Ciampino Airport on 20 December

You wouldnt believe it! I had checked in my luggage at Ciampino Airport and went outside for some fresh air when hundreds of people started pouring out. I must confess in my ignorance I thought mmm ... a large flight has arrived. But it was not so. Oh no.. nothing so simple. There was a bomb scare and the airport was evacuated. With helicopters overhead, police cars zooming in from everywhere and general chaos (as is typical in Italy) the Airport was closed and flights delayed.

A great start to Xmas.... and thanks to the kind person (who shall remain un-named) who responded to my text advising him of the chaos 'Well at least you're not in the air!!'... a very sobering thought.

Rome in December

Christmas shoppers in Piazza del Poppolo.... its 2 degrees and the stalls remain open..
and still at 2 degrees.. and the Romans are outside eating.. in their wooly hats and thick jackets under the warmth of Patio Heaters
This woman is sleeping at a bus stop. It is her home. She has been in this possy since I arrived. I took this photo at 11pm and it was minus zero.. and she was sound asleep. I have seen her since and before.. in the same position.. in the rain, sun and very low temperatures. I guess its a way of life over here.. there are many homeless people like her and people just seem to take them for granted.
Not a good pic - I was trying to capture how the road is lit up for Xmas. You can see all the way down Via Merula the lights are strung across the street.
Piazza del Poppolo with the ancient churches etc in the background. This is where there is a movie theatre that shows films in English!! Yee haa.. I will be going back.


December in Rome was unusually cold. The temperatures went down to minus 3 and believe me I struggled. I was told it was the first time in years the temps were below zero. Also, not sure if you read but it actually snowed in Bari.. over the Agean. The papers were full of pictures of snow along the beach. Hard to believe but I saw it!! Not that I could read the story as my Italian is still at minus 0 level :-)

I am looking for new accomodation as I can't cope with my Italian flatmate any longer and it seems things are more and more expensive over here.. and with the few hours teaching I am barely covering my costs.

And of course I am looking forward to going to Norwich for Xmas.

Merry Xmas to you all... Good luck and a prosperous New Year.