Capodanno (head of the year)

AS DAYS GO IN ITALY this is by far the most quiet one. No one is out on the streets and the office is barely half full. I got a lift from a friend to work this morning and we drove through beautiful yet deserted areas and suburbs to get here. I couldn't quite shake the notion that someone had dropped the bomb over Rome and forgot to tell us about it. At the office people are biding their time, waiting for the announcement that we can go home early (on Christmas eve people were sent home at two so we're keeping our fingers crossed for the same deal today). Not much to tell really.

I've been here for over three months now and it's sufficient to say that I'm a bit.. disenchanted by the whole experience by now. I still like Rome, I still like the culture (even though there is plenty of room for improvement in several areas) but my duties at work are something else. Living here stresses me because I know/delude myself into thinking that I could right now be somewhere else, pursuing other options (i.e. Getting A Real Job Earning Money) and having an easier time while doing it.

Sorry, don't mean to end the year on such a down note. I still have a lot to look forward to, and as you all know (I have been repeating it many times now with increasing fervour) things are going to pick up at work, thus making me a less of a dull boy.

I conclude by saying that I am very very very grateful for my family and friends, both new and old ones. Thank you mum, A and I for visiting me, thanks to C and S for showing up and treating me to nice food, thank you L for being in Rome right now (you're probably still sleeping in my bed you lazy..). Thank you E, V and M for your planned visits in early spring. Dad, A and S - I look forward to your visit!

Love you all and Happy New Year!