A bit of culture was needed

After a quiet day Monday replenishing the batteries, I awoke Tuesday keen for a bit of culture. True to form the weather had changed and in my haste, had forgotten an umbrella.

Undercover and underground until Westminster, I had not seen the change and I stepped out into a downpour.

                              Westminster under grey skies

My trusty emergency poncho kept me from drowning and I walked up past Westminster to the Tate gallery.

                                         Oliver Cromwell is also at Westminster!

This gallery is free, can donate, and houses wonderful art work of significance dating from the 16th century. Each room is a period and I was particularly drawn to the 1840's.

Too much to take in one go, and I will try and return to see in detail more of this display. So having cultured on Constable and cronies it was a short trip to Paddington to meet Fi for lunch.

I had promised to cook for the girls, and they were keen for a quietish week after the hoy polloy of previous weeks. This meant a quick detour to Canary Wharf for supplies and then home.

Salmon with salsa verde was the outcome and was made using many of the garden herbs. Served with wild rice flavored with olives, pine nuts and red pepper was gratefully accepted.

The crazy weather had cleared and we could enjoy outside. Up today and again weather is a tad murky. Bureau says it will improve, so here is hoping.

Sunday bbq

The 2 girls and I got up and after 7 weeks of family visits, it was time for a bit of spring clean. I was able to help outside and mowed lawn, then did all the rubbish.

We then rewarded ourselves with a walk down to the Cutty Sark and the Gypsy Moth pub.

                                     Fi and Leann

Although the afternoon was a little overcast, we agreed to a BBQ. A call to Richard, had him keen, so off we went to get the necessary equipment.

Bags in hand it started to pour so our walk home was punctuated with a stop at the Mitre pub, just to let the rain pass. It sits next to St Alfege's church which is where Henry VIII was baptized, as well as his daughter Elizabeth!

St Alfege

Got home and put a leg of lamb and a spatchcock chicken into Webber. Richard arrived and as the rains had cleared to a lovely evening we sat outside and feasted. Roast potatoes, and fresh green salad complimented.

It was a school night for everyone but me so it was not late when we all called it quits.

My job now to clean up a bit, and then I will consider my day.

Bourne's End....then Strand

Okay, I missed a day. On Friday after a day pottering around, I went to Paddington in arvo, armed with essentials for an overnight stay at Howard and Nessie's new place.

Howie showed up direct from lunch at 6.15 pm! Fi and I joined him on the 1 hour train ride north, where he regaled us with his antics after the long lunch.

We arrived at Bourne's End and after a stop at the off licence headed up the hill to the new house.

Back yard

Well it is great. Part of the house is over 400 years old, and it sits atop hill on 1 acre of land. Aptly named Hilltop. We were greeted by the 3 kids (Jack, Charly, and Lara) and after a quick tour set up in garden with Ness, her sister Moo, and Simon.

View from front

We enjoyed a BBQ feast, listened to music and eventually pulled up stumps. Saturday morning arrived and after late brunch, Simon drove us back into London.

                                Plane parking?

Back to Greenwich where we were getting ready to meet Steph at the Strand for her birthday.

Somerset House was the venue, and it is a gorgeous building, and in its current state was built in 1801. Prior it had a chequered history worth reading.

                               Kids in the fountain spurts

We met the girls, who had a good head start around 6.00 pm. They had started lunch at 1.30! So there I was surrounded by 8 lovelies, and was pleased when Scott showed for some male company.

                                 Scott, Steph , and Leann

A lovely evening ensued and at some point Fi and I said our goodbyes and ambled off.

Sunday is here and what the day holds will unfold.

Farewell to the families

After the girls had gone to work and family left for their day out, I slowly got myself together.

A nice walk down to Deptford High St was in order to pick up a few fixings. An interesting eclectic mix there. Jamaicans, Asians, and English fill the streets and the shops and their wares reflect the differences.

                                 The ages of buildings astound me

With a load of groceries in hand came back for lunch and started to prepare a laksa for the evening.

Fi was home early arvo, followed closely by the family who had to pack for their flight home that night.

With a few hours to spare we slipped around corner to the Guildford Arms (circa 1796) so that Iain could savour his last pint. Well we could hardly leave him on his own!

                                 Brew Dreams

Back home to wait for their minicab, and then it was done. Fi's last family had left and quiet reigned.

                                  Farewell shot. Michael, Iain, Lisa, Fi, and Harry

Leann got back from work and we had the laksa in the outdoors and soon it was time for bed.

Off this arvo to see Howie and Nessie's new house and stay overnight.

Back to Greenwich

An uneventful train trip back saw me in London just after lunch. Iain, Lisa and the boys arrived later in arvo from their trips and we chatted until they left for their last night out.

Fi and Leann got home at 7.30 and we dined before the rest of Fi's family arrive (Alex and Julie). Their last night in UK as well.

We all sat outside and talked to early hours. All good things come to an end and we said our farewells. Will be quieter around here now.

Was a travel day so not much to report, although I spotted an interesting sign in the window.

Not sure it achieved its aim!!!

Stockport - not quite Manchester

Headed off from Euston station to Stockport, and although delayed a tad, still got there in about 2 1/2 hours. Rob picked me up and we went back to his for a quick tidy and then off to explore.

He took me up to the Hare and Hounds on top of hill which gives great views over Manchester. It was as close as I got!

                                 Hare and Hounds

We had a pint there and then took car back down home.

                                 View from Stockport over Manchester

We had some time to kill so off we toddled to Gardener's Arms, followed by the Victoria and then back home to meet his wife Megan

Dinner was decided so we walked to Midway for a great feed where we were joined by Mike and John, who I had met 2 years ago.

Megan left us after dinner and the 4 boys went onto my 5th pub for the day at the Railway! Intention was 6 pubs but last bell at railway snapped us into reality.

                                 From left, John, Rob, Ian, and Mike

A great night where we did not let the facts interfere with a good story came to an end, and we said goodbye to the boys. Rob and I made our way to town where last drinks had already been called at the Edgerton so missed out.

Mandatory kebab on way home saw Rob and I walking home and got in about 1.00 am. Great circular walking tour of locals and up this morning feeling pretty good considering.

Rob is off to Folkstone, then Brunei today and will drop me at station for trip back to London. Good to have caught up, and maybe will see again when he returns as he may be in London.

Back in UK

Missed a day traveling.... My last day in Italy saw me head to Grossetta and see Natasha's friend Joan.

Joan 

She is an Irish lady that had worked for UN for 40 years. She has some stories, and has been living in Italy for many years. After an entertaining lunch I headed back and early night to rise at 6.00 am.

Said my farewells, and drove to Bologna, to catch plane to Gatwick. Arrived back in Greenwich about 5.00 pm, and then met Fiona at Daveys for a couple.

Up this morning and off to meet Robbie in Manchester today. Staying there overnight and back to London tomorrow.

All for now.....

Bolgheri Village

As my week in Italy winds down, I am taking it easy. After the late night of Friday, I eased myself into day, then with Alex as my guide went to the local markets to buy some shorts as mine are standing by themselves.

Alex and Lancia

As an aside, have you noticed when you hire a car, you always get 'or similar'. I had booked, over 10 weeks ago, a Peugeot 208. The Lancia is fine, but it is not a Peugeot.

So after Natasha and Alex departed, I headed up to Bolgheri. This is deep in wine territory, and is a small walled village that is home to wine shops and cafes. Could be worse!

Bolgheri streets

I poked around a bit and had a bite to eat then headed off to Sassetta to say goodbyes.

The entrance to Bolgheri

A short drive brought me to Sassetta where I found Natasha and Alex asleep! And she tells me she is working hard! Apparently it had been a busy lunchtime crowd, and she was taking a quick shuteye to ready for night.

The afternoon card game was on and I whiled away the time until 7.00 when I grabbed a feed.

                                 Men of village doing their arvo cards

Headed back home, and was awake at midnight when they returned. After Alex was tucked up, Natasha and I chatted for a while before she faded.

My last day in Italy, and with an early rise and drive to Bologna, will have a quiet day. Maybe the beach, and my next post will be back in UK. Italy will be back on my agenda as I have only scraped the surface. Ciao......

Siena

A reasonably early start saw Natasha, Alex and I on the road to Siena. The 1 hour 40 minute drive took us south towards Grossetta before heading NE through the Tuscan landscape of farmland, mountains, and villages. A great sight of its own.

We arrived at Siena, and drove up the hill to the walled city and luck favoured us, well Natasha's Italian was helpful, as we were offered a park as another man left.

We wound our way deeper in through the twisted streets until we came quickly onto the cathedral.

                                  Siena cathedral

This magnificent example of Romano-Gothic architecture was started in the 12 the century! Suitably impressed we sat in its shadows and enjoyed lunch.

It is easy to see why the city is a world heritage site as we headed into the Piazzo Del Campo, which is huge and is the site of the Palio horse race. I shudder to think of the dangers racing on cobblestones.

The square

We poked around a bit, and soon realised there was more and more to see. Far too much for a day trip, so will have to come back some day as there are museums and other attractions aplenty.

                                  Some fountain! Astonishing really.

After wetting my lips only, we headed back to San Vincenzo and the reality that Natasha had to work. I dropped her and Alex at the restaurant, and managed a feed myself, before I came back home.

I rested and after they finished work Sandro took me into town around midnight for a look see at the nightlife.

The Porto area was fairly alive and the bars spilled out onto the sidewalk. There seems to be no problem changing bars with drinks in hand, so we saw a couple and settled at Zanzibar to watch the parade of people.

                                  Sandro on left with his Sicilian mate.

Around 3.00 we called it quits and headed home for zzzz's. Up today with only a hint of what to do. Do not worry, I am sure I will fill the day!
                             

Beach day at Mortelliccic

An easy start to day, and although Natasha had to work, I took Alex to his Aunt Sylvia's, where we met up to go to beach. This was a short drive to Mortelliccic, where it is a sand beach.

                                Beach views

We met up with a few of her friends and enjoyed swims and the antics of the kids.

                                From right, Alex, Sylvia and daughter Alice

I left Alex with Sylvia and headed home about 4.30. Natasha finished work and we drove up to Montescuido around 8.00 to see Sabina perform. Her guitarist Franco and her were having dinner, and we joined them before they started their gig.

                                 Sabina and Franco

Listened to their music, which was completely different to the other night. This was more mainstream covers. The crowd of mostly Dutch caravan campers enjoyed as we did.

We said bye and left them there about 11.00 and headed home. Alex was returned eventually by his father after work, and then bed beckoned.

Sienna is on for today!

Populonia castle and dinner in Sassetta

Took a short drive down coast past the marina at Baratti and up to the headland of Populonia. A magnificent keep and barbicade dominates the headland with a cute village nestled in its lee.

                                Populonia castle

The area has been settled for eons and there are ancient Etruscan ruins next to the site of the medieval castle which was built in 14 the century and fortified in 15 the century. The keep has magnificent views up and down coast, and out to Elba and Corsica.

                                 View from castle to North

Had a quick bite there and then back home for lazy afternoon. Natasha came back from work and we picked up Alex from day camp to head up the hills to Sassetta.

This is a traditional Italian village perched on the slopes, and where Natasha's in laws have a restaurant. There was a pottery workshop for kids and Alex and his friend Eric joined in.

                                 Sassetta

Scions Gian Franco and Maria Pia welcomed us at the restaurant and with Eric's parents Mario and Sabina (yes the same singer) we feasted on fresh pasta, pickled vegetables and pizza.

                                 View east from Sassetta

After a lovely evening (except Natasha ended up in kitchen) we returned home for night.

Beach day methinks today and hopefully I will see Sabina perform tonight at another restaurant.

Beautiful Elba and musical treat

We set off from San Vincenzo to the port of Piombino which took about 1/2 hour. This is a busy industrial city, and not very attractive. Parked at port and soon on the 1 hour ferry to Elba.

Once on the water with Elba in sight, it was clear this was to be a good day.

                                Alex and I with fort in background

Offloaded in Portoferrario looking up at the fort, with sailboats racing the other side of bay, was lovely.

                                Portoferrario

Off to the west the towering mountains of Corsica were clearly visible, and day trips to that French island are also possible.

It was a glorious day, and we walked from port to closest beach for a swim. Buses are available to travel around as are hire scooters.

                                  5 minutes off ferry by foot!

Water and weather were glorious, and then it was time for a spot of lunch at one of the many cafés. So relaxing and then another swim before we grabbed one of the 1/2 hour interval ferries back.

Back to San Vincenzo to chill as the sun went down, then into town for a quick meal.

A friend of Natasha's, she has a few, Sabine was singing on beach podium. Tonight her and a quintet of jazz musicians were performing a tribute to Edith Piaf! Well they were great!

                                Sabine and band

We listened and enjoyed for a couple of hours as the kids ran around and eventually made our way home for sleep.

Maybe a spot of castles is on cards for me today.... The day beckons and I must away

Pizza in Italy

Natasha, Alex and I went into town for dinner, and the cooler time had brought out the crowds.

                                        No sleep in on Sunday for these units

The empty restaurants from arvo were heaving, and we managed to get a seat at one. Had a lovely antipasta, and a hot pizza, washed down with an Italian white wine.

                                Natasha at restaurant

We watched the promenading from our vantage point, and Natasha said hellos to many of her friends who tend to come out mid week as it is too busy on weekends.

A lovely evening and we returned home for a reasonably early night.

Up this morning and plan is a day trip to Elba. Arrivederci all...

Italy is beautiful

Well, had a beach trip for Caroline's birthday and lunch with crew. Afterwards a quick trip for a beer in village before I said my goodbyes again.

Caroline's speech

So a 3.30 rise saw me at Paphos airport for the trip to Bologna. Flying over Italy and its greenery was in stark contrast to Cyprus brown. Landed and got out of airport in quick time, and soon I was motoring along towards Liverno. Remembering to keep right was not too bad.

The scenery was lovely and I will attempt some shots in coming days.

Arrived in San Vincenzo, and was welcomed by a mad expat (Natasha) waving an Aussie flag on corner. Met her son Alex and gave them the bounty I had brought from home and carted on my travels. Funny what people miss.....not just your  Vegemite, but tiny teddy bears, sustagen?, and honey.

I had also brought some memorabilia, and a gift from Tracey for Alex of a socceroo jersey.

Alex

We went for a quick walk around town, and I got my bearings. I am looking forward to exploration over next few days.

                                 Street scene San Vincenzo

So a late post today and we will head down town for dinner about 8.00. Looking forward to the Italian cuisine, as the restaurants I saw looked great. Ciao for now.....

Pissouri farewells

A bit of sorting in morning and handed car back. Next step was to have a swim than lunch. Peaceful afternoon rolled on as I listened to cricket, and then headed into village for last evening.

Stav, Jen, and Elena

A fair crew was out as time moves on and after moving from Jack's bar to Iron Horse we settled down on 2 outside tables. Jen has been looking after 2 lads from blighty all week, and we were amused listening to their antics . First drinks followed by first upchuck!

The lads

I had a reasonably early one and said my farewell to most and also to Aftersquare bar.

So my last day has arrived, and a bit of beach is in order for Caroline's birthday. Will be early to bed as I have to get up at 3.30 am to catch flight to Bologna. Next post will be from Italy.

Farewell to a superhero?

After saying goodbye to all the family in Nikosia and also Nadee, I made good time back to Pissouri where the pool beckoned. After refreshing I headed into village for a spot of lunch and joined Mark. His farewell dinner was planned for evening, and we sat and enjoyed the breeze through square until he was summarily despatched by the girls as they wanted him fresh for night!

A bit of background. 4 of the ladies (Dianne, Caroline, Jo, and Janey) aka the Pissouri Cougars, had over the 2 years Mark had been in town enjoyed his company and initiated him into their group and affectionately named him P5. They had planned the evening.

Every man wants a red super cape?

18 of us joined for dinner at Vrakas where he was presented with his superhero red cape and cowboy hat! Well the evening could only deteriorate from there and all ended in Iron Horse for a large night. The girls all started a million dollars, and later a tad more disheveled.

                                 Dinner crew
Into the wee hours we partied and eventually we dispersed. Awake this morning and have to return to village to pick up car and also return it to rental company as my time here also draws nigh.

It is Caroline's birthday tomorrow so doubt it will be quiet times.

Agios Georgios and Nikosia with clan

Was not the earliest start, but went out to Agios Georgios for lunch. Beautiful spot overlooking sheltered bay. From there returned back to Pissouri via Aphrodite rock.

                               Aphrodite's birthplace

A busy time beckoned and I quickly threw some things in bag and drove to Nikosia. Deanna, Elena, and Zoe were still out, so I shared a coffee and melon with the patriarch Coco and his wife Dina.

Their place is the top floor of a 5 story block, which houses the rest of family on the other floors! Coco is a famed artist and their place is almost a museum. It is full of his work and never ceases to amaze me.

The girls arrived home and we were off to Elena's estranged husbands (Evenius) for traditional Soufla.

What can I say, it was amazing, he had set up in back yard and we arrived to the smell of BBQ soufla.

Master chef at work

Friends arrived and Theo, did fresh dips of saranagi and a rice, haloumi, tomato and mint. Fabulous fair and then Melon shooters with vodka!

Vodka melon

Food was eaten over the evening and with music accompanying, we finished off with chocolate cake! Fully sated it was a tremendous night.

                                 Nefelli, Lydia, Aradi, and Constantina

Back to Mavrogenis compound for sleep and awake this morning with another day to say bye, and return to Pissouri for dinner at Vrakas tonight. Its a sacrifice I know, but I will battle through.