If you haven’t already visited Rome, you really ought to. I’ve seen lots of great cities yet without a doubt Rome is my favourite. Why?? Well just imagine fabulous food, amazing architecture, superb shopping, wonderful weather, perfect people and astounding art and you’ll start to get the picture. I had 5 days there and took in all the sights. The Colosseum, Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Vatican, and the Sistine Chapel? I could bore you for hours with the details. But I’ll just sum it up by saying it is the highlight of Europe so far. For photos ROME

Other news, it turns out I’m not made of steel. I broke my first bone. It happened in France while I was flying (out of control) down the Alps on my snowboard. I heard the crunch of my wrist as I face planted into the snow. I was by myself at the top of the mountain but it was a busy run, so I waited for someone to stop and help me. I wondered whether they had snow ambulances or whether I’d be part of an exciting helicopter rescue. After 15 minutes of hearing several people swish past without stopping, it dawned upon me that no one was going to stop and I had to face the mountain again on my own. I couldn’t help but wonder if Europeans, who are incessantly bragging about how “socially-minded” they are, have forgotten what it means to be social and help each other. Anyway, my philosophical ponderings came to an abrupt halt as I pushed myself up and the word ?pain? took on a whole new meaning. I guess that was my punishment for nasty generalisations?. When I finally reached the bottom I was defrosted, x-rayed and plaster of parised all within 20 minutes. Impressive. As far as the festive season goes, apart from the searing wrist pain, it was a fairly nice Christmas. We were in Freezeland with Jarno’s family. The food was great. Jarno spent 90% of the two days in the computer room trying to install a new game. So I just hung out by myself in the loungeroom reading Little Women. It’s the first time I’ve read it and no one told me it was so sad. It was cold but still no snow.

I’m hoping next time to see a white one! photos: CHRISTMAS My folks gave me a flight home for my birthday. If you are getting married or doing something else exciting this year please send the details through as I might be able to make it. Oh and before I forget, I pay a whole 2 euros a month for my guestbook. I was hoping that you’d all write telling me how greatly I am missed. Yet lately I only get strangers asking me freaky questions. Write please at SIGN MY GUESTBOOK While you’re at it have an exciting NYE. For the my Top 4 of 2004 check this out 2004 TOP 4’s