All entries for July 2006

New Camera – Fab Piccies

We've just invested in a rather nice new camera. We don't really know what we're doing with it yet, but here's just one of the gorgeous "mucking around" photos that Nathan's taken already. Not bad, hey?

: 30 Jul 2006 11:54 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

My little man!

Enjoying a little joke with my nephew Gabriele on Theresa's roof terrace in Rome. He's a lovely little man – so well behaved! Note the baby puke on my left shoulder though! Nice!

: 30 Jul 2006 11:26 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

New Car – Yay!

Nath and I went to buy a new car yesterday. Can't wait for the 2nd Sept when we can collect it. It's a Seat Leon special edition – air con, tinted windows, rear parking sensors, cd player, alloy wheels, zenith grey. Very sexy!!! I can finally wave goodbye to my dear old Rover. Not getting the new one until the beginning of Sept so that it can be a 56 registration, instead of an 06. We could have had it earlier but thought it worth waiting a couple of extra weeks to get the 56 plate.

: 30 Jul 2006 11:14 |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Warwick Network

Yesterday was dominated by attending the Warwick Network. This appears to be the first time (at least, the first time in my 4 years of being here) that Warwick has organised an event like this. And about time too in my opinion! It was great to have the opportunity to mix with other admin staff in the University that we wouldn't ordinarily speak too, and to have the opportunity to speak our minds, brainstorm ideas and, quite frankly, just be made to feel part of the University community again. Well done to those that thought up the idea and made it happen! I'm really looking forward to discussing and thinking about a whole new set of issues at next year's event (and to seeing more diverse groups of staff there too).

Of course the event had a few flaws, but what conference doesn't? Bill Morris was excellent though. What a top bloke!

: 28 Jul 2006 10:56 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Rome

Can't believe it's been over a month since my last post. I really should get better at this, shouldn't I?!

We went to Rome again this weekend. We were out there for Gabriele's christening. The last 2 times we went to Rome we stayed with Theresa and Gerard in their apartment but given that they had loads of people descending on them this weekend, we opted for a hotel in the city centre instead.

We stayed at the hotel Quisisana. It's only 100m from the central train station in the city, so in a good location. The rooms were okay – a little shabby, but clean and tidy enough. The air conditioning was a real blessing as it was scorching in the City!

We managed to get in some great sight seeing on Saturday. We climbed to the top of St Peter's dome – I highly recommend this but it's not for the faint–hearted – it's a 510 step climb and towards the top the stair–wells are very narrow indeed. Don't do it if you're scared of heights, claustrophobic, or just generally very unfit. Also, between 3 of us we got through about 2 litres of water just on the trip to the top.

We also visited the Castle of St.Angelo (I think that's the correct name!). It's a stone's throw from the Vatican, with a direct escape route for the pope to run from the Vatican to the castle in times of attack! There's quite a lot to see there too, and the views are pretty good too (though nothing compared to standing on top of St Peter's dome).

We then went back to the Pantheon, where we've been before, for a quick peek in. It's free to get in but heaving with tourists, so we didn't stay long. Besides, we'd seen it before. Then a short walk via the beautiful Trevi Fountain (again, somewhere we've already been a couple of times before), too us to the Colleseum. We've only ever visited the outside of the Colleseum on previous visits so it was good to go inside, even though I do think the outside is far more impressive than the inside! I didn't think it was really worth the 12 or 13 euro entrance fee, which is pretty expensive compared to other attractions in Rome.

Nath' and I went to a fab restaurant just off the termini–station end of Via Nazionale (first turning on the right if you're walking down the road). It's called Target and serves the most delicious food. We had lobster for our primi course – I can highly recommend this – it was delicious (and a little messy!).

Sunday was dominated by Gabriele's christening. He was as good as gold, sleeping through the entire service. He's such a gorgeous little chap. I'm really pleased that Theresa and Gerard will be moving back to the UK in 3 weeks time – hopefully I'll be able to get some quality time with my gorgeous nephew before they leave for India and Australia (their next overseas posting!).

: 28 Jul 2006 10:49 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem