Superb idea

Morning from a slightly cloudy but bright Rome. Heading towards mid-December and the weather here is incredibly mild. Leaves haven't even fallen off the trees yet! Feels a bit freaky.

This blog is a great idea, Daniella and Jasmine, and thanks for taking the time to get it set up. Loved the secret question too and i'm sure I won't be forgetting that in a hurry. Hope you are both having top fun in Sao Paolo. Daniella, hope you're keeping well and healthy. Still can't believe you'll be a mum soon, that's so cool. Great to hear your news too, Sarah and Jen. Jasmine, look forward to seeing you when you're back in town.

All well here in Rome. A chilled out weekend passed quickly, largely hanging out with the usual crew. Watched football with a fun group last night, which included Marco. Roma vs. Lazio, the big derby game when literally the whole city is glued to the TV as the local rivals clash. It really is amazing how it takes over people; and those who you least expect too. You can't be a neutral in this one - Rome divides its support between the two teams. We were in a Roma supporting bar and felt for the die-hard fans who left in silence as they were thumped 3-0. Marco and I searched for Shwarmas afterwards but were thwarted by the traditional Sunday closing, to which much of Rome strictly adheres.

About a week and half left here and then heading back to London for the Christmas holidays. Looking forward to seeing family and friends. Will be off to the US on 27th to do a little snowboarding roadtrip. Flying into San Francisco and driving upto Tahoe. We're then planning on reaching Jackson Hole in Wyoming via some of the resorts in Utah, before driving back. Will be hiking and doing plenty of backcountry routes too. Can't wait! Sarah, would love to have met up with you and Dave but unfortunately won't be able to make it via DC. Know it is a total shot in the dark, but no way you will be in San Francisco around 6/7th Jan?

Anyway, time for lunch now in the totally civilised manner in which it is done here, always including time for a coffee afterwards.

Really looking forward to reading more from you.
Keep well

Akif