Radio Interview, a Hen weekend and a 40th Birthday party.

 BBC radio Wales rang us up and asked if we would do a interview on the Rob Phillip's afternoon show in the UK. We chatted about our life in Cyprus and our recent trip to Italy.

On the weekend Mandy joined a gang of Pissouri ladies to help Tania celebrate her "Hen Weekend" in Paphos.

After settling into their hotel they made their way over to the Sapphire bar for the Elvis show and a night of fun.

Chris King made sure that the night went with a swing and reports have said that they had a wonderful night.

Back in the UK, Andrew celebrated his 40th birthday when Lisa organised a surprise birthday party at a local rugby  club. The theme for the night was "Las Vegas" and their were some superb fancy dress outfits.

Videos of our Italian trip 2023

1. A visit to Rome.

2.  Italy V Wales Six Nations Rugby International match

2. Florence

Final day in Rome

We spent our final day in Rome with a walking tour of the City. In brilliant sunshine our first stop was at Piazza and Plazzo del Quirnale , the square extends over the summit of Monte Quirinale, the highest of the seven hills of  Rome.

We then walked Via dei Fori Imperiali, where you are surrounded by ancient buildings and ruins all around,  the Forum, statues and the Collosium in the back ground. The roads had been closed to traffic and their were numerous street entertainers playing to the crowds.

We moved on to the Altar of the Fatherland where we climbed the steps passing the flame to the eternal soldier. From the terrace you get superb views of the City. 

We stopped for a refreshing drink and the strolled over to "The Pantheon ", the iconic domed temple that dates from around 118 to125 AD.

We then visited Piazza Navona, a stunning square with three fountains and imposing buildings all around.

We continued our walk passing by Trajan's Column as we headed for our hotel after tiring but thoroughly enjoyable day. 

In the evening we met up with Bryan and Pam at Birreria Marconi fo a meal and a drink and saw a very entertaining rugby match between Scotland and Ireland. 

Match Day in Rome

 An early start on match day, we were picked up by our driver and whisked through the streets of Rome to the Olympico stadium.

The fans zone outside the stadium was a riot of colour as the fans mixed together in a wonderful atmosphere. The sun shone and the fans sang, drank and laughed.

There were numerous food and drink outlets and superb entertainment by several bands. We bumped into ex Welsh rugby legend, Ryan Jones,  who kindly posed for a few photos.

We made our way into the stadium where the noise level went up several notches especially  when the band played the national anthems. 

The game kicked off and Wales went into an early lead but Italy responded it the second putting Wales under pressure.

Wales eventually won the game 29 - 17

After the game, our driver met us outside the stadium  and took us into central Rome where we pitched back up at Bar Viminale di Pepi Maurilio for drinks food and a bit more singing.

Last day in Florence onto Rome

 We packed our bags and headed over to Florence train station had a quick beer and then boarded the high speed train to Rome 

We arrived in Rome at 2.15, made our way over to The Albert pub and met up with members of the Melk Spartens rugby club from Austria. 

 

In the evening we met up with Judith, Paul, Tracy and Miles and walked over to the Bar Viminale di Pepi Maurilio for a meal, where our host, John, made us feel very welcome.