Aurelia

You might consider setting your novel in Naples instead as it has one of the most extensive underground systems in the world.

This is excellent, Caldrail! The music is not bad at all - very 80s in style (obviously!) which is something I enjoy. I must say the vocalist of Red Jasper reminds me a lot of Spinal Tap and I mean that as a compliment.

I have only been to the catacombs of Domitilla so I'm afraid I can't help you much. I take it that you've seen the Roma Sotterranea website ? They have, amongst other things, a list of sites they've been working with. You can also contact them directly. What sort of information are you looking for?

Very interesting, Medusa! If you ever come anywhere near Belgium let me know. I'd like to watch one of your reenactments.

Great pictures as always, Klingan. Thanks for posting. You've inspired me to upload a few pictures of my own from my visit to Italy last year. I'll be doing it over the next few days (don't worry, only a selected few) - this way we can compare notes.

The phenomenon you describe here (assimilation of the consonant nexus "nd" to "nn") is in no way an exclusive of Neapolitan. The same thing happens in the Roman dialect mondo>monno , Abruzzese mondo>munnu and in practically all of the dialects of central and southern Italy. If the assimilation of nd>nn was really due to the Oscan substratum then we would have to hypothesise that such substratum was extended to all of central and southern Italy, and I am not sure that is the case. I can't argue with you there. Italian or Italian dialects are not exactly my area of expertise - Portuguese is. So it's good of you to set things straight.

Lol, I saw this news yesterday. Not something you would expect to happen in sleepy Norway. I was doubting whether to go visit a friend who lives in Bergen this summer but now I think I'll go.

Yes, I know *sigh* But at least the Belgian customs officer didn't notice the elephants as I was coming out. He only spotted my new camera. I should count myself lucky.

Lol, yes, I used to live quite close to Ipanema, as a matter of fact. As for speaking Dutch, well, it's probably not as good as it should be precisely because I live in Brussels but luckily I like French too.

Excellent links, FV, thanks for sharing! "I'll have a martinus, please", hehehe. People around here tend to be pretty open-minded. I haven't come across any obroms yet.

I didn't know Hugo Chavez was ever regarded as a famous Roman Emperor, but according to the Uncyclopedia he is, along with Dick Cheney, Batman, and Pope Benedict XVI (amongst others). This is totally politically incorrect and I love it! There is a whole section on the Roman Empire. I particularly like the entry dealing with Biggus Dickus. Fascinating! This being a Romanophile forum, I expect someone has already found out about it.

Well, you seem to be doing just fine over here despite the faster pace. Answering your question, no, I am not living in Brazil right now but I was born in Rio de Janeiro and lived there up to my early teens. My mother tongue is Portuguese but I speak Dutch too (although not perfectly). I have moved around a bit since then but now I live in the capital of Provincia Belgica (I have dual citizenship). I have even lived in Antwerp for a little while in the not so distant past! So we are indeed neighbours. A.

You are very welcome FV. I must admit I am also new to these online discussion boards having joined UNRV only 1 month ago. I have not been to SVR yet (although I have heard of it) so didn't know it was created by Belgians! I am looking forward to seeing you join our discussions. Vale (or should I say tot ziens? )

These are perfect examples of how to be introduced to famous classical works through popular culture. This is how I first heard Franz Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 as a little girl. And I have never forgotten it. And this may very well be how I first came across Johann Strauss II's Tales from the Vienna Woods and the Blue Danube

I know this sort of comment is normally reserved for the introduction thread so sorry to be invading your territory, Nephele. I just wanted to say howdy neighbour! It's good to see another Belgian joining, even if you're from the far away city of Antverpia.

Excellent! Thanks Moonlapse! I do like Lambic too so if you say Midas Touch is similar, I'll definitely look for it. One would think that because I live in the land of beer it would be easy to find it but I guess people are spoiled for choice here so why go for an American import, right? But I'll keep looking and will let you know what I think when I find it. So watch this space.

Some of my all-time favourites are: Samuel Barber, I've head it in a couple of films including Platoon and Am

Lol, that's understandable when you're home sick. But I'll prepare a nice itinerary for you next time you come including bars that serve their own (almost artisanal) beer like Lambic.

Churchill's, THE English Pub? Yes, I know it. Nothing wrong with that but let me know next time you're coming and I'll take you to see some really cool bars around Brussels (some of them over 300 years old).

Wow, not bad! Pity indeed that you came in winter. Brussels is quite a lively place in summer with its bars, cafes, open air concerts, etc. You should give it a another chance.

May I ask what you do that you have to work outside?? Are you an engineer? Yes, wintry landscapes normally look more romantic in photos that in real life, lol. I do like snow, but I would be lying if I said I'd rather be here than Brazil in December (I did get some rain there as well but at least I could go to the beach afterwards ).

Yes, that's the one. I thought Ursus was also a keen beer drinker. But then again, this is probably not the sort of stuff people normally drink in the pub.

Didn't get to the end of the article, I see. Just kidding. The references are at the very bottom of the screen in very small print.

You have some cool pictures! I recognise many of the places you've been to. And I like your photos of Brussels too - I missed all that snow as I was not in Belgium this past winter.

Hmmm, no response so far?? Must be bad then.