Friday, March 12, 2010

Rain, rain, go away...

This must be my third blog post about the weather, but so far it's one of the only things I haven't been impressed by here in Rome. Well actually, I take that back. I've been impressed by the fact that it can be beautiful and sixty, without a cloud in the sky in the morning, and by noon it is pouring rain with no sign of letting up. I know I've heard about London being this way, but Rome?

Actually, my visitors from London told me today that it isn't even like that in London.

So far on my trip: First snowfall in 25 years in Rome? Check. Rain 5 days a week at least for an hour? I'd say that ones a check too. Ranging from 60 to 30 within one week for the past month? You got it. Global warming affecting Rome? Al Gore would most certainly say so.

This rain keeps putting kinks in my plans as a tour guide. Another kink came in the form of a public transportation strike today. All buses and metro in Rome were on strike today. Striking seems to be a pretty common thing these past two months in Europe as well, especially in the Transportation sector. Lufthansa had a strike the day after my parents flew home on one of their flights. EasyJet had a strike that delayed becky's arrival to Nice, and messed with a lot of my classmates travel plans. British Airways is planning a strike as well for the near future. Public Transportation I believe has been on strike twice since I've been in Rome. I'm pretty sure I've seen some other protests and strikes recently in the news in Europe as well?

So what's going on that all these groups of people are so unhappy? I'm living here and I couldn't be happier. But I guess the grass is always greener on the other side, and in my case I get to frolic in those greener fields for a couple months.


Sorry for no post last night, I went to post and realized I had no more internet left and didn't want to have to wake the night clerk to buy more.

10 comments:

  1. Ryan,

    We wanted to be the first to wish you a HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY!!! Enjoy your day/night with your guests. Know that we will be thinking about you, even though your birthday doesn't start for another six hours here.

    We Love you,
    MOM, DAD and MATT

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  2. Happy 21st Birthday Ryan!!! And you're turning 21 in Italy! Cool:) I have no doubt that you'll enjoy your day. Talk to you when you get home. Love, Aunt Sharon

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  3. Happy 21st Birthday Ry!! Have fun with Becky and her friends, get some delicious food (as always) and enjoy your day!

    Love,
    Jamie

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  4. Dear Ryan,
    Happy 21st Birthday!!! Hope you are having a blast. I'm sure Uncle Bobby will take you out for a beer when you get home.
    Love, Aunt Patty, Uncle Bobby Joseph and Bobby

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  5. Ryan,

    What a way to celebrate your 21st! This will probably be your most memorable birthday yet! Hope the rain and strikes stop and you and Becky, et al can have a great time together.

    Happy Birthday.

    Love,

    Uncle Jim, Aunt Roseann, Elizabeth, and Christopher (who is taking the SAT in your honor today!)

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  6. Happy 21st Birthday! We hope you have a great time celebrating!

    Thanks for being such a great tour guide for the Jamie duo. Wish we could have joined you, but we might have cramped your style!

    Love,
    Aunt Ellen and Uncle John

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  7. Felice Compleanno, Ryan! Love, Nonna and Nonno Mahoney

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  8. Happy 21st Birthday Ryan! We hope you enjoy every minute. Love, Robin & Martha

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  9. Ryan,

    You had one birthday when we had to put the air conditioning on because it was so hot and another where we couldn't make it over because of a blizzard - so what's a little rain You're celebrating with Becky in Rome!

    Happy 21st!

    Love you,
    Aunt Nancy

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  10. Hi Ryan,

    Happy Happy Birthday! Thinking about you today
    on your 21st birthday. We wish we were able to
    celebrate with you on your special day. We hope this is the beginning of a great year for you. Grandmom and Grandpop send their love and
    said we will all celebrate in Silverton. Enjoy
    your day! We love you
    Hugs & Kisses,
    Aunt Mar, Uncle Tom, Carly & Molly

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