Saturday 26th July
Lucy was at work all day, so we planned to have a picnic tea as the weather was so lovely. Once we'd collected her, we came home and then threw anything edible we could find into the car. I chose a point on my Ordinance Survey map and off we drove. As it was a hot day, I'd chosen a footpath which crossed a weir hoping that we'd feel the benefit of being near water. When we arrived I couldn't believe my eyes! There was a notice saying that the footpath was closed due to a collapsed culvert! Supportive as ever, Robert and Lucy said they enjoyed a challenge and anyway the notice did state that it would be mended between the 8th and the 29th July - we thought we were safe to assume that it would be OK by the 26th! So after a picnic tea off we went.
The walk was a voyage of discovery, first a field of blue flowers, then a steep incline, the water at the bottom was still and everywhere you looked a beautiful reflection.
Friday, August 15, 2008
The Old Water Mill...
Then as we crossed the water we met a dad and two sons just climbing back over the fence having spent their evening fishing there. When we turned back we saw the 'chocolate box' picture of an old Water Mill - it was so photogenic! Climbing up the opposite incline we almost got mixed up with two tractors busy bringing in a silage crop - they seemed slightly incongruous in this tranquil setting.
Painted By Constable...
Old Tree In Evening Light, Osmaston Park, Near Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis
The Excitement and Despair Of Getting Lost...
Village Cricket Team, Osmaston Park, Near Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis
Then we began our descent, the sun set, the dew rose and we suddenly became aware that our path had disappeared. Walking in the general direction of the car, we drew comfort from the fact that this path appeared to follow the line on our map, but as we entered a forest the path didn't fit the map. We thought we'd take a short cut to the top of the wood, but half way up we came across a pheasant enclosure, where all the birds had roosted for the night in the trees. As we approached the pheasants they flew scarily off their perches and as we didn't want to disturb them we had to retrace our steps - which was becoming increasingly difficult in the dark. We continued to make our way through the forest with only the light from Robert's mobile phone (which was low on battery), then on through several fields hoping that we would meet a road. Eventually our prayers were answered and we could see a road, but there seemed no way of getting to it. To cut a long story short we ended up going through someone's yard, across their orchard and over their locked front five bar gate. Unfortunately that wasn't the end of the story. We were so relieved at having reached a road that we then managed to mis-read the map and set off in the wrong direction and had covered a mile before we realised our mistake. Having again retraced our steps we at last reached the safety of the car, the time was now 11.25pm...
IN BRIEF
Thursday 24th July
Robert and I went on a walk to Cumberhill Farm in Duffield. We were shocked to see an emaciated horse looking so ill you could see every body bone in its body. I was so shocked I resolved to ring the RSPCA first thing tomorrow.
Friday 25th July
First I rang the RSPCA and had to give all my details and very little about the horse. It's not something I would normally do, but the morning after, I still felt I had to do something to make sure the horse wasn't in any sort of discomfort. Then I spent the rest of the morning organising for a taxi to take my parents to the hospital for a check up with the doctor. I went to see my new consultant in the afternoon. I am loads better than I was, I know that things are improving, BUT at this point I do not think I will ever be back to where I was. I will always
have to be careful about how much I carry, how many times I bend forward and I will never be able to push open or pull open fire doors or any doors which show any kind of resistance. But - as the experts have all repeatedly said, there is nothing else they can do. It's like agreeing to disagree... So that is what I conveyed to the consultant, I am much improved, the magic cream has been a great help, the TENS machine is there when I need some relief and that it how it will always be. That said, I was signed off - I'm on my own now...
Later in the afternoon, the RSPCA rang back to say they knew about this horse as they'd called out a vet to it last Friday. The chap was really nice (just like the ones you see on TV) and having agreed that he too was shocked at the state of the horse, but the vet had assured everyone that at 35 years old she was well past her prime and not suffering, just having difficulty eating due to her lack of teeth.
Thursday 24th July
Robert and I went on a walk to Cumberhill Farm in Duffield. We were shocked to see an emaciated horse looking so ill you could see every body bone in its body. I was so shocked I resolved to ring the RSPCA first thing tomorrow.
Friday 25th July
First I rang the RSPCA and had to give all my details and very little about the horse. It's not something I would normally do, but the morning after, I still felt I had to do something to make sure the horse wasn't in any sort of discomfort. Then I spent the rest of the morning organising for a taxi to take my parents to the hospital for a check up with the doctor. I went to see my new consultant in the afternoon. I am loads better than I was, I know that things are improving, BUT at this point I do not think I will ever be back to where I was. I will always
have to be careful about how much I carry, how many times I bend forward and I will never be able to push open or pull open fire doors or any doors which show any kind of resistance. But - as the experts have all repeatedly said, there is nothing else they can do. It's like agreeing to disagree... So that is what I conveyed to the consultant, I am much improved, the magic cream has been a great help, the TENS machine is there when I need some relief and that it how it will always be. That said, I was signed off - I'm on my own now...
Later in the afternoon, the RSPCA rang back to say they knew about this horse as they'd called out a vet to it last Friday. The chap was really nice (just like the ones you see on TV) and having agreed that he too was shocked at the state of the horse, but the vet had assured everyone that at 35 years old she was well past her prime and not suffering, just having difficulty eating due to her lack of teeth.
Fancy Meeting You Here...
Went to town shopping in the afternoon and had my eyes tested as I know they have deteriorated over the last six months. The optiton assured me that I do need glasses for reading - that's lucky as I then don't need glasses as I don't read... the £75 is what really holds me back, especially as the prescription stated things like +0.25, what exactly does that mean? My eyesight was good enough to see a long queue in the middle of The Westfield Centre, but not why it had formed. It turned out to be a book signing with Katie Price. I did have my camera, but had left it in the car. Robert very kindly agreed to go and fetch it and by the time he got back Katie was now standing and having her photograph taken with some of the last people to buy her book. By sharpening my elbows, I did manage to get some quite reasonable shots!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Is It Me You're Looking For...
Tuesday 20th July
Graham left for the US at a very early hour. I was up early too and had the luxury of being driven (by Robert) to the station to catch a train to London. I arrived at John Lewis and met up with my PR lady and the editor of Knitting magazine. We spent the whole of 5 hours in the restaurant talking things over, brainstorming or whatever is PC to call it at the moment. When I eventually left I was loath to go straight home so headed for the Royal Festival Hall . There I met some pretty people advertising Corona beer, saw some strange coloured light stalks which sang to you and also watched people have great fun dancing in and out of a moving fountain. It was a long, but very enjoyable day out.
Graham left for the US at a very early hour. I was up early too and had the luxury of being driven (by Robert) to the station to catch a train to London. I arrived at John Lewis and met up with my PR lady and the editor of Knitting magazine. We spent the whole of 5 hours in the restaurant talking things over, brainstorming or whatever is PC to call it at the moment. When I eventually left I was loath to go straight home so headed for the Royal Festival Hall . There I met some pretty people advertising Corona beer, saw some strange coloured light stalks which sang to you and also watched people have great fun dancing in and out of a moving fountain. It was a long, but very enjoyable day out.
First Among Graduates...
Monday 21st July
Another big day in our family calendar, as today was Robert's Graduation. Luckily we were all here to share it with him and what a lovely day it was! Graham went to work in the morning and we collected him at 1.00pm and drove down to Loughborough. Parking was on the outskirts of the campus and we had to wait for what seemed a long time before the bus was filled and took us on a very bendy route to the opposite side. Once there Robert dashed off to collect his gown and we made our way to the sports centre. It wasn't long before we were allowed into the modern building, which was a relief as it was surprisingly hot outside for about the first time this year. We managed to bag an isle seat quite near the front, but the lighting was disappointing and even with all Graham's knobs and dials, his pictures weren't exactly pin sharp! Although I do love pomp and tradition, I firmly believe that no meeting of intelligent minds has to be a boring experience...but boy was it boring! They'd given an Egyptian chap an honorary degree and he gave one of the speeches. Why couldn't he have made a few jokes and give us all some wise words. Do they not have magic carpets in Egypt? Eventually we were let out for good behaviour and were rewarded with strawberries and champagne.
Another big day in our family calendar, as today was Robert's Graduation. Luckily we were all here to share it with him and what a lovely day it was! Graham went to work in the morning and we collected him at 1.00pm and drove down to Loughborough. Parking was on the outskirts of the campus and we had to wait for what seemed a long time before the bus was filled and took us on a very bendy route to the opposite side. Once there Robert dashed off to collect his gown and we made our way to the sports centre. It wasn't long before we were allowed into the modern building, which was a relief as it was surprisingly hot outside for about the first time this year. We managed to bag an isle seat quite near the front, but the lighting was disappointing and even with all Graham's knobs and dials, his pictures weren't exactly pin sharp! Although I do love pomp and tradition, I firmly believe that no meeting of intelligent minds has to be a boring experience...but boy was it boring! They'd given an Egyptian chap an honorary degree and he gave one of the speeches. Why couldn't he have made a few jokes and give us all some wise words. Do they not have magic carpets in Egypt? Eventually we were let out for good behaviour and were rewarded with strawberries and champagne.
James, Jason, Takumi, Tom, Robert
After a few more photos of Robert with his mates - looking a lot more relaxed, we boarded the bus back to the car and home. Not straight though as we stopped off in town and went to Pizza Express - we'd never been before as I don't eat pizza, but our resourceful Lucy had checked that salads were available, and I was more than happy with mine.
When we eventually arrived home there was only just enough time to help find some clothes for Graham to take to America with him tomorrow.
When we eventually arrived home there was only just enough time to help find some clothes for Graham to take to America with him tomorrow.
Trio Of Hares...Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Saturday 19th July
Today was our 28th Wedding Anniversary. Graham has been so busy catching up at work , he hadn't had a chance to organise anything, so just for once, with Lucy's help I have planned a special day, so fingers crossed it all goes to plan. First we headed for The Yorkshire Sculpture Park, a favourite with us, if only for the quality of the lunches they provide. A while back we had venison pie there and it was delicious, so when I saw venison burgers I knew I had to order it even though it meant a bit of a wait. (Robert chose it too) We were so glad we did, the burger arrived in a homemade bread roll and lots of interesting salad - just wonderful. After lunch there was time for a short stroll to see the galleries and then back up the hill to the car park. Then off again in a northerly direction. Just for once I was glad we had the Tom Tom as Bradford has always proved difficult to navigate around.
Today was our 28th Wedding Anniversary. Graham has been so busy catching up at work , he hadn't had a chance to organise anything, so just for once, with Lucy's help I have planned a special day, so fingers crossed it all goes to plan. First we headed for The Yorkshire Sculpture Park, a favourite with us, if only for the quality of the lunches they provide. A while back we had venison pie there and it was delicious, so when I saw venison burgers I knew I had to order it even though it meant a bit of a wait. (Robert chose it too) We were so glad we did, the burger arrived in a homemade bread roll and lots of interesting salad - just wonderful. After lunch there was time for a short stroll to see the galleries and then back up the hill to the car park. Then off again in a northerly direction. Just for once I was glad we had the Tom Tom as Bradford has always proved difficult to navigate around.
Canal Trip On Jack...
Eventually we arrived at Skipton just before 5.00pm. As this was a surprise for Graham, Robert took him on a short walk while I moved the car to a car park nearer our goal. Graham had always expressed a liking to spend some time on a narrow boat. I have to confess that it was one of the least favourite things I wanted to try, but an afternoon in a boat seemed a good compromise.
Robert And Lucy At The Helm...
As it turned out we all had a really lovely time, if we forget the instance I caught my head on the metal opening as I as swapping ends of the boat and for the length of time it absolutely tipped with rain and Graham (who was steering so that we could all keep dry) got soaked.
Push Harder...
Robert and Lucy had great fun opening and closing the bridges along the way and Graham had great fun trying to keep up with the three blondes who had strawberries and champagne on their boat. We too had a wonderful spread all carefully organised by Lucy who also did all the 'leg-work' in renting the boat.
We arrived home just after midnight, very tired, but vey happy after our little adventure...
We arrived home just after midnight, very tired, but vey happy after our little adventure...
IN BRIEF
Sunday 13th July
Not feeling too jet lagged today. Managed some catch up
Monday 14th July
Big day spent catching up on website, house, garden etc.
Tuesday 15th July
Had appointment at the Pain Management Clinic at 9.30am. Lucy accompanied me, rising at 9.00am and in the car for 9.05am. They took the TENS machine back off me which made me feel very anxious, but also gave me the information of where to buy one identical. Came home and spent the rest of the morning composing a letter to Canon in the hope that they might like to provide some kind of sponsorship for the Photocamp Leeds 2008.
In the evening I had to attend a training session on Racial Equality. I was a bit reticent about going, and was one of the few people to make it on time! The young chap who took the session was really enthusiastic about his subject and made it all very interesting, so that by the end of the evening I was glad I'd gone. (Besides the fact that I was able to tell everyone I'd just won a photographic competition!)
Wednesday 16th July
As well as all the usual things to do, this week has been taken over by a jewellery workshop I'm running as part of a fundraiser for someone raising money to go and walk part of The Great Wall Of China (she's raising money for the Meningitis Fund). She's expecting over 20 people, so this meant a trip to Nottingham to buy all the beads. It all worked out well as Robert has his first interview tomorrow and needed a suit. Lucy helped me chose the beads and then we all went and helped Robert chose a suit. As the suit needed altering, we found a Nandos and had our tea, collected the suit and were home for 7.30pm.
Robert drove there and back as Hermione had decided that I shouldn't.
Thursday 17th July
We all got up early and took Robert to the station for 9.00am. Then I took Lucy to work and waited for someone to come and unlock the shop. I was hoping to get on with some work as soon as I arrived back, but this was not to be as I'd forgotten that I had a piano pupil. Then I rang my mum, so all in all a bit of a short morning.
Lucy arrived home from work at 10 to 6. Washed her hair and had her tea and came with me to help out at the jewellery workshop at 20 to 7. Workshop went very well, but was really hard work. I was still helping people to finish off at 11.00pm. So by the time we were home, Robert was too tired to relate any of his day in detail- other than the fact that he was not very impressed by the firm...
Friday 18th July
Just when I thought I had some time to catch up, instead I had to visit the dentist to have the first session towards having a crown fitted to one of my wonky teeth. 45 minutes in the dentist chair is quite daunting, there was lots of drilling and impressions of teeth taken. I get to have the crown fitted next Friday (and pay the total cost £200!)
Came home and made soup for my lunch. Caught up on the website and then spent the rest of the afternoon in town shopping.
Sunday 13th July
Not feeling too jet lagged today. Managed some catch up
Monday 14th July
Big day spent catching up on website, house, garden etc.
Tuesday 15th July
Had appointment at the Pain Management Clinic at 9.30am. Lucy accompanied me, rising at 9.00am and in the car for 9.05am. They took the TENS machine back off me which made me feel very anxious, but also gave me the information of where to buy one identical. Came home and spent the rest of the morning composing a letter to Canon in the hope that they might like to provide some kind of sponsorship for the Photocamp Leeds 2008.
In the evening I had to attend a training session on Racial Equality. I was a bit reticent about going, and was one of the few people to make it on time! The young chap who took the session was really enthusiastic about his subject and made it all very interesting, so that by the end of the evening I was glad I'd gone. (Besides the fact that I was able to tell everyone I'd just won a photographic competition!)
Wednesday 16th July
As well as all the usual things to do, this week has been taken over by a jewellery workshop I'm running as part of a fundraiser for someone raising money to go and walk part of The Great Wall Of China (she's raising money for the Meningitis Fund). She's expecting over 20 people, so this meant a trip to Nottingham to buy all the beads. It all worked out well as Robert has his first interview tomorrow and needed a suit. Lucy helped me chose the beads and then we all went and helped Robert chose a suit. As the suit needed altering, we found a Nandos and had our tea, collected the suit and were home for 7.30pm.
Robert drove there and back as Hermione had decided that I shouldn't.
Thursday 17th July
We all got up early and took Robert to the station for 9.00am. Then I took Lucy to work and waited for someone to come and unlock the shop. I was hoping to get on with some work as soon as I arrived back, but this was not to be as I'd forgotten that I had a piano pupil. Then I rang my mum, so all in all a bit of a short morning.
Lucy arrived home from work at 10 to 6. Washed her hair and had her tea and came with me to help out at the jewellery workshop at 20 to 7. Workshop went very well, but was really hard work. I was still helping people to finish off at 11.00pm. So by the time we were home, Robert was too tired to relate any of his day in detail- other than the fact that he was not very impressed by the firm...
Friday 18th July
Just when I thought I had some time to catch up, instead I had to visit the dentist to have the first session towards having a crown fitted to one of my wonky teeth. 45 minutes in the dentist chair is quite daunting, there was lots of drilling and impressions of teeth taken. I get to have the crown fitted next Friday (and pay the total cost £200!)
Came home and made soup for my lunch. Caught up on the website and then spent the rest of the afternoon in town shopping.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Time To Say Good Bye...
Day 11: Saturday 12th July
The next morning, although we were up bright and early Jane had organized for the grass to be cut and the chaps were hard at work before 7.00am! We left at 8 o’clock and had a long and generally uneventful journey back to Venice airport.
The next morning, although we were up bright and early Jane had organized for the grass to be cut and the chaps were hard at work before 7.00am! We left at 8 o’clock and had a long and generally uneventful journey back to Venice airport.
Time For A Picnic...
Luckily there was no big delay passing through the peage, so we went a little further and had packed lunch by the side of a very posh marina. Again, it was incredibly hot and with little shade we were glad we needed to get to the airport in plenty of time.
Landing at just after 6, it wasn’t cold for England, but it sure wasn’t the same temperature we’d left in Italy.
See you next year…
Landing at just after 6, it wasn’t cold for England, but it sure wasn’t the same temperature we’d left in Italy.
See you next year…
Sunday, August 10, 2008
With A Fresh Coat Of Paint...
Day 10: Friday 11th July
Today was meant as a leisure day. A lie in after a late night, time to admire our surroundings before another heart-wrenching departure and time not to think about tomorrow. We had a walk along the rough track down the road to the local church. Longoio is a hamlet and doesn’t have a church, but the village seems to have adopted one that was built in the woods about a mile away. Tucked away as it is we were surprised to find two workmen busy putting the final touches to what appeared a complete renovation. It looked stunning with its newly painted white walls and was sporting a brand new roof.
Having made our way back to the house we grabbed what we had for a picnic, lobbed it all in the car and headed off for Lucca. We visit Lucca every year as it is a lovely walled town and every year there is something new to discover and explore. This time we managed to park in a completely different part of the town and with map in hand, headed to Piazza Napoleone. Each year Lucca plays host to concerts by really well known rock stars. The first year we came, Elton John had just played here and this year they've booked more big names like Sheryl Crow, Mick Hucknall, Chicago and will finish with Leonard Cohen who by all accounts has just caused a storm with his brilliant concert at the O2 Arena (I heard it first hand from someone who went)
Today was meant as a leisure day. A lie in after a late night, time to admire our surroundings before another heart-wrenching departure and time not to think about tomorrow. We had a walk along the rough track down the road to the local church. Longoio is a hamlet and doesn’t have a church, but the village seems to have adopted one that was built in the woods about a mile away. Tucked away as it is we were surprised to find two workmen busy putting the final touches to what appeared a complete renovation. It looked stunning with its newly painted white walls and was sporting a brand new roof.
Having made our way back to the house we grabbed what we had for a picnic, lobbed it all in the car and headed off for Lucca. We visit Lucca every year as it is a lovely walled town and every year there is something new to discover and explore. This time we managed to park in a completely different part of the town and with map in hand, headed to Piazza Napoleone. Each year Lucca plays host to concerts by really well known rock stars. The first year we came, Elton John had just played here and this year they've booked more big names like Sheryl Crow, Mick Hucknall, Chicago and will finish with Leonard Cohen who by all accounts has just caused a storm with his brilliant concert at the O2 Arena (I heard it first hand from someone who went)
'Eat Your Heart Out', Leonard Cohen Is Coming To Lucca...
We spent the day walking around and trying to keep in the shadows, it being a very hot 34 degrees. Having migrated back to Piazza Napoleone, I left Graham to take pictures of people and I went off on my own to peruse the nearby shops. As I headed back, I could hear the band for the evening starting their sound check. It began with a relentless drum beat, so hard and so loud it hurt. However, eventually the whole band joined and although it was far too loud for Hermione and me, we did get to hear a preview of tonight’s concert being given by Enzo Avitabile. We now know one of his songs – well part of it… off by heart, we did hear it enough times!!
My Favourite Place In Lucca...
All too soon it was time to leave, Lucca, "I love you", especially the hand made leather shop in the Anfeteatro. Back at the house we did just a little tidying and waited for Jane to come and inspect for any damage and give us back our deposit of 140 Euros. For our last walk after our meal we walked round Longoio as dusk settled and the moon came out. Our first encounter was not with any wildlife, but a motorbike whizzing through the narrow streets making us take shelter in someone’s doorway. Afterwards when the dust had settled we saw, as we did last year, the luminous tails of fireflies glowing on and off like mini airplanes crossing the sky.
Again, it was a magical experience, like finding there are fairies at the bottom of the garden…
Again, it was a magical experience, like finding there are fairies at the bottom of the garden…
The Roof Tops Of Florence...
Day 9: Thursday 10th July
Graham was up bright and early and feeling so much better for having a rest day yesterday. After a leisurely morning and another home cooked lunch, we headed off for Florence about 2.15pm. All went well until we tried to get on to the motorway, took a wrong turning and needed to turn round. This wouldn’t normally have been a problem, but unfortunately Graham had failed to notice that there was a three foot ditch at the side of the road, until that was, we had one of the front wheels over the edge. Then the car stalled –luckily for us, the car managed to pull itself out. It was what I would call a ‘heart stopping’ moment, similar to being pelted with hail stones, when you imagine having to explain yourself to a foreign insurance company how it happened… Off on our way again, all was fine until we tried to get to the centre of Florence. After half an hour of going round the same one way streets, we decided to give up and park and walk the extra half a mile, with all the road works, even with Boris’ help, we didn’t stand a chance.
I had hoped to go and visit the shoe museum, but by the time we had walked in, it was getting late and instead we headed for the Pitti Palace with its Boboli Gardens, which we’d not seem before. We decided to pay and go in, but managed to choose all the wrong options as the exhibits we saw weren’t exactly awe inspiring. We did however have access to the Gardens, which were enormous, but for the most part up a steep hill which in the heat (warmest day so far at 34 degrees) was a bit of a struggle! But it was worth it for the view we achieved over half of Florence…magnificent. Half past six was chucking out time, so we wending a tortuous way out of the gardens and the main building and walked back towards Ponte Vecchio. As it was early evening the numbers of visitors was subsiding and this gave the illegal traders a chance to put their counterfeit handbags and prints down on the ground. You can’t blame then trying to catch the passing trade, but in Italy and I think France, if you’re caught having bought some of these goods, the police will impound them and destroy the items. As we sauntered over the bridge, there was a loud kerfuffle behind us – I thought someone had been mugged or worse, but the Polizia had turned up unexpectedly and the noise and jostling was the traders grabbing their wares and running up the street. So there we were, hearts thumping and a Polizia on his motorbike in the middle of the bridge having serious words with a teenage girl. We think he must have seen her about to or buying a handbag. Anyway, it soon calmed down again and my lasting image is of a member of the public trying to hand over one of the bags to the Polizia and him having eventually to accept it and ride off with the offending item dangling from his handlebars…
Graham was up bright and early and feeling so much better for having a rest day yesterday. After a leisurely morning and another home cooked lunch, we headed off for Florence about 2.15pm. All went well until we tried to get on to the motorway, took a wrong turning and needed to turn round. This wouldn’t normally have been a problem, but unfortunately Graham had failed to notice that there was a three foot ditch at the side of the road, until that was, we had one of the front wheels over the edge. Then the car stalled –luckily for us, the car managed to pull itself out. It was what I would call a ‘heart stopping’ moment, similar to being pelted with hail stones, when you imagine having to explain yourself to a foreign insurance company how it happened… Off on our way again, all was fine until we tried to get to the centre of Florence. After half an hour of going round the same one way streets, we decided to give up and park and walk the extra half a mile, with all the road works, even with Boris’ help, we didn’t stand a chance.
I had hoped to go and visit the shoe museum, but by the time we had walked in, it was getting late and instead we headed for the Pitti Palace with its Boboli Gardens, which we’d not seem before. We decided to pay and go in, but managed to choose all the wrong options as the exhibits we saw weren’t exactly awe inspiring. We did however have access to the Gardens, which were enormous, but for the most part up a steep hill which in the heat (warmest day so far at 34 degrees) was a bit of a struggle! But it was worth it for the view we achieved over half of Florence…magnificent. Half past six was chucking out time, so we wending a tortuous way out of the gardens and the main building and walked back towards Ponte Vecchio. As it was early evening the numbers of visitors was subsiding and this gave the illegal traders a chance to put their counterfeit handbags and prints down on the ground. You can’t blame then trying to catch the passing trade, but in Italy and I think France, if you’re caught having bought some of these goods, the police will impound them and destroy the items. As we sauntered over the bridge, there was a loud kerfuffle behind us – I thought someone had been mugged or worse, but the Polizia had turned up unexpectedly and the noise and jostling was the traders grabbing their wares and running up the street. So there we were, hearts thumping and a Polizia on his motorbike in the middle of the bridge having serious words with a teenage girl. We think he must have seen her about to or buying a handbag. Anyway, it soon calmed down again and my lasting image is of a member of the public trying to hand over one of the bags to the Polizia and him having eventually to accept it and ride off with the offending item dangling from his handlebars…
Serenade Me...
It was a perfect temperature to walk around the streets taking in the atmosphere, if a little noisy as everyone made their way home from work on a tiring hot day. The lure of the shops beckoned still and having seen a handbag on Saturday, I found myself unable to resist buying a bright pink one made from local leather. Graham suggested we stop for dinner and we found what looked to be a very pleasant restaurant in Florence’s oldest square. Unfortunately, the food didn’t match up to its surroundings and had to be put down to ‘experience’. On the way back to the car we passed several musicians, one playing a violin and another a flute. On a rainy day in England, the music may have been perceived as particularly corny, but on a balmy night in Florence it was euphoric…
Another late night after another almost perfect day…
Another late night after another almost perfect day…
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Rest Day...
Day 8: Wednesday 9th July
This was another very late morning for me, but we did have rather a late night, the night before. Otherwise I felt fine. Graham on the other hand was showing signs of general wear and tear which worsened through the day until I left him after lunch so that he could catch up on some sleep!
Late in the afternoon, we ventured out towards Barga, stopping off to walk around Ghivizzano where many of the inhabitants kept beautiful caged birds outside above their front doors and then onto Coreglia where the majority of the streets were incredibly steep. After that we headed for the local superstore for a few provisions including some much needed milk.
On the way home I suggested we stop for another picnic as I’d spotted a large lake next to the road we were traveling along. The lake turned out to be a huge reservoir and to get to any parking you had to go through two short tunnels cut into the rock. This would have been fine, but in true Italian style the tunnels were barely one car width and it was impossible to see if anything was coming in the opposite direction! The rest of the evening we spent watching Ocean’s 12 in our own little cinema…
This was another very late morning for me, but we did have rather a late night, the night before. Otherwise I felt fine. Graham on the other hand was showing signs of general wear and tear which worsened through the day until I left him after lunch so that he could catch up on some sleep!
Late in the afternoon, we ventured out towards Barga, stopping off to walk around Ghivizzano where many of the inhabitants kept beautiful caged birds outside above their front doors and then onto Coreglia where the majority of the streets were incredibly steep. After that we headed for the local superstore for a few provisions including some much needed milk.
On the way home I suggested we stop for another picnic as I’d spotted a large lake next to the road we were traveling along. The lake turned out to be a huge reservoir and to get to any parking you had to go through two short tunnels cut into the rock. This would have been fine, but in true Italian style the tunnels were barely one car width and it was impossible to see if anything was coming in the opposite direction! The rest of the evening we spent watching Ocean’s 12 in our own little cinema…
First Impressions...
Day 7: Tuesday 8th July
Last year we visited San Geminiano and I was just a little disappointed that such a special place with such an interesting history had been taken over by tourists to the extent that it had a strangely false atmosphere. When Graham had suggested we visit Siena this year, I’d looked it up and thought it looked very like SM and wondered if I would be disappointed. However, we had to get there first and we did have a slight disagreement as to the route between the three of us (Boris included). We finally arrived after three hours and grabbed a quick bite for lunch at the motorway service station, pollo grille – which tasted wonderful!!
Last year we visited San Geminiano and I was just a little disappointed that such a special place with such an interesting history had been taken over by tourists to the extent that it had a strangely false atmosphere. When Graham had suggested we visit Siena this year, I’d looked it up and thought it looked very like SM and wondered if I would be disappointed. However, we had to get there first and we did have a slight disagreement as to the route between the three of us (Boris included). We finally arrived after three hours and grabbed a quick bite for lunch at the motorway service station, pollo grille – which tasted wonderful!!
Duomo, Siena, Italy
First we parked in an underground car park, which although expensive, meant that the car would be cool when we arrived back. Siena was not particularly hot as there was a breeze blowing, which again was to our advantage. Our first impression of the city was good and it just got better. There were lots of streets and alleyways to explore and having discovered the Baptistry, we decided to walk around and see the Duomo first, which was breathtaking! For the first time ever Graham agreed to stand in a queue to pay money to have a look round. Inside it was amazing looking as though it had been made of liquorice… well, all the columns were striped white and black which seemed an odd combination, but striking all the same. Although there were lots of things that you couldn’t do inside, you could take photos as long as you didn’t use a tripod or flash, which seemed very generous. We were just about to leave when I saw a room I hadn’t yet visited. Inside this bright room, the walls were lined with glass cases and inside the cases, laying opened were illuminated manuscripts from the 1500s, all looking as fresh as though they had been written yesterday. Many of the pages showed neumes (earliest know forms of written music) well for me, it was very much a ‘died and gone to heaven’ experience – the ceiling was a delight too!!
Piazza del Campo...
Outside again, we headed for the next most well known feature of Siena, the Piazza Del Campo … Here twice a year (2nd July and 16th August) they have bare back races around the edge of the raked Piazza. They cover the surface with sand as it must be very slippy for the horses. The first race was only last Wednesday, but there wasn’t a trace of sand or anything else to show that the race had been held. Here we sat and had our afternoon ice cream, balancing on a stone seat at the side of the walkway, which led down to the main area. I took loads of photos to make into panoramas to try and convey the shape of the area. I not sure any will work, as the tower looked as though it could fall over! After resting our legs we set off again to explore the surrounding streets. As we made it back to the Piazza, Graham pleaded to be left to take photos of people and I went off in the opposite direction to look at all the shops. While I was away, I did miss a wedding, but found a group of boys being schooled in flag twirling!
The Art Of Flag Twirling...
We left about 7.00pm and decided to make for Monteriggioni (a nearby medieval walled village) as a picnic stop for tea. We arrived just as the sun was going down, but didn’t manage any spectacular sunset shots, everything was just a bit hazy. The journey home was relatively swift and uneventful, keeping to the ‘motorway’ we skirted round Florence and much to Boris’ annoyance came off at our usual junction at Capannori, pulling into the homestead around 10 past 11.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Friday, August 01, 2008
Day 6 Lunedi: 7th JulyThe day began with a visit from the neighbouring dog, now I don’t like dogs or cats, dogs especially as in England they always bark/bite me, but over in Italy I can pass any dog and they never turn a hair – it’s great. Tommy is no exception, he very friendly as he comes for food (of course) and will eat literally anything. He had all the chicken we had saved for the local cat who we were expecting a visit from and a couple of bread rolls, whose only use would have been to smash china!
Also some excitement. Graham had downloaded his emails to find one from Lucy. In it she’d sent a link to the blog of PhotoCamp Leeds, a day of general photographic discussions and explorations all happening on September 6th. I’d seen about it on one of the Flickr discussion groups I belong to and when they’d asked for submissions of photos to be used in the promotion, I’d thought ‘why not’ and sent three along. Imagine my surprise (and frustration) to discover that my image has been chosen…I was in a daze for hours!!
We set off about half past 10, stopped by the local shop for prochuttio cotto and pane and some drink and then off in the direction of the local seaside resort of Viareggio where to go on the beach you must pay, but get a lounger and sun shade in exchange. We arrived at Torre del Lago just after 12. Here Giacomo Puccini had his summer residence for over 30 years and is where he wrote much of his music. The setting is idyllic, right by the side of a huge lake the whole area oozes calm and we spent a very restful 2 and a half hours there, waiting for the museum to open at 3pm. There is a huge open air theatre there where all his operas are staged and for the princely sum of €160 you can buy a ticket and take part in this experience.
Just before 3, just on cue we had a sharp shower of rain which just managed to wet the pavement and moderate the outside temperature. The house was really interesting, but we seemed to be ‘whizzed’ through it with the help of the curator and the audio guide. Apparently, at the time Puccini had his house built, the lake came right up to the garden gates, but at some time a power company had bought the lake and used the peat at the bottom of the lake for fuel – lowering the lake level and taking the edge of the lake about 50 metres away. There were two pianos in the house, neither of which I’d ever heard of. He used to compose most of his music at night ‘when it was quiet’ how could it ever be noisy there? -while his friends stayed playing cards in the same room. He died in 1924 in Milan having traveled there for an operation on his throat. His body (and that of his wife and son) lies in a chapel converted from a room in the house by his son.
Celebration Meal In Lucca...
From Torre del Lago we headed for Viareggio and walked along the harbour wall and watched the people fishing and sunbathing and everything else to do with the seaside. It was really windy there, but at least this meant it didn’t feel quite so hot. We had thought we’d have our dinner there as we have in previous years, but as the evening began, we were feeling rather tired and decided to make for home and see how we felt nearer home. We arrived in Lucca just as the sun was setting and found a parking space. Graham took his camera and went to check out the restaurants. The restaurant he chose was in the Anfiteatro Romano and we had a wonderful modest meal there in the most delightful surroundings. As we left the sky was an inky blue and just to add to its beauty the moon rose from behind the houses.
A perfect ending to a near perfect day…
A perfect ending to a near perfect day…
Flora And Fauna...
Day 5: Domanica 6th July
On waking up, I was surprised to find I’d been asleep for nearly 10 hours! It was back to the ‘old’ routine – and what a thrill it was to find that all the times I had wishes myself back and here I was at last. First I opened the shutters as I knew Graham would be at the table on the patio reading his new book (about Spitfires!) to say ‘good morning’. Unfortunately for Graham, the book was resting on the table and he was busy catching up with work emails. Trying not to disturb him (I do tend to be a little distracting with my ‘come and see this’, ‘come and see that’ 5 year old attitude) so once dressed and armed with my camera I decided to take photos of the local flora and fauna. Many of the wild flowers are the same, but they colours look so much more appealing in the bright sunshine. I also fell in love with a tiny moth this year, they were just so cute with their round furry bodies and long legs. They looked so gawky at about 1cm across and quite difficult to see until I could recognize the annoying hum they made. Anyway, there are a few which came out well.
On waking up, I was surprised to find I’d been asleep for nearly 10 hours! It was back to the ‘old’ routine – and what a thrill it was to find that all the times I had wishes myself back and here I was at last. First I opened the shutters as I knew Graham would be at the table on the patio reading his new book (about Spitfires!) to say ‘good morning’. Unfortunately for Graham, the book was resting on the table and he was busy catching up with work emails. Trying not to disturb him (I do tend to be a little distracting with my ‘come and see this’, ‘come and see that’ 5 year old attitude) so once dressed and armed with my camera I decided to take photos of the local flora and fauna. Many of the wild flowers are the same, but they colours look so much more appealing in the bright sunshine. I also fell in love with a tiny moth this year, they were just so cute with their round furry bodies and long legs. They looked so gawky at about 1cm across and quite difficult to see until I could recognize the annoying hum they made. Anyway, there are a few which came out well.
Always A Photographic Opportunity...
Lunch on the patio consisted of chicken, wedgy potatoes cooked in olive oil (found in the cupboard) and fresh rosemary, lettuce and grated carrot. The afternoon was spent sunbathing and reading up on places to visit. About 5 o’clock, I persuaded Graham to go for a drive and off we went down the winding hill (and when I say winding, I mean winding, such as you will never find in the UK!) down to Bagni di Lucca, across the river and surprise, surprise up another winding road on the other side of the valley. We stopped for a walk round at Bennabbio and then on to the next village until we arrived at the largest village around, Vallia Basilica. From there I was hoping that we’d wend our winding way back to Bagni, but it didn’t quite work out that way, and after an hour we were actually back at Vale Bassica having found the end of a major jamboree at the top of our winding way and our way barred. Luckily Graham accepted the situation stoically and off we went. Our reward was to be at the top of a small mountain just as the sun was setting behins a range of picturesque mountains with the moon above – it really was ‘one of those moments’ difficult to capture it’s full beauty without being there yourself…
On arrival and after ‘tea’ we settled down to watch a DVD on Graham’s Power Book (there’s no television in the house) and sample the delights of the local fruit I’d bought the day before.
On arrival and after ‘tea’ we settled down to watch a DVD on Graham’s Power Book (there’s no television in the house) and sample the delights of the local fruit I’d bought the day before.
IN BRIEF
Friday 1st August
Hi Everyone,
It feels at the moment as though I'll never be up to date, so I've decided to try and get the rest of my holiday posted as soon as possible. (We've now been home for three weeks). I'm a bit stuck as I've reached the end of the photos I have on Flickr, but I can always use last year's images and perhaps change them at a later date. (she added hopefully) We seem to have done so much since; Canal trip to celebrate our 28th (how many?!) wedding anniversary, Robert's Graduation, numerous walks and even a visit to Derby by Katie Price! - not to mention that Graham has spent the last two out of three weeks in America visiting New York, Toronto, Los Angeles (he was there when the earthquake struck) and San Francisco.
Please bare with me, or bear with me here
Friday 1st August
Hi Everyone,
It feels at the moment as though I'll never be up to date, so I've decided to try and get the rest of my holiday posted as soon as possible. (We've now been home for three weeks). I'm a bit stuck as I've reached the end of the photos I have on Flickr, but I can always use last year's images and perhaps change them at a later date. (she added hopefully) We seem to have done so much since; Canal trip to celebrate our 28th (how many?!) wedding anniversary, Robert's Graduation, numerous walks and even a visit to Derby by Katie Price! - not to mention that Graham has spent the last two out of three weeks in America visiting New York, Toronto, Los Angeles (he was there when the earthquake struck) and San Francisco.
Please bare with me, or bear with me here
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