old, old Rome; such as the baths of Caracalla, ancient catacombs and mausoleums. Plus, the area around the Via Appia Antica is absolutely stunning. Giant pine trees are perfectly lined up on both sides of the road, accompanied by beautiful fields filled with poppies. Around noon, the weather finally cleared up completely and we enjoyed the rest of the day biking with the sun on our face and the wind in our hair. Special thanks to our tour guide from Roma for You, by the way!

In the evening, we strolled around Via Margutta, a street known for its many art galleries and exposés. Unfortunately, this time the artists weren’t displaying their artworks, so it was unusually quiet. We found some time to pop by the Trollbeads store, a brand known for being the first to start making bracelets you could personalise with several little charms, where I bought a special edition charm dedicated to Rome: a tiny, silver Colosseum! This way, I’ll always have a little part of Rome close to me. And thanks to a friend in Australia, I’m soon getting a special edition charm dedicated to Sydney as well, representing the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge!     Afterwards, we had a delicious cocktail and apéro at a trendy bar called Salotto 42, which literally means ‘living room’. It did have a really cosy atmosphere! We snacked on homemade sushi (it has been ages!), mini foccacie and bruschette; before going to a restaurant close to the Pantheon, but well-hidden on a tiny square, called Osteria Delle Coppelle. We scored a table outside, close to the heating lamp, and enjoyed a delightful meal. For me, personally, this has been one of the best restaurants in Rome I’ve been to! We enjoyed the special flavours of gelato at Gelateria di San Crispino for dessert, the sweetest and best way to end the day!

On Sunday morning, we had breakfast at Vivi Bistrot. Who can’t say no to a gluten free carrot cake, fruit salad and a cappuccino for breakfast?

Afterwards, we walked around Piazza Navona and the impressive church of Sant’Agnese in Agone. We made our way to Piazza Venezia and Piazza Campodoglio, where we marvelled over the views of ancient Rome before enjoying the smell of roses at the Roseto Comunale. As we didn’t have enough time to visit the Giardino degli Aranci nor the Keyhole, we immediately went to the Colosseum instead. Even though it’s probably Rome’s most touristic place, it’s definitely always gonna be one of the most impressive as well.     We headed to Monti for our last lunch together. I had read about a nice panino place, where they make original sandwiches in the shape of a flower, called Zia Rosetta. And the best part? They also make them gluten free! Sadly, it’s more of a grab and go kind of place, so we couldn’t sit there and relax comfortably. We decided to just go for a traditional trattoria, where my mom could finally have a real Italian pizza and my dad enjoyed a good plate of pasta. I, on the other hand, had to settle for a caprese salad, which wouldn’t be enough judging by the fact that I was so incredibly hungry. And knowing that I couldn’t eat the bread that comes along with it, literally made me cry. I’m not kidding. I actually started crying because I miss eating bread, because I’m so tired of having a gluten allergy while being in Italy – the land of the holy carbs – and that I don’t get why people who voluntarily stop eating gluten because they think it’s healthy and cool. Okay, in all honesty, I also started crying because I was gonna miss my parents like crazy. It’s just easier to blame the damn gluten. Eventually, my dad came with the idea for me to just go grab one of those sandwiches at Zia Rosetta while we would wait for out food, and I seriously think that sandwich may have been the best thing that has happened to me so far in 2017. Thank God for carbs!

Before heading back to the hotel, where a taxi would pick my parents up at 4 o’clock, we had one last ice cream together. An ice cream a day… When I came back home, I was all alone. It was so weird knowing that I would have no housemates for the rest of the week! Plus, the clothes I had left out to dry over the weekend were lying on my bed, still moist and smelling like cigarettes. Safe to say I had one of those “God, I wish I was home” moments.  

Monday and Tuesday were just regular school days. The weather here is getting warmer and warmed each day. I love how it just feels like summer in the beginning of May! On Tuesday afternoon, we had our second book club meeting at La Feltrinelli, where we ended up discussing our previous book for the entire afternoon instead of choosing a next one to read. Oh well, the conversation was really, really interesting. It’s nice to have such good friends with whom you can be ridiculous yet also serious with when you feel like it. In the evening, we went out for drinks to celebrate the last night of one of our friends. You always realise how much value someone adds to a group when you come to the day they’re gonna go back to their own life. It’s a funny thing, this EF bubble.

On Wednesday and Thursday, we had two Global Career Days at school. It meant we had class from 9:30 until 16:30, with lectures from Italian professionals and workshops with our own teachers in between. Although the days were long, they were really interesting and flew by in no time! One quote I heard during one of the lectures, was the following: “Italia, la terra dove crescono i limone.” The whole poetic sound and the feeling this sentence evokes, couldn’t be more accurate. I think it’s the best and most sentimental way to describe Italy. We also had longer lunch breaks, so we could enjoy our afternoons much more. 

The past 2 weeks, I’ve been having some strange and tense pains in my right foot again. I’m hoping it’s not a tendinitis again, like the one I had in my last week in Sydney. I’m trying to cut back on working out and walking, but I get so restless if I don’t do any sports. I’ve also struggled more and more with the feeling that I’m just so tired of everything here. I feel like my time to go back home has come, and I’m constantly counting the days. Let’s just hope all of this negativity blows over quickly…

On Friday evening, I met up with Juul again to go out for dinner at Mama Eat, that one place with really good gluten free pizza’s. We discussed the plot and characters of our upcoming story, but we also talked about life in general. I lately had been feeling the need to talk about a few things with a really good friends, and this night was just the perfect one for it!

On Saturday, we all fled the warmth and humidity of the city centre by going to Santa Marinella. It was the first time since Sydney that I actually swam in the sea, and boy did it feel good! I’m just as much a city gal as I am a beach bum.

On Sunday, I was planning on going to the beach again, but I got quite sunburnt on my back, so I decided to sit this one out. So, Thomas and I had lunch at the Vivi Bistrot restaurant in Villa Doria Pamphilj. Afterwards, we found ourselves a nice bench under the shadow of some trees and each enjoyed the afternoon writing. I was updating my travel journal and he was writing cards to his relatives.  A relaxing day in one of the most beautiful places in Rome!

In the evening, I finally met my new roommate, a really sweet girl from Austria. I had a really nice week with my host parents, being just the three of us, but I was happy I finally had someone with me again.

 On Monday, we finally started with a SPIN course that’s bound to prepare us for taking the CILS exam. It’s kind of like the Cambridge for the Italian language, so it’s pretty serious. I’m not taking the exam here, as I only wanna pass it at a higher level than B1-B2, but I was allowed to join the preparation course anyway. After the first class, my brain was going to explode. It’s pretty hard stuff! I’m also receiving the exercise and preparation for someone who would take it at a C1 level, even though I’m only in B1. But I have to say I’m pretty proud of myself that it’s going kind of well.   

Because we were all so tired after such an intensive lessen, our book club meeting ending up in us trying to read and understand the book we had chosen, but completely failing. Enough Italian for one day!

In the evening, we went out for drinks at Freni and Frizioni for Emma’s birthday. The temperature was still so nice, we even ended up buying our own alcohol and sitting alongside the Tevere at the Isola Tibertina. Once again, another amazing night, mainly because I keep on getting to know people in a much more different way!

On Tuesday, I did nothing more than go to class and relax at home. I was still a little tired from going out, and I wanted to prepare for my admission interview at Hotelschool Maastricht I would have the day after. Fingers crossed!

Before dinner, I did my daily work out outside on the square close to my house. At some point, a few of the toddlers that were playing around there, were starting to work out with me! I couldn’t stop smiling, that seriously was the cutest thing I had ever seen! Maybe it’s a good idea to start my own aerobics class, no?

Today, I woke up extra early to have a nice and calm morning run before I had my interview for Hotelschool Maastricht. All in all, it went really well, so let’s hope I get it! I’m really excited to finally start studying now, so I can’t wait to hear the news in a few days.   But that’s not the only thing that makes today special. Froukje, my famous roommate in Sydney, is arriving in Rome this afternoon. I’m finally go see her again! And tomorrow, Chantal, another really good friend is arriving as well. I’m so looking forward to a weekend with my Dutchies. On Saturday and Sunday, Chantal and I are even going to visit Venice together with Reina and Thomas. Safe to say I’m feeling completely energised again to make the most out of my last weeks in Rome!

 A presto!

 With love,

  Marie