Day 237

Last weekend the family and I took the long *long, long* journey back to Rome from Moena, after being there for two weeks including a two day interlude in Treviso with G's parents. I loved the experience, and the fresh air, and the sun, and the early nights. But I'm very much glad to have been back to normal routine and Rome weather! Seriously, every day has been a shorts and vest top day (even if Italians give you the look of shame while they're bundled up in their scarves, jackets and boots. I mean honestly, when it's upwards of 22 degrees outside, who really looks the fool?) so you never know, by the time I'm home this summer I might -for the first time in my life- be tanned! 
I really do love Moena as a town though, it's quaint and pretty, and it just has such a friendly feel to it. It helped that B and G know so many people there too, and because I had the chance to meet a lot of people before Christmas, I was welcomed even more warmly. And while I can imagine going back at some point in life, I can't picture myself going on a skiing holiday to ski again. Don't get me wrong, I really, really enjoyed it, but it was only at the end that I was gaining my confidence, and even then it was incredibly exhausting and stressful. (Worrying about breaking a bone the whole time probably wasn't helping my mental state; maybe I just need to get over that before going again!!). The scenery was beautiful though, and the silence you get in the middle of a snowy mountain is unlike anything else. That became especially clear on one occasion where I had gone for a walk while the others were skiing. I'll upload the pictures from that walk soon, but those two hours alone to walk and meditate and praise were the best, and the gnocchi ragu I had afterwards really topped it all off! 
On the whole I'd say I'm more of a beach/sea person, and so last Saturday was great. Bekah, a few others from church and I went to the coast and spent the day on the sand and playing volleyball in the water. It was so much fun, and coming back late in the evening to be offered BBQ, salad and gelato by B and G and their guests topped off the whole day very well! (They were all very surprised that I "took the bath" *went in the sea* but I mean, once you've swum in the sea at Aberavon, you can swim in the sea anywhere!)
Mum and dad arrive on Tuesday, so that's rather exciting, and I'm sure I'll have something to write about!
Ciao!!

Day 217

It can't be April already can it?! Ooopsies, where does the time go? Because I can't be bothered checking back as to when I last wrote we'll just assume that it's been far too long and I'm going to have to cram in rather a lot and probably not do details all that well. I should be sorry, but at least I'm posting for you all! 
At the end of February I met a couple of really rather lovely Americans, both of whom have long since left, but the couple of weeks we had together were some of the best I've had. Having met them at church their company and conversation was a blessing, and I gained (and know I will gain) so much from their friendship.
I've had more time and availability to build on already existing relationships with people over the last month too - I've been to the Colosseum and Forum twice with several different people, tried out restaurants that before I'd only walked past, consumed more than my fair share of gelato and coffee, visited a cat sanctuary (it's amazing, I'd want to live there if it weren't for the smell and y'know, the small issue of my allergies!), and discovered a love for pool and skiing (neither of which I'm very good at yet!).
Last week (ish) Clare and my best friends from home came to visit, and seeing how as a foursome we got on so well was amazing! It just proved how similar Clare and I actually are! Conversations flowed, and a lot of laughter was had. And while we walked and talked mostly in pairs, the pairs were completely interchangeable. I think a group holiday or trip somewhere is a definite necessity in the future! (It's already decided that I'll be going to Canada at some point!)
Last week I had to say goodbye to Laura; an au pair friend from church who's become a very good friend of mine. We've shared many an adventure and sleepover, and bible studies without her will be strange - it'll just be myself and Bekah! Sticky and Slacker won't have Sicky to complete their trio...(it's an inside thing..!). I don't like all of these Americans coming and going from my life. Y'all need to not live so far away and have eternal visas!! But because you don't, and because you seem to each be from a different state, either please all come and visit Wales (which you should now be able to point out on a map) or I guess I'll have to road trip around the USA. The former would be greatly appreciated and welcomed please. 

I realise I've rambled about nothing and everything for the last age, and told you practically everything without any details, but all of you reading this (and by all I mean my parents and Hannah, because you're the only ones who nag me if there's nothing up!) read only because it's written by me, and not for the pure genius which is the quality of content! 
Anywho, I'm sitting out on the terrace of a restaurant on the side of a really very snowy mountain freezing my nose, fingers and toes off writing this. No, the weather in Rome hasn't gone totally haywire, I'm on Alpe Lusia in Moena, and it's not as sunny as it has been for the last week. I went a bit pink in the sun and snow yesterday! Last Saturday I went on skis on snow for the first time, and even though I was struck with a stomach bug for a lot of this week, I'm enjoying the experience, and haven't hurt myself on the slopes yet!
It's just started to snow, and I think the family will be arriving soon so that I can go skiing just B and I, so I'll wrap it up there. Happy 7 Months, Italy, and Happy Easter!
Ciao!