10...9...8...7...

Happy New Year!! Brian and I rang in 2006 at Walter's Pub in Dun Laoghaire. We had some friends in town so it was nice to go out and celebrate. Walter's had a dualing pianos playing and the pints were flowing. At midnight Brian and I stepped outside to see if we could hear the boats in the harbor blowing their horns like they did last year, but it was quiet - that was the only downdside to an otherwise wonderful night.

 

Christmas in Ireland

This was our second Christmas in Ireland. I think we both enjoyed this one more than last year since we have more of a sense of home than we did last year. The tree looked great in the windows and we put lights on the outside of the apartment making it fun to drive up the street and know which was our home. The tree looked prettier since this year Brian had ornaments from his childhood on the tree as well.

Overall it was a quiet Christmas, just the two of us and a pile of presents. Brian woke me up at 9 am to open gifts and we had a great time going through everything. We had a great time.

Food in Rome: Nino (by the Piazza dei Spagna)

Everyone, if you're ever visited Rome (or indeed Italy), you'll be aware that Italy is full of restaurants. Here's my recommendation for the best restaurant we found in Rome.

Nino is a restaurant that's been in operation for about seventy years. Near the Spanish steps, it looks unpretentious and a bit boring when first noticed. But the food there exceeds anything else in the neighborhood -- it's perfectly prepared, Tuscan, with brilliant ingredients, little complexity, and great service.

It's also relatively inexpensive, four courses with wine for less than E45 each.
My compliements to the chef!

The Vatican

Coming down the staircase from the Vatican Museums, Brian caught this shot. Isn't she cute!

 

Hey! Dominick! Buon Natale!

On one of the Hills of Rome (I think the Palatine) we came across this street sign. It made Erin think of a famous Christmas donkey from long ago.

To quote from the song,

"Santa's got a little friend, His name is Dominick.
The cutest little donkey, You never see him kick.
When Santa visits his paisons, With Dominick he'll be.
Because the reindeer cannot, Climb the hills of Italy.

Looking over the Ruins of Rome

We seem to be forming a habit: visits to Italy in December. Last year we saw Venice, this year it was Rome. Needless to say, Rome is a great place to visit in December, relatively warm and not crammed with tourists.

A nice Japanese couple asked Brian to take their photo. He did it and then they reciprocated. Amusingly, the Japanese guy knew EVERYTHING about our camera and played with it for thirty seconds before taking this shot.

December 2005: Visiting the States

This December I headed to Houston for Mia's wedding. Brian wasn't able to come with me which was sad, but I had a good time.

Mia and I have come a long way since I dropped my books on her head in the 7th grade and I was pleased to be a part of her wedding day. She looked beautiful and both her and Young looked very happy.

This picture was taken before the wedding as she was getting ready for all the excitment.

December 2005: Anniversary Trip

Because Erin's off to the States this month and then we're both off to Rome, we decided to take our anniversary trip touring around Dublin. We had a great time!

At the end of the Jameson Distillery tour, everyone has a chance to sample Jameson whiskey in a pub onsite. As you can see, whiskey tastings can be pretty lively.

December 2005: Office Christmas Party

Well, there are office Christmas parties, and then there are office Christmas parties.

Some parties offer bum photocopies and rants at the boss.
Our Christmas party (for about 500 employees + guests) offers a five course meal, a great ABBA cover band, dancing until 4am, and free breakfast in the morning.

Erin and I were already a little full when that picture was taken. 8-)