Fireworks, the Elderly, & Rugby

We arrived home from Rome on New Year's Eve.  Weary from our travels I was this close to backing out in partaking in the festivities. Thankfully Kevin snapped me out of my momentary lapse of sanity, and we were able to experience what he has dubbed "one of our top three Old Year's...ever".  The night included pre party drinks at a fellow expat's apartment, followed by street/lake fireworks (some legal some not), followed by dancing and singing in the New Year in an 80's tent, capped off by returning to fellow expat's apartment to await the resumption of public transport at 6AM.  Cannot remember the last time I stayed out that late as I am the oldest 28 year old ever.  Well done Zurich, well done.

Fireworks over the lake

With only one day to recover from our New Year's celebrations, we headed over to England to visit some friends.  First stop was the quaint town of Bury St. Edmund's.

Right away we were warned of the local riffraff

And it didn't taken long for us to spot one in action

Local Cuisine - Nando's Chicken.  Kevin quickly became an addict, and a day couldn't go by without getting his Nando's fix.  He even bought 10 bottles of their Peri-Peri sauce to sustain his habit at home.

Wine night at "The Shire" AKA our lovely hosts' awesome historic home.

The boys partying the night away at a local club's teen night.  Sam and I wisely peaced out when the jager bombs started.

Done in by Bury St. Edmund's night life, Kevin heads off to bed in The Shire.  

Before heading home to Zurich, we were able to stop by my old hood Rickmansworth to visit our great friends the Morton's.  They took us to our first ever ruby game, Saracens v Sale Sharks.  After watching the Sarries win we headed over to Ricky's favorite pub, Druids, to celebrate with a few pints.  Fantastic end to a fantastic trip!

Jill, Sarah, and me enjoying a beverage at half time

My favorite part of the game, when they lift up their teammate cheerleader style to get the ball....I obviously learned nothing about the game of ruby.

Mya's Roman Holiday

Between Christmas and New Year's we visited Rome.  As is our style we ate and drank our way through the city, but we also managed to get in our fair share of sight seeing, and of course Mya was along for the ride.  Discover the glory of Rome through her eyes...

Mya stalking her prey in front of the Pantheon.

Mya making a wish at Trevi Fountain.

Mya wondering what the big deal is with the Spanish Steps.

Mya checking out Piazza del Popolo and St. Peter's Basilica.

Mya sipping a cappuccino in the Villa Borghese gardens.

Mya soaking up some Roman sun in Villa Doria Pamphili park.

Mya impressed by the Roman Forum.