Rome is a delightful city, particularly when it is bathed in brilliant late Winter sunshine. It was this weekend, and I was fortunate to be there.
The continued 6 Nations rugby had forced me to leave the comfort of my warm cosy bed at 04:45 on Saturday morning and make the short trip to Heathrow. Now, I was not aware that the time was ever 04:45 on a Saturday morning, however, the amount of traffic on the M4 indicated that many others obviously did!
Still we got to Rome mid-morning, and found a very hospitable restaurant for a long and leisurely lunch somewhere near the Spanish Steps, we followed that with a quick change and an evening meal in a posh restaurant near our hotel. Following that we ended with Irish coffee in Harrys Bar, where we watched the world go by before retiring to bed. So much for sightseeing.
The game this year was on a Sunday, although I am sure it always is!! So down to breakfast to find the referee team are staying at the same hotel. We eavesdropped in on their pre-match briefing and learnt that the 'ref mikes' were not working for the Scotland v France game, much to everybodies embarrassment, and that the Italian number 2 was used in so many examples of potential flare-ups that he must be worth looking out for!!
So, more food before the game, then off to the stadium. England ground out a win, although I thought the papers were unkind to them. Their play without the ball was world class, it was just when they were in possession that they lacked a bit of composure. Give them time and I am sure it will come together. Guess what we did then, yep, more food at a restaurant owned by Luigi, as in 'Hey Luigi'.
We fell on our feet here though. He was a mad Lazio football fan, but his son at 9 years old had decided he wanted to play rugby. Dad not too enthusiastic until he found out Lazio have a rugby team. Now his son plays for the U15s and he is in the Vets, both of them are props!!
Nightcaps to follow in a suspected gay bar but that was never confirmed, and up the next morning for home. It took us 30 minutes from landing at Heathrow to arriving back in Chis with our luggage! I must use that as a house selling point.
Oh yes, we did not use a taxi once all weekend, just one tram ride back from the game, and tube and train too and from the airport. Excellent.
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