27 Weekends (part 8)

Rome July 08
€11 rip off airport train to meet Anna in downtown Rome. Hookers in the streets on the way to our impressive apartment. First sight of the Coloseum and Que. Stupid questions on our tour. A visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. The controversial type writer the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II under repair. Lunch in the Palazzo della Cancelleria, across the road to the old chariot tracks of Piazza Navona for Gelato. Perfectly timed rain drops through the roof of the Pantheon. More Gelato and tossed coins at Trevi fountain. An early morning run down the deserted Spanish steps. The inevitable ques at St Peters Basilica. Emotion outside Pope John Paul's resting place. The closed on Monday Vatican City, the ridiculous volume of people the following day. The numerous water fountains dotted throughout town. Running along the banks of the Tiber. The impressive Catacombs on the Roman Via Appia. Value for money men's shopping, sharp suits and ties. A lonely journey home as Sinead headed for the Amalfi Coast.

Switzerland, Zurich and Davos July 08
One night in Zurich with Jason. Drifting down the Limmatt River and chilling out on its banks with Zurichs young and trendy. The over priced Zic Zac Rock Hotel. The Lindt chocolate factory. Late night Gelato on the banks of Lake Zurich. Imagining the underground vaults on exclusive Bahnhofstrasse. The impressive Swiss mountain train service. Mountain sunshine in Davos home of the World Economic Forum. Name me some famous Swiss? The rather dour and reserved Swiss. Cable Car high above Davos to check out the valleys and mountain for the next days exertions. Pasta Party and Alcohol free beer. Friday night street festival, I wish we had tried the meat skewers !! Train to the start line at Bergun. A climb to the highest point Keschuttee at 2632 short reprieve then a calf burning climb to Scalletapass for a Tour de France like welcome. Hopa Hopa Hopa Go Go Go !! A whiff of Raclette Cheese before a victory lap to the finish. 30th person to cross the line. A swim in the Hotel pool before drunken antics in the evening, wheel barrow races and a knock on the door at the local baker for fresh bread.

La Rochelle August 08
Quite possibly Ryanairs smallest airport. Sadly more rain and a distinct lack of sunshine. The floating maritime museum. The aquarium was definitely the place to be. Water taxi's around the inner harbour. Running along the limestone cliffs in the direction of Ille de Re. Seafood and Steak dinners with street performers to entertain. Live jazz music on the streets with some African sounds from a local bar. A visit to the three towers in the old harbour, red brick rooftop views from the top. A bus trip over to Ille de Re along the 3km long bridge. Bikes and finally some sunshine the towns of La Flotte and St Martin en Re. Swimming at the beach in Le Bois Plage en Re. Cave de la Guignette for bottles of Guignette wine and fruit based apertif, orange and apple. Fresh and cheap Hutre with beer in hand. Shoveling Moule and Frite and chasing the airport bus.

London Aug 08
Last trip of the summer, appreciating the warmer weather in London. Brick Lane and a night out as Vinnys band make a debut performance. Delicious Bagels in the Jewish Bakery afterward. New Zealand's golden morning at the Olympics. Running along the canal past the soon to be London 2012 stadium. Morgane and Matthieus impressive flat near Euston Station. Wandering through the Camden St Markets. A night of pints in Smithfield before a club with a burlesque evening.