Monday 27th August
Graham and I went to Cambridge to spend the day with Robert and bring the majority of his things home as he will be finishing work on Friday 31st. First we visited Angelsey Abbey and had some lunch there. The house was a bit crowded, but it's a lovely place and the gardens are extensive and easy to lose yourselves in.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
The Dreamy Spires of Cambridge...
Robert walked us miles around Cambridge seeing the sights. It's as though we've just had our eyes opened to the beauty of the place and now we won't really have an excuse to visit...
IN BRIEF
Tuesday 28th August
Have last two bags to make and Lucy at home to help me finish them off. Took ages attaching tags, writing delivery slips etc, etc and packing them up. Was pleased that it all looked surprisingly professional when the boxes were eventually packed and sealed and waiting at the door.
Wednesday 29th August
Felt almost well today and wondering how I felt so incapacitated this time last week. Rang to see when I might be going to have Herniogram, but Consultant's secretary very off-hand and non-committal. So good to be cback on the receiving end of the NHS! Decided to cut my losses and go to town for some retail therapy to cheer myself up.
Limped home, Hermione had struck again...
Thursday 30th August
Have received my first ever feedback on Etsy from the person who bought one of my bags in Oklahoma - she was thrilled!!
Divided day up between getting ready for first enrolment day next Monday (will I be fit enough to go?) and packing to go on holiday tomorrow (ditto) Graham had afternoon meeting in London. Not home until 8.00pm.
Tuesday 28th August
Have last two bags to make and Lucy at home to help me finish them off. Took ages attaching tags, writing delivery slips etc, etc and packing them up. Was pleased that it all looked surprisingly professional when the boxes were eventually packed and sealed and waiting at the door.
Wednesday 29th August
Felt almost well today and wondering how I felt so incapacitated this time last week. Rang to see when I might be going to have Herniogram, but Consultant's secretary very off-hand and non-committal. So good to be cback on the receiving end of the NHS! Decided to cut my losses and go to town for some retail therapy to cheer myself up.
Limped home, Hermione had struck again...
Thursday 30th August
Have received my first ever feedback on Etsy from the person who bought one of my bags in Oklahoma - she was thrilled!!
Divided day up between getting ready for first enrolment day next Monday (will I be fit enough to go?) and packing to go on holiday tomorrow (ditto) Graham had afternoon meeting in London. Not home until 8.00pm.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Busy As A Bee...
Monday 20th August
Today I received an email back from someone I've met through the website, who is quite famous in the 'knitting world'. She, it seems, had managed to delete her whole blog and strangely I felt an affinity for someone else whose world had collapsed in a nano second. It has taken her a month to be able to face an admission of her actions - she even lost her idiosyncratic blogname.
I thought it might help me regain some control to admit to my own downfall and start thinking positively again...
Today I received an email back from someone I've met through the website, who is quite famous in the 'knitting world'. She, it seems, had managed to delete her whole blog and strangely I felt an affinity for someone else whose world had collapsed in a nano second. It has taken her a month to be able to face an admission of her actions - she even lost her idiosyncratic blogname.
I thought it might help me regain some control to admit to my own downfall and start thinking positively again...
IN BRIEF
Tuesday 21st August
Emailed a shop in London about stocking my bags last week. Initial reaction was good and order received today for my 'minimum order' of eight. Collected Lucy from boyfriends and we went to Ikea for bits and pieces. Was encouraged to buy a 'Dime Cake', but would recommend it to anyone!
Wednesday 22nd
Strange to have some company today. Had email back from college friend who agreed it would be good to meet up. If only it was that easy... Was hoping to go shopping and buy birthday presents for my mum's birthday on Sunday when we plan to visit.
At third attempt (started on Monday) managed to contact person at Nuffield Hospital about 'next step'. Upshot was that I went to see consultant again at 4.15pm. We made a joint decision about me needing another herniogram as he is refusing to believe that his mesh could have failed and that Hermione is back.
Despair is setting in...
Thusday 23rd August
Awoke to sunny day feeling optomistic. Ended day wondering how I would survive through to Friday.
Lucy had been asked to organise meal for her Maths class mates. Fine- but the teacher, who had asked her didn't get in touch and didn't show.
Friday 24th August
Made a start on the bags which have been ordered by a shop in London. If I just take it steady, perhaps I can make them without help.
Sunday 26th August
Today was my mum's 79th Birthday, and for the first time in years we had planned to spend the day with her. It wasn't me that prevented us, but we didn't get there and I was so disappointed...
IN BRIEF
Monday 13th
One of my plans this summer was to get some things on Etsy to sell. Spent all day uploading my Swarovski rings I have made to sell.
Tuesday 14th
Have discovered that although my bags on Etsy have expired, it's one simple click (and 20 cents) to reinstate them.
Thursday 16th
First contact from someone wanting to buying one of my bags - but he's had a problem paying through Paypal. Although I email him straight back, he hasn't got back in touch. I resolve to make some more bags in anticipation of a deluge of orders.
Friday 17th
Open up my emails this morning to find I really have sold my very first bag through Etsy, Hooray!! - reducing the postage has paid off. I plan to spend the day making more bags, but am thwarted at the first hurdle as I am on my own today and can't even lift the laminating machine out of the box. Luckily I go and find a neighbour who is more than willing to come over (once he's finished his lunch) In the meantime, Robert phones to say he is on his way to Derby having visited the hospital in Leicester only to be told that his implant (teeth) is not what is causing him pain - it has to be the tooth next to it, which his own dentist can fix...
After tea Robert suggests that we go to the cinema to see the Bourne Ultimatum with Matt Damon. Good idea, but Hermione is complaining that I have done too much today already. We ring to tell Lucy our plans (she's at boyfriends) and she tells us in no uncertain terms that she is upset that we are going without her even though she has no interest in seeing that film. When we arrive at the kiosk, the only tickets left are two rows from the front - if the music is too loud then this will make Hermione worse, so we make a quick decision to wait for the next showing and upgrade to 'posh seats'. Having made our purchase, I suggest we buy one for Lucy as we now have time to collect her. Outcome? We do something as a family for the first time since April and everyone enjoys the film, including Lucy!
Saturday 18th August
Graham spent all day at work getting an order ready. First time he's had to work at the week-end in a long time. Felt well enough to drive to Burton for a spot of Retail Therapy (it was tipping with rain, so there wasn't much choice) Robert does really well, a shirt and a pair of trousers - I can't decide...
Sunday 19th
Graham at work until noon. Have promised Robert a trip to The Yorkshire Sculpture Park for a spot of lunch and a walk round. We leave at 12.30pm and trickle down the slip road at Junction 29 of the MI to find the traffic stationary. Eventually we arrive and queue at the restaurent to watch the last Meat and Potatoe pie be awarded to the people in front... Our Lamb and Mint Pie is reasonable...
Hermione is chomping at the bit for a long walk, but three quarters of the way round decides that she's had enough and is no longer capable, I get very depressed: "I should be better by now" I say through a shower of tears - everyone is very understanding...
The rain stayed away for the afternoon and having recharged our batteries with a cup of tea we headed to Doncaster to deposit Robert at the train station and returned home.
Tuesday 21st August
Emailed a shop in London about stocking my bags last week. Initial reaction was good and order received today for my 'minimum order' of eight. Collected Lucy from boyfriends and we went to Ikea for bits and pieces. Was encouraged to buy a 'Dime Cake', but would recommend it to anyone!
Wednesday 22nd
Strange to have some company today. Had email back from college friend who agreed it would be good to meet up. If only it was that easy... Was hoping to go shopping and buy birthday presents for my mum's birthday on Sunday when we plan to visit.
At third attempt (started on Monday) managed to contact person at Nuffield Hospital about 'next step'. Upshot was that I went to see consultant again at 4.15pm. We made a joint decision about me needing another herniogram as he is refusing to believe that his mesh could have failed and that Hermione is back.
Despair is setting in...
Thusday 23rd August
Awoke to sunny day feeling optomistic. Ended day wondering how I would survive through to Friday.
Lucy had been asked to organise meal for her Maths class mates. Fine- but the teacher, who had asked her didn't get in touch and didn't show.
Friday 24th August
Made a start on the bags which have been ordered by a shop in London. If I just take it steady, perhaps I can make them without help.
Sunday 26th August
Today was my mum's 79th Birthday, and for the first time in years we had planned to spend the day with her. It wasn't me that prevented us, but we didn't get there and I was so disappointed...
IN BRIEF
Monday 13th
One of my plans this summer was to get some things on Etsy to sell. Spent all day uploading my Swarovski rings I have made to sell.
Tuesday 14th
Have discovered that although my bags on Etsy have expired, it's one simple click (and 20 cents) to reinstate them.
Thursday 16th
First contact from someone wanting to buying one of my bags - but he's had a problem paying through Paypal. Although I email him straight back, he hasn't got back in touch. I resolve to make some more bags in anticipation of a deluge of orders.
Friday 17th
Open up my emails this morning to find I really have sold my very first bag through Etsy, Hooray!! - reducing the postage has paid off. I plan to spend the day making more bags, but am thwarted at the first hurdle as I am on my own today and can't even lift the laminating machine out of the box. Luckily I go and find a neighbour who is more than willing to come over (once he's finished his lunch) In the meantime, Robert phones to say he is on his way to Derby having visited the hospital in Leicester only to be told that his implant (teeth) is not what is causing him pain - it has to be the tooth next to it, which his own dentist can fix...
After tea Robert suggests that we go to the cinema to see the Bourne Ultimatum with Matt Damon. Good idea, but Hermione is complaining that I have done too much today already. We ring to tell Lucy our plans (she's at boyfriends) and she tells us in no uncertain terms that she is upset that we are going without her even though she has no interest in seeing that film. When we arrive at the kiosk, the only tickets left are two rows from the front - if the music is too loud then this will make Hermione worse, so we make a quick decision to wait for the next showing and upgrade to 'posh seats'. Having made our purchase, I suggest we buy one for Lucy as we now have time to collect her. Outcome? We do something as a family for the first time since April and everyone enjoys the film, including Lucy!
Saturday 18th August
Graham spent all day at work getting an order ready. First time he's had to work at the week-end in a long time. Felt well enough to drive to Burton for a spot of Retail Therapy (it was tipping with rain, so there wasn't much choice) Robert does really well, a shirt and a pair of trousers - I can't decide...
Sunday 19th
Graham at work until noon. Have promised Robert a trip to The Yorkshire Sculpture Park for a spot of lunch and a walk round. We leave at 12.30pm and trickle down the slip road at Junction 29 of the MI to find the traffic stationary. Eventually we arrive and queue at the restaurent to watch the last Meat and Potatoe pie be awarded to the people in front... Our Lamb and Mint Pie is reasonable...
Hermione is chomping at the bit for a long walk, but three quarters of the way round decides that she's had enough and is no longer capable, I get very depressed: "I should be better by now" I say through a shower of tears - everyone is very understanding...
The rain stayed away for the afternoon and having recharged our batteries with a cup of tea we headed to Doncaster to deposit Robert at the train station and returned home.
The Orangery, Calke Abbey, Derbyshire
Saturday 11th August - One of our few days of summer this year...
IN BRIEF
Thursday 2nd August
Graham flew back to America. Got up early to wave goodbye and then went back to bed.
Friday 3rd August
Went back to Nuffield to see the consultant. He agreed that: "I had done something", but is was too early to do anything other than "wait and see" if the inflammation goes down and it settles. Advised strongly to consider cancelling our big trip to America on 17th August if no improvement.
Monday 6th August
Had nineth photo printed in Derby Evening Telegraph - slightly cheered up.
Tuesday 7th August
Went to see local doctor in the hope that he would refer me back to hospital on NHS, so at least I could have more than one option. Examined me and assured me that he couldn't feel anything (yes, that's why I waited four long years for a diagnosis!!)made things ten times worse - felt so depressed, if only I hadn't gone...
Wednesday 8th August
Robert's 21st Birthday. Upset that this is the first time that we've not seen him on his birthday, but pleased that he arranged to meet up with some mates in London and go and see Spamalot. He rang at quarter to twelve on his way home on the train and we had a chat.
Thursday 9th August
Had phone call from chap who'd see my photo in the paper. Could he have a copy as it reminded him of when his dad used to take him fishing in the same place. Fine, I'll email him - but he doesn't have email. OK, so I put a new colour cartridge and print off a copy (have to print two when I realise that I have copped the image I sent to the paper).
Friday 10th August
I ring the chap up and ask if he'd like to collect the photo - but he doesn't have any transport or any family that can do it for him. I would have offered to take it round, but wasn't up to driving because of my hernia - consider mentioning this, but he usurps me by saying: "I'm nearly 70, you know"... Offer to post it to him (through gritted teeth) even though this means I will have to go out in the car. Mission accomplished by late afternoon...
Graham phones as he waits at Newark Airport. Suggests that we cancel holiday - I feel sick in my stomach as I know how much he has been looking forward to this trip, not to mention all the careful planning during the last six months. Says "not to worry as he's got so much work following this trip that he's hasn't really time to go." Not sure whether this is true/he's knows how bad I am/trying to promt a miraculous cure... Have to admit I feel relieved...
Saturday 11th
Graham home in time to take Lucy to work.
We go to Calke Abbey for a spot of (expensive) lunch and a walk round. Lovely afternoon as there's a big concert in the evening and the orchestra are having a run through. Feeling extremely fragile by the time we arrive home. 'Miraculous cure' has failed to materialise...
Thursday 2nd August
Graham flew back to America. Got up early to wave goodbye and then went back to bed.
Friday 3rd August
Went back to Nuffield to see the consultant. He agreed that: "I had done something", but is was too early to do anything other than "wait and see" if the inflammation goes down and it settles. Advised strongly to consider cancelling our big trip to America on 17th August if no improvement.
Monday 6th August
Had nineth photo printed in Derby Evening Telegraph - slightly cheered up.
Tuesday 7th August
Went to see local doctor in the hope that he would refer me back to hospital on NHS, so at least I could have more than one option. Examined me and assured me that he couldn't feel anything (yes, that's why I waited four long years for a diagnosis!!)made things ten times worse - felt so depressed, if only I hadn't gone...
Wednesday 8th August
Robert's 21st Birthday. Upset that this is the first time that we've not seen him on his birthday, but pleased that he arranged to meet up with some mates in London and go and see Spamalot. He rang at quarter to twelve on his way home on the train and we had a chat.
Thursday 9th August
Had phone call from chap who'd see my photo in the paper. Could he have a copy as it reminded him of when his dad used to take him fishing in the same place. Fine, I'll email him - but he doesn't have email. OK, so I put a new colour cartridge and print off a copy (have to print two when I realise that I have copped the image I sent to the paper).
Friday 10th August
I ring the chap up and ask if he'd like to collect the photo - but he doesn't have any transport or any family that can do it for him. I would have offered to take it round, but wasn't up to driving because of my hernia - consider mentioning this, but he usurps me by saying: "I'm nearly 70, you know"... Offer to post it to him (through gritted teeth) even though this means I will have to go out in the car. Mission accomplished by late afternoon...
Graham phones as he waits at Newark Airport. Suggests that we cancel holiday - I feel sick in my stomach as I know how much he has been looking forward to this trip, not to mention all the careful planning during the last six months. Says "not to worry as he's got so much work following this trip that he's hasn't really time to go." Not sure whether this is true/he's knows how bad I am/trying to promt a miraculous cure... Have to admit I feel relieved...
Saturday 11th
Graham home in time to take Lucy to work.
We go to Calke Abbey for a spot of (expensive) lunch and a walk round. Lovely afternoon as there's a big concert in the evening and the orchestra are having a run through. Feeling extremely fragile by the time we arrive home. 'Miraculous cure' has failed to materialise...
The Return Of Hermione...
Everything was going really well.
Fantastic holiday in Italy - made up for all the things I couldn't do last year. I had a week back at home doing 'normal' things like picking peas, weeding, a bit of 'gentle' digging, I'd even made a start on cleaning the house properly - the joy of being able to scrub the kitchen floor and hoover without needing to pace myself. Then in a split second, my world has dissolved, my future plans are again 'on hold', my crime? I turned a mattress and in a few short hours I knew that my hernia had returned.
I am devastated.
Fantastic holiday in Italy - made up for all the things I couldn't do last year. I had a week back at home doing 'normal' things like picking peas, weeding, a bit of 'gentle' digging, I'd even made a start on cleaning the house properly - the joy of being able to scrub the kitchen floor and hoover without needing to pace myself. Then in a split second, my world has dissolved, my future plans are again 'on hold', my crime? I turned a mattress and in a few short hours I knew that my hernia had returned.
I am devastated.
IN BRIEF
Sunday 22nd July
Sunny warm day spent doing post holiday washing and gardening. Cleared pea plants from allotment and weeded the beans, gratefully aided by my ipod, music helping with the task in hand.
Monday 23rd July
Whole day spent catching up with work on website. Graham at work, Lucy our till 4.00pm with Steven. Rang up Argos and asked to speak to supervisor, about Nanna's freezer we ordered at the beginning of June. None of the options were very good as we paid for most expensive freezer! Need to wait until Friday to choose from new catalogue.
Tuesday 24th July
Lucy at Ben's all day. Still lots to do on website. Had last bill from Nuffield which again I needed to query, but good result after phonecall. Cleaned out utility to remove all traces of our 'pet' mice!
Wednesday 25th July.
Lucy out with Steven most of the day. Tried to focus mind on teaching I have to do next Tuesday. Materials to buy and paperwork to complete. Graham and I had ride out to Belper after tea. Camera shop there all but empty.
Thursday 26th July.
Graham has ordered Lucy's Birthday present - a reconditioned Apple Book. (Still loads of money) Bit more structure to today. Mary came for piano lesson. Pianist magazine came. Rang up to cancel order at Argos as mother had been out and seen suitable freezer in Moreton. Melanie promised to send them £75.00 as gesture of good will- so good result! Went shopping in the afternoon, but got soaked in the process! Graham not back until 9.00pm as went out for a meal with group from work as someone changing jobs. Rang Kate in the evening, she is busy helping at the Scout Jamboree in Essex for the next fortnight.
Friday 27th July
Still trying to sort teaching related work. Things that should or shouldn't be on their website, but aren't. Rang two managers to see if they could sort things out. Waited in for Lucy's laptop delivery and eventually rang to see what had happened. UPS are useless and unable to read people's addresses on the front of parcels, especially on Fridays!! Arranged to collect from Alfreton with two forms of identification. Chap there also collecting parcel - when asked for identification replied: " I wouldn't have come if it wasn't me!!"
Lucy ecstatic about Apple laptop, but didn't stir her into doing anything extra for her poor parents...
Sunday 22nd July
Sunny warm day spent doing post holiday washing and gardening. Cleared pea plants from allotment and weeded the beans, gratefully aided by my ipod, music helping with the task in hand.
Monday 23rd July
Whole day spent catching up with work on website. Graham at work, Lucy our till 4.00pm with Steven. Rang up Argos and asked to speak to supervisor, about Nanna's freezer we ordered at the beginning of June. None of the options were very good as we paid for most expensive freezer! Need to wait until Friday to choose from new catalogue.
Tuesday 24th July
Lucy at Ben's all day. Still lots to do on website. Had last bill from Nuffield which again I needed to query, but good result after phonecall. Cleaned out utility to remove all traces of our 'pet' mice!
Wednesday 25th July.
Lucy out with Steven most of the day. Tried to focus mind on teaching I have to do next Tuesday. Materials to buy and paperwork to complete. Graham and I had ride out to Belper after tea. Camera shop there all but empty.
Thursday 26th July.
Graham has ordered Lucy's Birthday present - a reconditioned Apple Book. (Still loads of money) Bit more structure to today. Mary came for piano lesson. Pianist magazine came. Rang up to cancel order at Argos as mother had been out and seen suitable freezer in Moreton. Melanie promised to send them £75.00 as gesture of good will- so good result! Went shopping in the afternoon, but got soaked in the process! Graham not back until 9.00pm as went out for a meal with group from work as someone changing jobs. Rang Kate in the evening, she is busy helping at the Scout Jamboree in Essex for the next fortnight.
Friday 27th July
Still trying to sort teaching related work. Things that should or shouldn't be on their website, but aren't. Rang two managers to see if they could sort things out. Waited in for Lucy's laptop delivery and eventually rang to see what had happened. UPS are useless and unable to read people's addresses on the front of parcels, especially on Fridays!! Arranged to collect from Alfreton with two forms of identification. Chap there also collecting parcel - when asked for identification replied: " I wouldn't have come if it wasn't me!!"
Lucy ecstatic about Apple laptop, but didn't stir her into doing anything extra for her poor parents...
Monday, August 13, 2007
Giorno Dieci venerdi 20th luglio
Our trip to Barga was to be our last this holiday. The heat and travelling had taken its tole on Graham, who had to be left in the car to have a nap before attempting the climb to the church!
Will I miss Italy? Yes, undoubtedly; the scenery, the sights, the kiss of the summer sun, the taste of the fresh fruit, most of the food. What I won't miss were the five scorpions which kept us company in the house and the accompanying eyelashes...
Just making a booking for next year...
Will I miss Italy? Yes, undoubtedly; the scenery, the sights, the kiss of the summer sun, the taste of the fresh fruit, most of the food. What I won't miss were the five scorpions which kept us company in the house and the accompanying eyelashes...
Just making a booking for next year...
The Gold Of Tuscany...
Thursday was our ‘big day’. Not only had we planned the furthest trip, but it was also our 27th Wedding Anniversary! Another leisurely start to the hottest day so far and progress was slow. Not that it mattered as we needed to take in the change in scenery as the verdant wooded hillsides merged into the picture postcard rolling hills of central Tuscany, complete with its field’s of sunflowers and strange small pointy fir trees. Our first stop was next to the brightest, most yellow, most golden field of sunflowers. Even on a dull day, you would have needed your sunglasses on! What an uplifting sight, even if we hadn’t reached our destination, this would have made our day.
Free Range Watermelons!
Next to the sunflowers, a farmer was selling home grown water melons from the back of his trailer and even though we only had a few days lefts in Italy we could resist joining the steady trickle of weightlifters. I say weightlifters as you can’t imagine how big and heavy the watermelons were. To see an old lady struggle to her car carrying one of these monsters was a strange sight – I thought she must have bought three, until I got up close! We asked for a ‘piccolo’ sized one and I couldn’t carry it (even if I hadn’t just had a hernia operation!)
View Towards San Gimignano...
Off again, we encountered acres of silver birch trees all planted in rows with leaves shimmering in the sunlight. For once all signs led to our town, having been a place of pilgrimage for many hundreds of years…San Gimignano – originally with 700 towers, it now boasts 40 remaining. We stopped for a picnic with the towers in view on the horizon and again we were in anticipation of the delights to come.
Main Piazza. San Gimignano
Unfortunately, San Gimignano didn’t live up to my expectations. I had imagined we would walk round the narrow streets in a hushed atmosphere, picturing the people who used to live there. Instead, everyone seemed to be there that day, it was noisy, there were too many people, cranes from construction and miniature dustbin lorries were having to come and sweep up litter because of all the tourists. We waited in a queue to gain possession of a street map and then headed upwards away from the crowds in the hope of finding a shady quiet spot. Instead, we came across a wine museum which did offer respite for the heat for a short time, but was too small to take proper shelter. Next to this were the town’s walls from we had a wonderful vista of the surrounding valley. A panorama or two later we were heading back to the centre on the trail of the statutory gelateria.
Retail Therapy...
A bit further down from the centre was a main shopping street invitingly devoid of sunlight and having been rejuvenated by the Italian equivalent of a Knickerbocker Glory, we went in search of mementoes with renewed enthusiasm. Two handbags, one pair of earrings, and a Swiss Army knife later, we realised that we now had the place to ourselves and were free to wander and enjoy the towns splendours without having to negotiate small children and old grannies. It is a truly wonderful place, but you need to go early or stay late. On the way back we were overtaken by cyclists (male and female!) – were they in training for next year’s Tour de France, or ones from this year, who had got lost in the Pyrenees? We made it back to Bagni de Lucca just before 10.00pm, so decided to end our perfect day with a candlelit meal. We chose the most populated restaurant on the premise that a full establishment sold the best food – and at that time they were no longer busy. We started with homemade Tuscan soup followed by local trout and Graham ordered a proper Italian pizza (which he could only just finish). At the table next to us was a large group of people from Scotland celebrating a couple’s 40th Wedding Anniversary, which was very jolly. We had a lovely meal there and as we got up to go and pay, the proprietor poured us both a glass of grappa – a grape liquor (guaranteed to strip the paint from any surface). We explained that we too were celebrating our wedding anniversary, and he pointed to the chap next to us who said that he was celebrating 28 years!
Giorno Otto mercoledi 18th luglio
Another hot day and relatively late start. As usual we called in at the local supermarket for picnic provisions on the way. Once more we headed for Lucca, past Ponte della Magdalena, the choice of whether to cross over at the bridge (there are two roads both with good and bad points) dependant on the driver in front – it became a bit of a joke throughout the week as Graham would look in his mirror and make the comment: “I have my entourage back” we always seemed to be at the head of any queue. Was that because our bubble car lacked power, or are the Italians just faster drivers? Anyway, by-passing Lucca, we travelled past the antique shop which proudly boasted ‘Aporto’ at all times of the day and night and on towards the direction of Pescia. Stomachs rumbling, we stopped at Buggiano (strangely onomatopoeic) for lunch.
Hannah Gordon, Where Are You Now?
Several years ago, (while we were still at ‘the old house’) I was watching the television on in the afternoon (this was rare) and saw a programme called ‘Watercolour Challenge’ hosted by Hannah Gordon. It had been filmed at Montecatini in the glorious surroundings of what looked like Roman Baths. So when we first visited Italy and I found it was just ‘up the road’, I made a mental note to add it to the list of sights to visit. Last year we went in search of it, but only found the very picturesque village of Monticatini Alto, with no baths in sight. I knew it had to be there as I’d seen a picture of it in the guide book. We parked in the shadiest spot we could find and armed with a bottle of drink, headed for the nearest information centre. I was so desperate to find ‘my baths’ that I even summoned up my courage and asked the first couple we encountered and ask whether they spoke English (everyone does) and did they know where the Spa was. They looked incredulous at the question and waved in the general direction we were going – thinking me silly for asking! (Monticatini has at least seven spas!!) Luckily we soon found the information centre and a leaflet with a picture of the baths I was looking for. Strangely all the spas are situated in a wooded park area in the centre of the town. Some are ornamental (like the one I was looking for) while others just look like ordinary swimming baths and you can go and swim in them (I think it just costs more than an ordinary swimming pool). Within Five minutes we had located the spa in question, paid our 5 euros and were standing in wonder at the beauty of our surroundings…We spent a very happy and peaceful two hours there drinking in the atmosphere (not the water as it would have been difficult to drink salty water on such a hot day) with hardly anyone else there. We left at 5.00pm as the parking meter needed feeding, just as someone had begun to play on the grand piano…
Ride On A Funicular Train...
This however, was not the end of the excitement for the day, as we had seen a Funicular Train on our visit to Monticatini Alto last year and had resolved to treat ourselves to a ride on it. We spent a further hour going round the shops - it was even too hot to decide what flavour ice cream to have. Then moved the car to the nearest parking area. At seven o’clock sharp we jolted our way up the steep incline to our destination through dense undergrowth, past people’s back gardens and over precariously situated bridges. As we went up, we could see that another train was coming down, ‘strange’ we thought as there was only one track. At the centre point the track divided into two and the little trains passed each other and all the occupants waved. Once at the top, the air was fresher and we had the opportunity to explore all the old cobbled streets.
Al Fresco...
Their main square was set up with the choice of at least half a dozen restaurants and we were very tempted to stop, but as tomorrow was to be our ‘big day’, we thought it best to head home while it was still light. Another wonderful day almost over…
Thursday, August 09, 2007
"Butterflies Are Self Propelled Flowers"
Giorno Sette martedi 17th luglio
Today we planned to visit the Marble quarries of Cararra. We had intended to set off early, but having spotted a Swallow Tail butterfly in the garden, we stayed another half an hour trying to get ‘just one more’ elusive photograph.
Today we planned to visit the Marble quarries of Cararra. We had intended to set off early, but having spotted a Swallow Tail butterfly in the garden, we stayed another half an hour trying to get ‘just one more’ elusive photograph.
William Of Orange?
The trip to Cararra was pretty uneventful, down to Lucca, autostrada up to Viareggio, supposedly autostrada to Carrara, but having left the autostrada at Viareggio (it just petered out) it required a detailed knowledge of all Italian towns, North and South (which we didn’t have) a compass, a map and perhaps Randolph Fiennes – anyway the entrance remained elusive and after what seemed ages we arrived at Carrara. In a way, it was fortuitous, had we located the autostrada we would have missed driving through Massa (the town before Carrara) and seeing orange trees lining the main street (amazing!)
You Can't Ski On Marble!
The weather was scorching as we sat having our picnic in the car and were glad to only walk a short distance round the corner into The Marble Museum. The chap who ran the museum was really unhelpful and the only Italian we met who couldn’t speak English! The history contained in the museum was fascinating and the examples held there were varied, smooth and cool. We watched a video which told us everything we wanted to know, including details of the largest whole piece of marble ever quarried and showed film of how they transported it to the docks to be taken to Rome to be used as a monolith. (Luckily we had a choice of watching the video in English) Having left the museum we asked ‘grumpy boots’ where we could go and find a quarry and he directed us to the Information Centre across the road. There we met our only red headed Italian, who was extremely helpful and gave us several maps and clear instructions.
View Of Marble Quarries From The Car...
The sites we saw on the way to the quarries were breathtaking and if the photos look a little grainy, it’s because they were taken from inside the car as we went along. There just wasn’t the option of stopping at a good vantage point.
Quick Step or Tango?
Before long we were parked outside ‘The Largest Marble Mine In The World’ or so it said – which was strange as we expected them to be all quarries. There was a cardboard clock on the side of a small hut stating that the next tour would begin in about 20 minutes. We were told to come back nearer the time, collect a safety hat and board one of the Mini buses – but not to pay until we got back - which at the time seemed a little odd. Soon we were bumping along inside a huge mountain, hoping that the speck of light at the end of the tunnel would not disappear, but relishing the coolness of the constant 16 degrees centigrade (we even wore our coats!). We had a lovely guide who talked us through all the different processes used, her Italian accent using ‘the’ in front of every word and rolling lots of ‘r’s. We got to see and feel the helicoidal and diamond impregnated wire that the marble is now cut with. The size the blocks are huge and judging from the small amount of noise we made and how loud we seemed, to have men working machinery in there must be completely deafening. Apparently staying underground for eight hours at a time drives you potty and the miners see figures in the stone they have cut. We thought we could see two dancers and Madonna and Child in the cut face and we were only down there 20 minutes!! At the end of the tour everyone loaded back in the vans and trundled off. Unfortunately, where there had been three vans to bring us in, there were now only two and having been occupied by taking ‘just one more’ photo, we found ourselves without transport for our trip back to the outside world. “Don’t worry, we be back in 5 minutes to collect you” said our guide…after 10 we were beginning to worry…
Follow The White Dusty Road...
The scenery of the quarries was so amazing we decided to carry on a bit further to ogle at more of the same, but managed to miss a turning to Colonnata which we soon realised when the road abruptly developed ruts the size of small drainage channels and the incline changed to almost vertical. Hmm, time to turn back, the bubble car just couldn’t hack it! The joke of it was that a 4x4 had followed us up and whereas that’s exactly the sort of terrain meant for that sort of car, the occupants were clearly worried about getting dust on their paintwork!
After that we made our decent to the town of Carrara, had a nice walk round, an ice cream in the park and then on to Viareggio. There’s something about Viareggio as a seaside resort which just oozes class and makes you want to come back. Posh shops on the seafront and an endless supply of inviting restaurants allowing you to sit outside in comfort., what more could you want? We chose the one with the most people (it was obviously popular) and luckily we didn’t have to wait too long before we were seated between a table of old ladies and their sea food platters (was that really a small octopus I saw disappearing into the mouth of the lady with orange hair?) and another table of a young couple who had mussels followed by a florescent coloured pasta. We on the other hand had melone e prosciutto - Graham’s favourite, (I’d rather eat them separately) then I had grilled Seabream (disappointingly had too many bones and not enough flesh, but tasted very good and Graham had breaded veal. By this time it was now 10 o’clock and we realised that we hadn’t even seen the sea, so we found a place to cross the sand (most areas are cordoned off and you hire a sun bed for the day in an enclosure) and made our way down to the water where a new moon was attempting to balance on the end of a newly built pier…
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
En Route To Lucca...
This bridge is known locally as 'Devil's Bridge' and the story behind it is quite remarkable. According to legend, the Devil offered to build the bridge in return for possession of the first soul to cross it, the 'canny' villagers agreed and when it was finished sent a dog across...
Giorno Sei lunedi 16th luglio
Some places you visit on holiday are like visiting Sirens, you feel compelled to go back every year. Nothing compares with the rush of excitement as you round the corner, even though you know nothing will have changed. Lucca is one of those places. It is a walled town of amazing beauty and however many times you visit, you will find new treasures to marvel at. We always enter Lucca at the wrong gate, so for future reference, it’s best to go in via Elsa Gate. Around the inside of the walls is the main parking and we’ve never had a problem finding a space, just make sure you go armed with enough Euros, as it’s 1 per hour. (I’m beginning to sound like a tourist guide) Lastly, remember to head for the Information Centre first as you will need a map. (End of lecture!) The one thing we hadn’t quite planned for was the intensity of the heat, but at Lucca it is always breezy, so this helped. First we had a picnic on top of the town ramparts. It wasn’t any different from last year, but it was oh so good to be back, to drink in the atmosphere and to watch the world go by on their bicycles.
Some places you visit on holiday are like visiting Sirens, you feel compelled to go back every year. Nothing compares with the rush of excitement as you round the corner, even though you know nothing will have changed. Lucca is one of those places. It is a walled town of amazing beauty and however many times you visit, you will find new treasures to marvel at. We always enter Lucca at the wrong gate, so for future reference, it’s best to go in via Elsa Gate. Around the inside of the walls is the main parking and we’ve never had a problem finding a space, just make sure you go armed with enough Euros, as it’s 1 per hour. (I’m beginning to sound like a tourist guide) Lastly, remember to head for the Information Centre first as you will need a map. (End of lecture!) The one thing we hadn’t quite planned for was the intensity of the heat, but at Lucca it is always breezy, so this helped. First we had a picnic on top of the town ramparts. It wasn’t any different from last year, but it was oh so good to be back, to drink in the atmosphere and to watch the world go by on their bicycles.
Not Quite Alice...
View Of, Anfiteatro Romano, Taken In A Mirror, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis
Elton At Lucca...
Lucca, like all Italian towns has a main square (Piazza Napoleone) where concerts are held each year. You do have to pay for the ones at Lucca, but I was so disappointed to find that Elton John had played there the day before we arrived in Italy and Norah Jones on the Saturday! We did have the choice of seeing Ricki Martin or George Michael, but that would have been all our holiday money gone and we were already racing through it at a rate of knots.
Too Hot For Singing...
I had planned to visit the Puccini museum which had been in a state of renovation during our first visit two years ago. but although the scaffolding had been taken away and there was a notice: ‘Museo Di Puccini’, the museum itself didn’t exist. (It was housed in a modern prefab on the town walls) We treated ourselves to an ice cream at the Piazza Anfiteatro and would still be there, but had to go to get out of the heat. Next we headed for the cycle hire area. Graham didn’t think we’d manage it in the heat, but I was determined to prove that I could now ride a bicycle with ease now that my hernia has been mended. I was in a bit of discomfort, but it only hurt during and strangely not after the event. We had to leave about 6.00pm to get back to base reasonably early. Graham had arranged to have a ‘phone conference’ with a firm in New York at 8.00pm, so we collected a few provisions at the local shop on the way back and while Graham held court for over an hour, I borrowed his camera and attempted to take pictures of the villages on the opposite side of the valley which were so beautifully bathed in the golden evening light.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Oh To Be Back In Longoio...
Giorno Cinque domencia 15th luglio
Sunday was our first rest day and I celebrated by having a mammoth lie in (I think I forgot to get up). By the time I did come round, the sun was hot and Graham had already reached the fifth chapter of a book he’d found to read. We continued with a leisurely morning spent sunbathing, me washing my hair and then cooking a sparse Sunday dinner consisting of chicken with lemon, potatoes wedges laced with olive oil, (found in the cupboard) rosemary (cut from the bush in the garden) and sea salt (also found in the cupboard). By 4.00pm, the heat was just about beginning to retreat (we hoped) – so jumped into the bubble car and set off in search of a village we could just make out clinging to the mountain in the distance.
The roads in Italy are very narrow and winding – unless you have been there you can have no concept of how bad they really are. Unfortunately they are a means to an end and unless you follow their tortuous route, you have no chance of reaching you goal and as every village has a certain charm there’s no other way. So it was we began our little ‘jaunt, me holding on tight to the door handle trying to combat the centrifugal forces and Graham with both hands gripping the steering wheel, looking every bit as though it would snap off in his hands!
Sunday was our first rest day and I celebrated by having a mammoth lie in (I think I forgot to get up). By the time I did come round, the sun was hot and Graham had already reached the fifth chapter of a book he’d found to read. We continued with a leisurely morning spent sunbathing, me washing my hair and then cooking a sparse Sunday dinner consisting of chicken with lemon, potatoes wedges laced with olive oil, (found in the cupboard) rosemary (cut from the bush in the garden) and sea salt (also found in the cupboard). By 4.00pm, the heat was just about beginning to retreat (we hoped) – so jumped into the bubble car and set off in search of a village we could just make out clinging to the mountain in the distance.
The roads in Italy are very narrow and winding – unless you have been there you can have no concept of how bad they really are. Unfortunately they are a means to an end and unless you follow their tortuous route, you have no chance of reaching you goal and as every village has a certain charm there’s no other way. So it was we began our little ‘jaunt, me holding on tight to the door handle trying to combat the centrifugal forces and Graham with both hands gripping the steering wheel, looking every bit as though it would snap off in his hands!
View From Our New Friend's House...
We stopped first at Palleggio, a delightful village complete with the usual vineyards, olive groves and built on a steep hill (which makes sense of the fact that the only animals you see in these parts are goats). We parked at the bottom and found a path to lead us up to the centre. Graham was about 5 metres in front – I’d stopped to take a photo or two and on my way up a set of steps I bumped into two old ladies who addressed me in French (they thought I was French, I was so glad they did as I could understand them) After exchanging pleasantries they said we must come and meet ‘so ‘n’ so’ (didn’t catch the name) as we were English. We weren’t quite sure why we needed to talk to this chap, but trying to be polite we thought we should at least say ‘hello’. What happened next was slightly bizarre…
It turned out ‘The chap’ (we never did catch his name) had lived and worked in Chicago for 29 years, married a Filipino (having met her in a very strange set of circumstances) and he had returned when his mother was ill (she no longer with us) and his wife had stayed in America. So now he was an Italian who spoke English/American with Italian intonation (which made him quite difficult to understand) and had a wife who visited him every year…It seemed the natural thing to do to show us around his Italian home (one of my greatest ambitions). All Italian homes are dark and cool inside.(it makes sense) The large double glazed front door led directly into the living room which was dominated by a huge flat screen television in the centre of a floor to ceiling sideboard, this led through to a large kitchen with an anti-room with a small sink to the side. Back through the living room there were other rooms, bedrooms, ensuites (for when his brother from Canada came to visit) and we were even shown his mother’s bedroom, with a large mother of pearl inlaid bedstead, (luckily no sign of the body) and his room with very modest 1970s fittings. It turned out he’d been a machinist who had a keen interest in cameras (he had several Leicas). All in all it turned out to be a very memorable occasion – and all because he so missed conversing in English…
It turned out ‘The chap’ (we never did catch his name) had lived and worked in Chicago for 29 years, married a Filipino (having met her in a very strange set of circumstances) and he had returned when his mother was ill (she no longer with us) and his wife had stayed in America. So now he was an Italian who spoke English/American with Italian intonation (which made him quite difficult to understand) and had a wife who visited him every year…It seemed the natural thing to do to show us around his Italian home (one of my greatest ambitions). All Italian homes are dark and cool inside.(it makes sense) The large double glazed front door led directly into the living room which was dominated by a huge flat screen television in the centre of a floor to ceiling sideboard, this led through to a large kitchen with an anti-room with a small sink to the side. Back through the living room there were other rooms, bedrooms, ensuites (for when his brother from Canada came to visit) and we were even shown his mother’s bedroom, with a large mother of pearl inlaid bedstead, (luckily no sign of the body) and his room with very modest 1970s fittings. It turned out he’d been a machinist who had a keen interest in cameras (he had several Leicas). All in all it turned out to be a very memorable occasion – and all because he so missed conversing in English…
Friday, August 03, 2007
Third Time Lucky - Don't Forget To Book!
Giorno Quattro sabato 14th July
Saturday dawned as hot as ever. Eager to get to the Ducati Factory in plenty of time, we checked out of the hotel, filled up with petrol and attempted to negotiate the tangentale. Unfortunately we managed to get on going the wrong direction, but eventually, with 5 minutes to spare we made it to the meeting point along with about 20 other eager anticipants. Luckily they arranged for two groups to go round, one Italian and one English (although in our group, I believe we were the only real English people, others were from America, Australia etc) All the males spent the whole time with a look of amazement on their faces, finding it hard to believe they were really there. All the females on the other hand had a strange air of resolve – it’s now 11.00am and they shut at 1.00pm, only 2 hours and we can get on. To be fair it was an interesting experience, the factory had people working on the bikes even though it was a Saturday and the actual areas were kept very neat and tidy – in fact you could have eaten your dinner off the floor it was so clean. We saw all the bikes in various stages of completion. As a male dominated country our guide was keen to point out the value of having female workers saying things like: “ We need women to machine these particular parts as they are the only ones with small enough fingers to get to the tiny parts”. And “ We give the job of collecting all the parts of the engine to women as they are good at shopping and they collect the parts in a shopping trolley”. Each engine is assembled by one person and they have to complete one engine in 45 minutes (which doesn’t sound long in view of all the bits involved) and if there is any trouble with an engine they know exactly who to go to! We saw some of the tests the bikes are put through on rolling wheels and rows of bikes ready to be delivered to different countries. For example, a bike going to the US will need to be fitted with an extra filter and side reflectors to conform with emission regulations, whereas a bike bound for Europe won’t need these modifications.
Saturday dawned as hot as ever. Eager to get to the Ducati Factory in plenty of time, we checked out of the hotel, filled up with petrol and attempted to negotiate the tangentale. Unfortunately we managed to get on going the wrong direction, but eventually, with 5 minutes to spare we made it to the meeting point along with about 20 other eager anticipants. Luckily they arranged for two groups to go round, one Italian and one English (although in our group, I believe we were the only real English people, others were from America, Australia etc) All the males spent the whole time with a look of amazement on their faces, finding it hard to believe they were really there. All the females on the other hand had a strange air of resolve – it’s now 11.00am and they shut at 1.00pm, only 2 hours and we can get on. To be fair it was an interesting experience, the factory had people working on the bikes even though it was a Saturday and the actual areas were kept very neat and tidy – in fact you could have eaten your dinner off the floor it was so clean. We saw all the bikes in various stages of completion. As a male dominated country our guide was keen to point out the value of having female workers saying things like: “ We need women to machine these particular parts as they are the only ones with small enough fingers to get to the tiny parts”. And “ We give the job of collecting all the parts of the engine to women as they are good at shopping and they collect the parts in a shopping trolley”. Each engine is assembled by one person and they have to complete one engine in 45 minutes (which doesn’t sound long in view of all the bits involved) and if there is any trouble with an engine they know exactly who to go to! We saw some of the tests the bikes are put through on rolling wheels and rows of bikes ready to be delivered to different countries. For example, a bike going to the US will need to be fitted with an extra filter and side reflectors to conform with emission regulations, whereas a bike bound for Europe won’t need these modifications.
Read The Notice!
Graham With His Tee Shirt And Renewed Dreams With Hyper Motard, Ducati Museum, Bologna, Italy
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis
Eager to get off to the holiday home, we navigated successfully to the Autostrada, but had to wait at least half an hour to join the flow, the volume of traffic being so high on a Saturday. Eventually the miles melted away and after a brief stop for sandwiches we were nearly there - but not before we had witnessed a forest fire and a helicopter overhead carrying a full load of water attempting to extinguish it. Back on familiar territory we felt at last we could being to relax and having stopped at the local shop for provisions, we began to wind our way up the hillside out of Bagni di Lucca up to our destination of Longoio.
Almost, But Not Quite...
Giorno Tre Friday 13th July
Packed and ready, we were off on the Autostrada by 10.30am after a quick trip to the local supermarket for drink and fruit. The journey down to Bologna was uneventful until the navigator decided to advise the driver to come off one stop too soon. Italian road signs are confusing at the best of times, but eventually we had located the tangentziale (ring road) and the sign for Borgo Panigale – the home of Ducati. Having visited the place two years ago on our first trip to Italy, the road was at least familiar and the walk from the car park to the barrier entrance was filled with anticipation. It was not Saturday, (day we had travelled there before), it was not midday (when they close) what could go wrong? Well, it turned out you now have to book – OK and we needed to do that at 2.00pm. We headed for the nearest supermarket and a spot of ‘hamburger a cheval’ (that’s a bit how it tasted) for lunch and waited for 2.00pm to arrive. We should have taken more notice of the date, Friday the 13th as we found out by 2.00pm that there were no spaces left today. I felt really sorry for Graham and his disappointment, but the good news was, we could visit the factory at 11.00am the next morning, hooray!!
Packed and ready, we were off on the Autostrada by 10.30am after a quick trip to the local supermarket for drink and fruit. The journey down to Bologna was uneventful until the navigator decided to advise the driver to come off one stop too soon. Italian road signs are confusing at the best of times, but eventually we had located the tangentziale (ring road) and the sign for Borgo Panigale – the home of Ducati. Having visited the place two years ago on our first trip to Italy, the road was at least familiar and the walk from the car park to the barrier entrance was filled with anticipation. It was not Saturday, (day we had travelled there before), it was not midday (when they close) what could go wrong? Well, it turned out you now have to book – OK and we needed to do that at 2.00pm. We headed for the nearest supermarket and a spot of ‘hamburger a cheval’ (that’s a bit how it tasted) for lunch and waited for 2.00pm to arrive. We should have taken more notice of the date, Friday the 13th as we found out by 2.00pm that there were no spaces left today. I felt really sorry for Graham and his disappointment, but the good news was, we could visit the factory at 11.00am the next morning, hooray!!
The Long Walk...
Covered Walkway, Basilica Della Madonna Di San Luca, Near Bologna, Italy
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis
Orange And Blue, Complimentary Colours...
The Building itself was quite plain, but the orange colour of the walls, contrasted with the deep blue of the sky and made for the most impressive sight. The church inside took your breath away, - it was awesome in the true meaning of the word. We listened to the history on a dial up machine and were just about to explore all the features mentioned when we approached by the man sweeping the floor. Apparently I had committed a cardinal sin of not having my shoulders covered (enough) for a church and we were politely asked to leave.
Time now to return to the centre of Bologna and find our hotel. With the aid of a map we’d bought in the supermarket, it was located easily and we were soon in our ‘executive’ suite (It really was posh!) I had a rest while Graham went for a swim in the outside pool. Surprised that he returned so soon, it turned out that having taken the plunge, he’d surfaced to find the pool side taken over by tanned Italian girls and to say the least, he felt a bit out of his depth!!
Dinner at the hotel was expensive and generous, prosciutto and melon (I had salt beef and rocket) followed by chicken and cheese and mediterranean vegetables (I had Sea Bass and more lettuce- but too much olive oil)
Dinner at the hotel was expensive and generous, prosciutto and melon (I had salt beef and rocket) followed by chicken and cheese and mediterranean vegetables (I had Sea Bass and more lettuce- but too much olive oil)
The Bellissimo Buildings Of Bologna
'Mine's Bigger Than Yours', Towers, Centre Of Bologna, Italy
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis
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