When in Rome :)

Bloody relieved Wing Commander

I am in the process of moving from my booked apartment.  For a non smoker and ex-cancer patient the smell of stale smoke in frankly this room from hell means that I will be moving hotel which will prevent me from describing the frankly emotional day we had yesterday right now - so here are a few pictures to keep you going whilst I shift hotels and contemplate a frankly amazing 6 days.

Ok so here goes - well when in Rome with my Co-Pilot Hackers we ended in a very nice bar only to find it represents the diverse nature of Rome and frequented by some big rugger types who gave us 20 quid online this morning.

Yesterday was completely uneventful with the except of the breakdown and the traffic in Rome which frankly made me reach for valium and a large whisky.  The burnt fly attached to my pizza was the last thing I had to worry about.

Some old building in need of renovation

For experts note Haynes manual and make up bag!

Two hours into our day we stopped for lunch and when starting off noticed a lack of power.  You put your foot down and nothing power wise though the engine was still ticking over.  We checked the usuals HT leads etc and the weather was dry so no condensation in the distributor etc.  A quick call to Ian and Dave at Alphington Fast Fit and the nature of the problem was established the only problem being that the mechanic was 1250 miles away and although Hackers is an Electrician and the Wing Commander a Rake, Tussler, Rancontuer, and all round jolly nice bloke we were lost without technical help.  Call for technology - by sending a picture by email to Dave at Alphington Fast Fit he was able to talk us the problem.  Hackers armed with her make up bag innovated with nail clippers as a screwdriver and a memory board we were able to produce a gap between the points, clean them up and get on our way.  Splendid effort from Team Myrtle and Hackers.

Naughty boy points

Minis are so simple but it is the know how and thanks to Dave.  I have to say it left us tired and emotional.  I think Hackers was "manning" up more than me as I was left drained and mentally exhausted by a week that had seen us brave the elements only 100 miles from Roma get stuffed by a set of points.  For me this has a personal journey of payback for my cancer treatment and the stories from Ian re Ruby and Neil who for some reason I call Nick about his son James really made myself and Hackers really reflect on what we are doing.  I shouted at Myrtle with tears in my eyes (For the boys at Wessex RFC it was windy!)  I think the exact words were "Don't you offing let me down now" of course she did not, nor did Jenna who I have come to know as friend and a brilliant team player.  You single men and people needing an electrician snap her up quick, and if you happen to own a classic mini, boys you will have a result.

The drive into Rome can only be described as "flipping bonkers" I have never ever driven anywhere like in particular in a small car, across cobbled streets and mad drivers.  Parking then caused a problem taking an hour to find a spot.    My room was rubbish and so was Hackers and we have now moved to a spot just where the pictures were taken.

It is a very emotional experience typing this, lots of things are going on but one thing is sure I certainly did not let onto the girls in the bar last night that I was with a female electrician, who repairs cars, has piercings and a tattoo - that would be taking the when in Rome story too far!

Today I will be mainly drinking coffee and beer and having my picture taken in front Myrtle Mini as the hail starts as forecast!