Love for Latin Languages

I love Latin languages, if there is one language in the world I would love to learn it would be Italian, I think it is especially beautiful.  And since moving here, I have developed a love for another Latin language, Romanian.  But it is not only the languages I love, it is the expressions and hand movements that go along with the conversation (not sure they could communicate as effectively with hands tied up).  Last night I was treated to a lovely meal at Raluca's flat on the Rhine.  Besides the yummy meal and great company I loved just watching and listening to Raluca's animated stories :)

The best thing, is that this could be a story about anything, grocery shopping, cleaning, ex-boyfriends...

Car Trouble

So I think it is safe to say that someone near by wants me to know that I am not very welcome. This probably seems a bit extreme, but once I can accept bad luck, a second time I am not so sure. I am not taking it personally though as I think it probably has more to do with the plates on my car (UK). Anyways, it has not been the best start to the day...

Responsible Driver

Maybe it was because I turned 35 last week and finally I am behaving like an adult or maybe it was because I was too lazy to take the tram and bus, but I volunteered to be the designated driver for a hot sunny prosecco filled picnic on a small river. I had my one glass over the four hour period and now racing to the Rhine to celebrate my accomplishment with a large white wine...

 Raluca and Adrian (my Romanian circle growing :))

Resting Over

Well it is far too lovely to rest anymore.  I was going to try and avoid doing too much this weekend, but you never know when the weather will change again.  So resting is officially over.  I must say I feel like a whole new person, and it has not just been good for me, look at my super model dog...

Still Resting

I am quite sure I have had more sleep in the past two nights than I have had in the last three weeks.  And I almost feel like a fully functioning person again.  So my plan is to continue having relaxing evenings/early nights for the next few days.  And I think this will be much easier based on the upcoming weather forecast, I can spend my evenings/upcoming weekend reading on my balcony, walking Lola and keeping out of trouble.  Finally, after a lovely few weeks in March, and a shocking April it looks like we are going to have the Spring I was promised...

(Of course the other thing that could happen, is the weather forces me to pub/bar patios :))

Suzanna is 30!

After spending several hours getting my flat back to normal (I had to mop about a dozen times), I then started decorating for Suzanna's 30th birthday dinner.  It was a great meal, mainly because somehow (Bruton people will not be surprised) I managed to be in charge only of bread and booze.  So instead of my lasagna or Mexican (my staple dishes) they were treated to Maria's great curry, Marcia's fabulous noodle dish, and Raluca's fairly amazing homemade apple cake (rather than the store bought one I would have provided and pretended I baked).  Again, another lovely night and now I am ready for a long long long rest...

'We can work it out, yep I think this is how you take it, smile girls..'

Girls in hysterics, after watching boys trying to take the photo and getting themselves...

After many attempts finally got a picture

Happy Birthday Suzanna, you are fabulous!

Bit More from Celebrations

As my phone (which acts as my camera) was also the music supply, I have been busy stealing photos from people this morning. So here are a few more...

Happy Birthday Rome!

Oh and of course Queen Elisabeth, who both shared a birthday yesterday (well guess every year). And because Rome was turning 2765 years old I had a party to celebrate. It was a great night, and Rome should feel so special about all the people that came and the effort they put in. My guests were so generous bringing lots of Italian wine and gifts and as I cannot really send them to Rome, I may just keep them :)

Thirty Bloody Five

My plan tonight: stay in, sleep, get ready for party. Marcia's plan: drag me to random bar at midnight in France. I lost.

The Funniest Morning Ever

I have never seen anything like this before in any school, ever.  Today is the Grade 12's last day and they are essentially allowed to 'take over' the school.  The whole place has been turned upside down, lockers on top of each other, hay in the common room, the foyer turned into a rave, it is quite spectacular.  They are all in costume, jumping on the desks, kidnapping my students, it is fairly amazing.  Then to make it even ten times better Ellie (one of my Grade 10's) made me the most fabulous cake ever.  What a great start to the weekend!

Beaver Leader Corrupted

It was a sad sad morning today saying goodbye to Mandy and Denise.  I had such a great time with them.  Seeing Mandy properly for the first time for years and meeting Denise who turned out to be brilliant (which was pretty lucky considering Mandy only knew her for two minutes before inviting her along, it turns out she does have some good judgement;)).  They spent their last night helping me get ready for my party on Saturday, and must admit Mandy was the Queen of ideas with every beer she had another great idea popped out.  The preparation also involved corrupting Beaver leader Denise, who teaches her beavers the importance of leaving nature alone, but we did put a disguise on before going out on our ivy hunt.

Blog Faces

Maria has not been on the blog these last few weeks because the poor girl was stuck on a resort in Bali and even though I wanted to let her tan fade before having her over I really wanted her to meet Mandy and Denise.  So she came over, along with Suzanna (who has not moved in yet but I consider part of the home already) for a hearty soup and a catch up.  It is great to have her and her 'blog face' back.
Blog face: the people who happen to be on this blog quite a bit have developed an instant pose the minute I bring out my camera, now known as their 'blog face'

Finally...

...the Super Sunday that I know and love!  We started the day with a fantastic Sunday lunch at Emily and Dave's (she honestly is the best cook ever).   She is such a great hostess and managed to make sure our glasses were never empty (probably not a good thing!).  It was great to have a Super Sunday, but maybe it is better to keep these to holiday time, as this Monday morning was a difficult one...

Bye Bye Como

We are just finishing packing up and making a big breakfast before heading off back to Basel. I am sure it has come across in the last few blogs how much I love this place. We really have been so well taken care of (think key is four ladies) and I really cannot wait to come back :)

 Our last delicious meal

 Yummy yummy puddings

The girls that made it extra special