Alien Forces at Play!!!!

Just when you think that you have survived Christmas festivities (again!) one’s composure is sorely tested by “alien invasions” – as a couple of our photos depict this time.

First, my bride looks wistfully out her rear window to gaze upon the intimate domestic scene, when a white cloud appears on her horizon.  Is this some form of rare meteorological phenomenon or is this something more sinister?  Well, turns out to be ‘normal’ but an extension of the fore-mentioned ‘intimate domestic scene’.  Our upstairs neighbour was washing her curtains and hung them out on her back landing, and, being long curtains, they drooped onto our balcony.  Communal curtain cleaning!

Then, in a scene reminiscent of that great and moving Hollywood movie ‘Independence Day’, strange lights appear over Rome and weird life forces seem to emerge.  The ancient Roman pyramid (Pyramide) is lasered to advertise some mob who clearly need advertising, and dozens of huge spot lights make the Colosseum look light a sparkly porcupine or to be ‘under alien attack’.

And then again, on Christmas Day, a whole bunch of ‘aliens’ descended on Casa Douglasio for a lunch that ran into the eighth hour – two other Australians, four Kiwis and four Finns.  We ate some alien food (exotic hot and cold smoked salmon for example), drank alien drinks (Glögg – or mulled red wine, raisins, almonds and spices), and wore silly Christmas hats, normal for us but alien at least to the Finns.

Thank goodness that some people remain down to earth and stick with ‘natural’ things – such as the skins of dead animals.  Indeed, as the weather gets cooler, no varmint seems safe around here.   The days of animal liberationists throwing paint on fur wearing fashionistas must have long passed.  Included are a couple of examples for your viewing pleasure, including a heart-warming shot of a father taking his two young daughters for a stroll on a Sunday afternoon.  He probably even paid for the coat!!

Anyway, as you can see, we have set up a palm tree in the lounge and perform strange rituals before it whenever we can (to ward off the aliens).  Cathy seemed to enjoy the experience even if our two friends seemed to be badly affected.

And the bonus photos ....No not our future car but if you thought that the Smart car was smart then this one is smarter; the illuminations from our rooftop terrace; and a cute and slightly bizarre place called 'The Library' behind Piazza Navona - just right for an aperitivo.

This weekend – a brand new year.  Here’s to what 2010 will bring!!

Arrivederci 2009 and to you all!!