HOPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR!
2009 will go down in our history as a year to be remembered, even before it has started!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
CHRISTMAS DAY
How many antipasti, primi and secondi is it fit to indulge in on Christmas Day?! The sky seemed to be the limit as we settled in the sala di Casa Giardini. Halfway through, we had to have a present break to digest. Nonno Pasquale was thrilled by the calendar that Gioia got him (half clad women on boats - something related to charity) and managed to avoid a heart attack as he flicked through the months. Our chocolate-filled sock was immediately banished by Nonna Giovanna. In the meantime, Nonna Bianca told us all about her recipes and about evicting her neighbours. A fun day.
A new scarf to impress the girls.
Gioia, Cataldo, Pasquale, Giovanna, Bianca.
How many antipasti, primi and secondi is it fit to indulge in on Christmas Day?! The sky seemed to be the limit as we settled in the sala di Casa Giardini. Halfway through, we had to have a present break to digest. Nonno Pasquale was thrilled by the calendar that Gioia got him (half clad women on boats - something related to charity) and managed to avoid a heart attack as he flicked through the months. Our chocolate-filled sock was immediately banished by Nonna Giovanna. In the meantime, Nonna Bianca told us all about her recipes and about evicting her neighbours. A fun day.
A new scarf to impress the girls.
Gioia, Cataldo, Pasquale, Giovanna, Bianca.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
COMPLEANNI E PANCIONI
We screwed up everyone's card-playing plans - that is what we do at Christmas over here, you get out the briscola set and any board game you have and then invite people over for a night of gambling. We had them over for a last minute fondue chinoise instead to celebrate Valentina's birthday.
Brave Federica and Giandomenico drank the broth and actually enjoyed the noodles - we cannot say as much for the others... but Flavio did impress the crowds by cooking ten slices of beef at once.
The birthday girl's bump is one month behind ours!
We screwed up everyone's card-playing plans - that is what we do at Christmas over here, you get out the briscola set and any board game you have and then invite people over for a night of gambling. We had them over for a last minute fondue chinoise instead to celebrate Valentina's birthday.
Brave Federica and Giandomenico drank the broth and actually enjoyed the noodles - we cannot say as much for the others... but Flavio did impress the crowds by cooking ten slices of beef at once.
The birthday girl's bump is one month behind ours!
Friday, December 19, 2008
WHAT IS PINK, RUNS AROUND SMILING AND HAS A BROWN MIDDLE?
Loulou of course! And she did not arrive alone. By mid December, mate had acquired Flybaboo shares and got herself, Laurine and the wheels down to Florence. And so it was that we drove off into the night with a family size pack of M&Ms and lots of chit chatting. By the following day, having slipped down the lop-sided bed during the night, the girls were ready for a full round of baking (more mince pies!!), shopping (no woolly jumper...), visiting (here and there and Perugia), drawing (including a portrait of Bean in Tummy), painting (on the kitchen floor), building (such as Christmas tree birds with Matteo and Simone) and lots more.
Our photographer focused on the inbred locals, using us as props.
Lovely weather, warm, sunny, no wind...
And they managed to avoid slapping each other too hard.
Disappearing into the sofa.
Loulou of course! And she did not arrive alone. By mid December, mate had acquired Flybaboo shares and got herself, Laurine and the wheels down to Florence. And so it was that we drove off into the night with a family size pack of M&Ms and lots of chit chatting. By the following day, having slipped down the lop-sided bed during the night, the girls were ready for a full round of baking (more mince pies!!), shopping (no woolly jumper...), visiting (here and there and Perugia), drawing (including a portrait of Bean in Tummy), painting (on the kitchen floor), building (such as Christmas tree birds with Matteo and Simone) and lots more.
Our photographer focused on the inbred locals, using us as props.
Lovely weather, warm, sunny, no wind...
And they managed to avoid slapping each other too hard.
Disappearing into the sofa.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
OUR LAST MINIBREAK AS A DUET?!?
And so it was that Cristian hobbled on one leg and I poddled on two round the beautiful historic centre of Lucca for the Ponte dell'Otto Dicembre.
When we got to the Torre dei Guinigi, with its trees sprouting atop, and discovered there was no lift, we decided we had better come back the following day, taking a picnic with us and making it into a 12-hour excursion.
Needless to say that we managed to skip it, basking in the sunshine of Piazza Napoleone instead and discovering Trattoria da Francesco (family run, super yummy cappeletti lucchesi).
Lovely handbag! (Torre dei Guinigi in the background)
The best mortadella sandwich bench ever!
Piazza dell'anfiteatro.
And so it was that Cristian hobbled on one leg and I poddled on two round the beautiful historic centre of Lucca for the Ponte dell'Otto Dicembre.
When we got to the Torre dei Guinigi, with its trees sprouting atop, and discovered there was no lift, we decided we had better come back the following day, taking a picnic with us and making it into a 12-hour excursion.
Needless to say that we managed to skip it, basking in the sunshine of Piazza Napoleone instead and discovering Trattoria da Francesco (family run, super yummy cappeletti lucchesi).
Lovely handbag! (Torre dei Guinigi in the background)
The best mortadella sandwich bench ever!
Piazza dell'anfiteatro.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
HOW DID THE SPINACH HIT THE WALL?
Ken dragged his girls to watch Pozzuolo versus some obscure village football team, one freezing Sunday afternoon, when the wind was blowing a gale and the nose hairs were congealing.
A few days later, to ensure the heroic kids had survived, we had them round for a mini-pancake party.
The girls were angels but somehow spinach was splashed half way up the dining room hall (right behind Ken's head?!? a giveaway?) and Cristian got the entire machine floating in nutella and whipped cream...
The Murphys minus Danica.
Ken dragged his girls to watch Pozzuolo versus some obscure village football team, one freezing Sunday afternoon, when the wind was blowing a gale and the nose hairs were congealing.
A few days later, to ensure the heroic kids had survived, we had them round for a mini-pancake party.
The girls were angels but somehow spinach was splashed half way up the dining room hall (right behind Ken's head?!? a giveaway?) and Cristian got the entire machine floating in nutella and whipped cream...
The Murphys minus Danica.
Monday, November 10, 2008
FOX PARADE
Fox and Mate saved the day again!!!! They arrived from Cesena just in time to see Cristian before his knee operation and were there to lend their support to Bean and me, and tell lots of silly jokes.
In the space of a week, they:
- delivered a ton of material from Isa and JA - saving us from the hassle and stress of trying to figure out what Bean will need (one trip to Prenatal nearly saw the shop assistant cleaved in half - and no, not by me, but by Fox. I wonder where I get it from?!);
- cooked lots of meals - including a full on Christmas dinner (with a turkey-chicken-cat hybrid - ask Fox, he will tell you - and with a gorgeous Christmas tree too);
- cleaned the terrace and washed the table and chairs (we can now eat on the floor it is so sparkling);
- sorted out the bike shed, removing all spiders (there were millions);
- built a bed and bookshelf (king of diy);
- had the entire kitchen pot-drying cabinet fall on their head (ok, that was Fox, and no, he did not admit to yanking the doors open);
- taught me how to make pastry (ban the bomb gigantic mince pie and treacle tart - my next trip to perugia will include a treacle hunt);
- went to the Silvestrini CUP to pay for a free ecography;
- and much much more.
I tried to confiscate the car keys, but to no avail... one week down the line, they had disappeared and the fairytale dissolved into thin air.
A first? Christmas in November!
Any excuse to celebrate.
What was that joke about the I-Tit? or the Daddy Long Legs?
Fox and Mate saved the day again!!!! They arrived from Cesena just in time to see Cristian before his knee operation and were there to lend their support to Bean and me, and tell lots of silly jokes.
In the space of a week, they:
- delivered a ton of material from Isa and JA - saving us from the hassle and stress of trying to figure out what Bean will need (one trip to Prenatal nearly saw the shop assistant cleaved in half - and no, not by me, but by Fox. I wonder where I get it from?!);
- cooked lots of meals - including a full on Christmas dinner (with a turkey-chicken-cat hybrid - ask Fox, he will tell you - and with a gorgeous Christmas tree too);
- cleaned the terrace and washed the table and chairs (we can now eat on the floor it is so sparkling);
- sorted out the bike shed, removing all spiders (there were millions);
- built a bed and bookshelf (king of diy);
- had the entire kitchen pot-drying cabinet fall on their head (ok, that was Fox, and no, he did not admit to yanking the doors open);
- taught me how to make pastry (ban the bomb gigantic mince pie and treacle tart - my next trip to perugia will include a treacle hunt);
- went to the Silvestrini CUP to pay for a free ecography;
- and much much more.
I tried to confiscate the car keys, but to no avail... one week down the line, they had disappeared and the fairytale dissolved into thin air.
A first? Christmas in November!
Any excuse to celebrate.
What was that joke about the I-Tit? or the Daddy Long Legs?
Monday, November 03, 2008
WONDERING WHAT COUNTRY THIS IS?! ME TO!!
Today is the day Alitalia has another one of its meetings to decide if the staff can accept the new proposal to save the company. Somehow, the past month and a half has been one long ultimatum - too much deficit, time to collapse it; new investors, time to save it; cash injection opposed by Brussels, time to seek a sentence. Hopefully they will not resort to flying the planes with no pilots or hostesses...
Cristian was also supposed to be operated on today - knee ligaments - but the surgeon called on Sunday to say the hospital was going on strike so he would be operated on either Tuesday or Wednesday. Mah?! Oh and it is now 16.00 on Monday afternoon and we still don't know if/when the operation will take place.
Today is the day Alitalia has another one of its meetings to decide if the staff can accept the new proposal to save the company. Somehow, the past month and a half has been one long ultimatum - too much deficit, time to collapse it; new investors, time to save it; cash injection opposed by Brussels, time to seek a sentence. Hopefully they will not resort to flying the planes with no pilots or hostesses...
Cristian was also supposed to be operated on today - knee ligaments - but the surgeon called on Sunday to say the hospital was going on strike so he would be operated on either Tuesday or Wednesday. Mah?! Oh and it is now 16.00 on Monday afternoon and we still don't know if/when the operation will take place.
BACK TO FRONT
The boiler pump has blown up, as they do when the boiler is an antique and the owner refuses to change the whole thing. The plumber was suppose to arrive before lunch, he turned up at 14.30 only to tell me he will have to send someone else later. I love waiting for the boiler man, its become one of my favorite pass-times :)
On another positive note, the workmen have finally arrived to do up the entrance hall (perfect timing to start banging and making lots of dust since I have been away a month and have Mate and Fox arriving just today!!).
Now my question is: why lay the new tiles BEFORE painting the walls and adjusting the doors to they will actually close - or the tiles near the door will fit?!
The boiler pump has blown up, as they do when the boiler is an antique and the owner refuses to change the whole thing. The plumber was suppose to arrive before lunch, he turned up at 14.30 only to tell me he will have to send someone else later. I love waiting for the boiler man, its become one of my favorite pass-times :)
On another positive note, the workmen have finally arrived to do up the entrance hall (perfect timing to start banging and making lots of dust since I have been away a month and have Mate and Fox arriving just today!!).
Now my question is: why lay the new tiles BEFORE painting the walls and adjusting the doors to they will actually close - or the tiles near the door will fit?!
Saturday, November 01, 2008
BELLA ROMA
Bean and I survived!!!!
Actually, we sailed through the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) meeting and the Rotterdam Convention 4th Conference of the Parties.
The Villa San Pio hotel was a highlight, as were a few of the restaurants we tried in Testaccio. Mainly it was a fun opportunity to spend time with Melanie and Wangu the first week, before Melanie set off for New Caledonia (as you do).
So here we have:
Nancy (our Logistics, throughout), Andrej (forest mtg), moi, Mel (TL for wk1), Wagaki (TL forests), Wangu (front - writer both wks), Anne (back - writer wk 2), Keith (writer wk2), Nicole (forests) and Soledad (our TL for wk2).
And this is Anne, Bean and Moi handing out ENBs in plenary.
Bean and I survived!!!!
Actually, we sailed through the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) meeting and the Rotterdam Convention 4th Conference of the Parties.
The Villa San Pio hotel was a highlight, as were a few of the restaurants we tried in Testaccio. Mainly it was a fun opportunity to spend time with Melanie and Wangu the first week, before Melanie set off for New Caledonia (as you do).
So here we have:
Nancy (our Logistics, throughout), Andrej (forest mtg), moi, Mel (TL for wk1), Wagaki (TL forests), Wangu (front - writer both wks), Anne (back - writer wk 2), Keith (writer wk2), Nicole (forests) and Soledad (our TL for wk2).
And this is Anne, Bean and Moi handing out ENBs in plenary.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
GALLINELLA E GAMBERI
We didn't eat shrimp but to catch a gallinella fish, you have to give it shrimp! Classy thing. With or without cocktail sauce. A highlight of our trip to Grosseto and Castiglione della Pescaia, excluding my surreal conversation about sustainable wood at the Timbuktu shop - which had the most amazing tables, but no certification scheme running.
And so it was that we came home empty handed, with just a tan to show for a lovely weekend on the Costa Maremmana.
Once cooked, Gallinelle prefer to eat potatoes.
Gianni admitted having fished baby anguilla in his youth.
Beppe and Petula stuck to seppie.
Whist Matteo and Yoanna ordered the entire menu.
We didn't eat shrimp but to catch a gallinella fish, you have to give it shrimp! Classy thing. With or without cocktail sauce. A highlight of our trip to Grosseto and Castiglione della Pescaia, excluding my surreal conversation about sustainable wood at the Timbuktu shop - which had the most amazing tables, but no certification scheme running.
And so it was that we came home empty handed, with just a tan to show for a lovely weekend on the Costa Maremmana.
Once cooked, Gallinelle prefer to eat potatoes.
Gianni admitted having fished baby anguilla in his youth.
Beppe and Petula stuck to seppie.
Whist Matteo and Yoanna ordered the entire menu.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
TWO SHEFFIELDIANS & DUE CAPPUCCINI
Tolentino sounds like Torremolinos, Sheffield University's student disco night. Somehow, Toby and Helen managed to get their hands on a property out there, in the middle of an olive grove, for their holidays. For an even more inexplicable reason, we did not manage to go and visit, so they came here instead, and helped us swat a few mosquitoes out of the way!
Tolentino sounds like Torremolinos, Sheffield University's student disco night. Somehow, Toby and Helen managed to get their hands on a property out there, in the middle of an olive grove, for their holidays. For an even more inexplicable reason, we did not manage to go and visit, so they came here instead, and helped us swat a few mosquitoes out of the way!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
AN ITALIAN WEDDING
Chiara and Massimo waited 14 years for their special day, so they turned it into a weekend and had absolutely everything, from the dress, suits, shoes, to the flowers, black cab, horse-drawn carriage, canapes, cakes, fireworks, confetti, the lot.
and the veil of course.
and round-looking guests at Il Melone, Camucia.
Chiara and Massimo waited 14 years for their special day, so they turned it into a weekend and had absolutely everything, from the dress, suits, shoes, to the flowers, black cab, horse-drawn carriage, canapes, cakes, fireworks, confetti, the lot.
and the veil of course.
and round-looking guests at Il Melone, Camucia.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
COLD CUT GALORE
Where can you combine Una Vita Spericolata with a Salami? Where can you find pici and entire legs of ham for under 5 Euro?
Pozzuolo of course!!
On Wednesday night we listened to Vasco (needless to say that it was not Mr Rossi that was performing but a look-alike that Paolino adores, possibly less that he loves Zampo or the boat driver, but he is still besotted). After the pici and before the concert, we gambled five euro on the lottery. Michela got wine, Paolino got a salami, Federico got a pecorino cheese and then, with the same number, a whole prosciutto! Duty bound to help them make their way through their winnings, we invited them to dinner on Friday. Michela surprised the crowds with a GREEN cake.
Before hoards of mozzies arrived.
Spinach and coconut?
Where can you combine Una Vita Spericolata with a Salami? Where can you find pici and entire legs of ham for under 5 Euro?
Pozzuolo of course!!
On Wednesday night we listened to Vasco (needless to say that it was not Mr Rossi that was performing but a look-alike that Paolino adores, possibly less that he loves Zampo or the boat driver, but he is still besotted). After the pici and before the concert, we gambled five euro on the lottery. Michela got wine, Paolino got a salami, Federico got a pecorino cheese and then, with the same number, a whole prosciutto! Duty bound to help them make their way through their winnings, we invited them to dinner on Friday. Michela surprised the crowds with a GREEN cake.
Before hoards of mozzies arrived.
Spinach and coconut?
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
ST MEDIE PARADISE
The second group of poulettes squawked in St Medie, between Sisteron and Aix-en-Provence, for a full three days, occasionally dipping in the pool when the Mistral was not blowing, and chasing night markets that did not exist in Cucuron. Dindon Cris got a gold medal for shopping with JP on Saturday morning, and Fredo was nominated best child entertainer, bringing them back from Roussillon covered in colours. Valerie took on her natural role as lead organiser and Helene, Fred and I sometimes did what we were told. A fun break that passed all too quickly!
A moment of peace by the pool.
One of the many moments at the table!
The second group of poulettes squawked in St Medie, between Sisteron and Aix-en-Provence, for a full three days, occasionally dipping in the pool when the Mistral was not blowing, and chasing night markets that did not exist in Cucuron. Dindon Cris got a gold medal for shopping with JP on Saturday morning, and Fredo was nominated best child entertainer, bringing them back from Roussillon covered in colours. Valerie took on her natural role as lead organiser and Helene, Fred and I sometimes did what we were told. A fun break that passed all too quickly!
A moment of peace by the pool.
One of the many moments at the table!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
NURSES AND THE FULL MONTY: THE COMMON DENOMINATOR
You might remember our nurse friend from a post about biros on the 21st of April (and if you don't, you should check it out as it contains important medical information for anyone needing first aid). Anyhow, Giandomenico works in the emergencies unit of the Silvestrini Hospital in Perugia, a sprawling mass of concrete that is getting larger by the minute as it expands to accommodate and replace the old hospital in the centre of town. Yesterday, we nipped over to say hi, or so we thought before we got entangled in the biggest labyrinth (without hedges) that you have ever seen. All the doors that had a "please close" sign were open, all the main doors had no signs at all, and the only information point and reception area that we found was a wooden garden shed, brand-new and empty, sitting along the main road. And so to my point: do nurses use the info-shed to sneak away for a secret, guilt-free mars bar (whilst wearing clingfilm under their overall)?!? and what happens in an emergency?!
spot the shed...
You might remember our nurse friend from a post about biros on the 21st of April (and if you don't, you should check it out as it contains important medical information for anyone needing first aid). Anyhow, Giandomenico works in the emergencies unit of the Silvestrini Hospital in Perugia, a sprawling mass of concrete that is getting larger by the minute as it expands to accommodate and replace the old hospital in the centre of town. Yesterday, we nipped over to say hi, or so we thought before we got entangled in the biggest labyrinth (without hedges) that you have ever seen. All the doors that had a "please close" sign were open, all the main doors had no signs at all, and the only information point and reception area that we found was a wooden garden shed, brand-new and empty, sitting along the main road. And so to my point: do nurses use the info-shed to sneak away for a secret, guilt-free mars bar (whilst wearing clingfilm under their overall)?!? and what happens in an emergency?!
spot the shed...
Sunday, August 10, 2008
LOUNGING
and that is how we spend Sunday afternoons... a reminder for the winter months!
Casa Wieters, restored by Arch Marco Carlini www.studiocarlini.com, bought by me - ie, I had power of attorney for them, or whatever it is called ;)
and that is how we spend Sunday afternoons... a reminder for the winter months!
Casa Wieters, restored by Arch Marco Carlini www.studiocarlini.com, bought by me - ie, I had power of attorney for them, or whatever it is called ;)
Saturday, August 09, 2008
PASINIS MOVE OVER
For a full week, Jandro and his girls took over Petrignano's Spinalbeto Case Vacanze, visiting nearby water wholes, such as Camucia's Seven Point and Lake Trasimeno, before heading off to the seaside and a trip down memory lane at Bagno Mercuriali.
We pedaloed round Castiglione del Lago, stopping at Pepe Rosa for an ice cream on one day, and then, two days later, when the pain in our legs had faded, we went to Lido di Tuoro and narrowly avoided the ferry as we were making our way back from Isola Maggiore, where we stopped for another ice cream.
Who is addicted to ice and coke?!
The whole family gathered to spend an evening with us. Only Nicolo was out with his mates - to be expected at six years old!
The happy family took one more dip before it was time for some parmiggiano and Sagrantino di Montefalco, and a drive back down to Rome.
For a full week, Jandro and his girls took over Petrignano's Spinalbeto Case Vacanze, visiting nearby water wholes, such as Camucia's Seven Point and Lake Trasimeno, before heading off to the seaside and a trip down memory lane at Bagno Mercuriali.
We pedaloed round Castiglione del Lago, stopping at Pepe Rosa for an ice cream on one day, and then, two days later, when the pain in our legs had faded, we went to Lido di Tuoro and narrowly avoided the ferry as we were making our way back from Isola Maggiore, where we stopped for another ice cream.
Who is addicted to ice and coke?!
The whole family gathered to spend an evening with us. Only Nicolo was out with his mates - to be expected at six years old!
The happy family took one more dip before it was time for some parmiggiano and Sagrantino di Montefalco, and a drive back down to Rome.
Friday, August 08, 2008
NEW HOMES
or should I say a home, as opposed to the floor of the bathroom or the box near the lorry shed - shared with mum (Luna) and flanked by dad (Mister (Ringo) Star) - but still not particularly comfy.
Puciottina, who nearly got killed by the Alsacian planting its teeth into her head, went off to be pampered by Roberto and his dog-loving family. Her toe-biting, flip-flop-nibbling brother, Puciotto, took the place of a guard dog in Pozzuolo and cried his first night away (clearly no feet to graze on in the vicinity...). Hopefully they will both live happy lives.
Do you like my new shower mat?
My not-particularly-clean but super cheeky Puciotto.
or should I say a home, as opposed to the floor of the bathroom or the box near the lorry shed - shared with mum (Luna) and flanked by dad (Mister (Ringo) Star) - but still not particularly comfy.
Puciottina, who nearly got killed by the Alsacian planting its teeth into her head, went off to be pampered by Roberto and his dog-loving family. Her toe-biting, flip-flop-nibbling brother, Puciotto, took the place of a guard dog in Pozzuolo and cried his first night away (clearly no feet to graze on in the vicinity...). Hopefully they will both live happy lives.
Do you like my new shower mat?
My not-particularly-clean but super cheeky Puciotto.
Monday, July 21, 2008
LOVE BOAT
White cotton, polo shirts, flat shoes, a night on a boat... or so i thought... in Italy, when you spend Friday night sulla barca, you wear party gear, best frocks, 12inch heals. Checkout the pictures. And these girls even managed to dance all the way back - after the captain had said on Isola Polvese, during dinner, that after all the wine, we were all expected to wear our life jackets and sit still, he directed us back to the lake, put the music full blast, power full throttle, and stood on his driving stool to giggle his arms about! What a night!!
Nothing flat on the horizon.
Aperitivo on the boat, dinner on Isola Polvese.
Standing below the castle on the island.
The sunset on the way out. It was pitch black on the way back, so a good thing no one fell in :)
White cotton, polo shirts, flat shoes, a night on a boat... or so i thought... in Italy, when you spend Friday night sulla barca, you wear party gear, best frocks, 12inch heals. Checkout the pictures. And these girls even managed to dance all the way back - after the captain had said on Isola Polvese, during dinner, that after all the wine, we were all expected to wear our life jackets and sit still, he directed us back to the lake, put the music full blast, power full throttle, and stood on his driving stool to giggle his arms about! What a night!!
Nothing flat on the horizon.
Aperitivo on the boat, dinner on Isola Polvese.
Standing below the castle on the island.
The sunset on the way out. It was pitch black on the way back, so a good thing no one fell in :)
Sunday, July 13, 2008
I MARRIED BENJI-BOODLES!!!!
By some miracle, the flight landed on time, the luggage appeared within 30 minutes, we found the car intact in the car park and no traffic on Rome's ring road, notwithstanding a total transport strike. So we belted it back up to CdL, threw ourselves in the shower, dashed into work, and split our separate ways. I went off to Gubbio to sort out the last details of Ben and Anna's wedding. And then, on the 9th of July, with all the paperwork finalised, I said "si" to Mr Albo, the Vice Sindaco of Gubbio, and so they tied the knot!
Piazza Grande, Gubbio, beautified by the newlyweds.
Before the parasol was whipped out, at the Convento Mincione, somewhere between Umbertide and Preggio.
It was the shoes that were the real attraction - Ashmore girls posing.
Redington clan giggled as the prosecco flowed.
A proud sister and mother sporting dramatic new hairdo!
By some miracle, the flight landed on time, the luggage appeared within 30 minutes, we found the car intact in the car park and no traffic on Rome's ring road, notwithstanding a total transport strike. So we belted it back up to CdL, threw ourselves in the shower, dashed into work, and split our separate ways. I went off to Gubbio to sort out the last details of Ben and Anna's wedding. And then, on the 9th of July, with all the paperwork finalised, I said "si" to Mr Albo, the Vice Sindaco of Gubbio, and so they tied the knot!
Piazza Grande, Gubbio, beautified by the newlyweds.
Before the parasol was whipped out, at the Convento Mincione, somewhere between Umbertide and Preggio.
It was the shoes that were the real attraction - Ashmore girls posing.
Redington clan giggled as the prosecco flowed.
A proud sister and mother sporting dramatic new hairdo!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
NO QUESTION, IT WAS A HOLIDAY
We started off in Nusa Dua at the Balidesa resort, splashing in the pool and drinking fruit juice. But we quickly left this non-Indonesian enclave, moving to Seminyak where we had many long long strolls on the super long beach, and a few flash backs as we wandered through Kuta.
Walking down memory lane, we moved up to Ubud. The geese were still in the football field.
This time round, we braved the roads and rented a scooter to explore the rice paddies...
and buy a Komodo Dragon and a couple of Indonesian ladies.
In the meantime, the workers in the hotel next to ours, shuffled around the scaffolding plastering the second level of a new building.
For our final day, we returned to Seminyak before flying home via KL, on Malaysian Airlines, the only company I know who offers beer on take off and makes you beg for water!
We started off in Nusa Dua at the Balidesa resort, splashing in the pool and drinking fruit juice. But we quickly left this non-Indonesian enclave, moving to Seminyak where we had many long long strolls on the super long beach, and a few flash backs as we wandered through Kuta.
Walking down memory lane, we moved up to Ubud. The geese were still in the football field.
This time round, we braved the roads and rented a scooter to explore the rice paddies...
and buy a Komodo Dragon and a couple of Indonesian ladies.
In the meantime, the workers in the hotel next to ours, shuffled around the scaffolding plastering the second level of a new building.
For our final day, we returned to Seminyak before flying home via KL, on Malaysian Airlines, the only company I know who offers beer on take off and makes you beg for water!