Posted on

On the road again (pt 2)

Yesterday was a full and exhausting day. After coffee Chris and I went off to the market which is always fun. We sat in the sun and had a wine and a delicious pork roll and then I set off for my appointment to see Augustus’ and Livia’s Houses. Well that really was amazing. Such beautiful colours and frescoes, I was mesmerised. Loved it. Then there is this ancient Byzantine Church that they have just restored and opened to the public for a limited time period. It is down in the Forum, so off I went to see that and again loved it. There’s nothing like a good fresco I say!! My hip is holding up well and I ascended right up a massive climb to the balustrade for the view over the Forum and Rome. Then I walked back home, at which point I was ready for the ambulance to come and take me up the stairs to Chris’…but alas it didn’t arrive and somehow or another I lived!!

But not to end there Chris had booked for us to go to a 3D display thing at the Ara Pacis. This is a fabulous carved monument Augustus had done to celebrate peace. I’d seen it before and it is an amazing piece of work but it was once in magnificent colour and of course now there is no sign of the colours. So we donned 3D glasses with a kind of computer attached and we saw it all in its original splendour. Fabulous really although at times technologically challenging. We walked there and back so at the end of the day I was totally exhausted. We came home and ate the produce of the days market shop and drank copious amounts of wine.
Today will be a quieter day (hopefully). Chris has a friend arriving this afternoon so we’ll probably have dinner with her. Then I have a few short hours to doze before I have to be picked up for a 6.30 flight. I have booked Shuttle Direct and
I’m guessing pick- up will be 3.30…how stupid was I to book this flight!! Off for coffee. Will write again soon.
Posted on

On the road again

Here I go again, not that there’s much to say really but I need to get back into the habit of recording the life and times of an elderly adventurer…so, I’ve poured myself a glass of wine, sat myself down and started to rattle around thoughts…finding that thus far there isn’t a lot to rattle except the comfort of being back somewhere so familiar and easy. But back to the beginning:

The flight was an absolute breeze…best one ever with an empty seat next to me on both legs…couldn’t ask for more really. Jet lag was non-existent and life just proceeded without much of a blip except I have the mandatory post flight cold but so far even that isn’t exceptional. Chris met me at the airport and we went to a restaurant by the sea and partook of wine and nibbles (calamari and octopus). Thats about all it takes to feel as if you’ve never left. We came home, drank some more wine and had a good nights sleep.

Yesterday we started with the morning coffee…honestly as I keep saying cheap wine and coffee will keep me happy every time. Then i went off to do some chores like get my Italian phone back on line, buy some reading glasses and other small things all of which entailed a lot of walking around Rome and absorbing the city. I came back to have lunch with Chris before she went off to work, then I went out again and got my hair cut, watched the world go by in Piazza Navona, wandered a bit more and came home.

Today is Friday and I took myself off this morning to go back to Monti where I stayed last time and had such fond memories of. Sadly Monti has just about out cooled itself. My coffee shop was transformed into a mecca for tourists and charged accordingly. My Gelati shop (do you remember me raving about the pear and ricotta gelato that was to die for???) had been taken over and was selling mass produced crap. My ravioli shop was still there thank god, and I had lunch there…that was lovely. I bought a serve of take-away ravioli to bring back for Chris but the sauce oozed out on the way home so it won’t be much good!! Then I walked home from Monti slowly, stopping and watching the world go by at regular intervals.

I have a treat in store tomorrow…I’ve finally been able to book myself into Livia and Augustus’ Houses on the Palatine. I’ve been badly wanting to do that and was very jealous of Ang and Kirst who went when they were in Rome. So tomorrow I get to finally achieve that wish all being well. Then Chris and I are booked into a 3D exhibition of (and at) the Ara Pacis which will be amazing.

Time in Rome is speeding by and Germany awaits. This will be new territory and probably more interesting stories to tell. Not to say that Rome isn’t interesting, it’s just so….well…. comfortable (that word again) these days!!!

Posted on

Final missive from Melbourne

So it’s all over. Did it even happen? Feels all a bit surreal sitting at my computer from downtown Caulfield.

Since last time I wrote I’ve had my final day in Roma, packing and repacking, having my haircut so I go home looking chic! Having my fill of coffees and wine and feeling the cobblestones under my feet.

Chris and I went out for a fabulous final meal at Casa Gleve, a rather more up-market restaurant in Rome with the most delicious food in a fantastic old mansion, family run with the Mama cooking. They love Chris so we got very special treatment and a very discounted bill.

The next day it was coffee and get ready to go really. I’d ordered the Shuttle to get me to the airport. The timing was a bit tight but when the shuttle was late, and then later, I was in a real panic. But long story short, it got there and I got there. Late enough to be able to walk straight up to the Emirates counter with my super heavy case.

It was 30.2kg but they were happy to let it through albeit with a ‘heavy’ sticker. It was a dream flight, the connection in Dubai was perfect and I was in Melbourne 21.5 hrs later.

Of course it was a joy to see Rose, Ang and Kirst waiting for me. Home to bed, good nights sleep and really back to normal. No jetlag whatsoever…very lucky!! There is nothing like your own bed, pillows and a shower that feels massive!! In fact everything feels spacious…a big house, a big garden, wide streets, great big horrible cars everywhere, big distances to places, for simple things like a coffee, the supermarket etc.

The best thing is catching up with family and friends and being reminded (as if you need a reminder) of how precious they really are. Going down to the beach and looking out over Melbourne and being reminded (as if you need a reminder) how much you love this city.

There is so much I will miss not the least of which are Ham and Ariane until they finally get back, and Chris, until she gets her act together to get out here…and the morning coffee, the slow infusion of wine, the food, the joy of life…..and so on.

Now I focus on what I’ve avoided to date…the old ‘what the fuck do I do now’.

Goodbye from this blog/email/missive…I think I’ll even miss this daily reflection…and thanks for reading so loyally.

Signing out until next adventure.

Posted on

Arrivederci Bologna

Now back in Roma for what really is now the last hurrah.

The last few days in Bologna were a bit of a blur of dentist chairs and really not doing much except soaking up the city. The sun shone on Sunday and Monday so I did a bit of sitting in the sun. All went to plan tooth-wise and everyone was happy. All clear given on Monday afternoon to finally book the ticket back to Roma. On Tuesday (yesterday( new crown) sparkled, everyone pleased and Fabrizia asked me to go out to dinner to eat Sushi with her and her sons. Giancarlo doesn’t like Sushi so wasnt invited. It was a foul day weather-wise, it was pissing down all day and I’d drowned a couple of times but I went, enjoyed the meal, then said a final goodbye. They have been so good to me Giancarlo and Fabrizia,they really have been a dream team…great accommodation and perfect teeth!!

I’d emailed Giancarlo to say I would leave the apartment at 10am Wed/today. He sent an email back to say bon voyage!! Of course I was secretly hoping he’d say I’ll take you to the station! But no worries, give me enough time and walking with 2 suitcases and a massive parcel of tortellini Chris had ordered is no problem. But then in the middle of the night the rain started to pour down and I lay awake thinking shit, shit, this is going to be a nightmare. But honestly at 7.30am a txt came through from Giancarlo to say he would pick me up. Bless his cotton-picking heart!!

Another train trip with massive cases, it really does test me but it always seems to work out. Most of the time people help me and when they don’t I just heave-hoh. I even got on the bus to get to Chris’. Then, for the final time, lump the cases up the steps to her apartment. Always great to see Chris. She had lunch all laid out for me before she had to leave for work. As I’ve said before I’ll miss her very much.

Note for Angus and Kirst: Chris tried to get me into Augusta and Livia’s house but all booked out. I’m still mad that you saw the one thing I’m still dying to see.

I’ve spent the afternoon going through all the gear I will be trying to get back to Australia. For the first time I’ve pulled together all the stuff I’ve left in Rome and the stuff I’ve collected along the way. At first evaluation I’ll be throwing away one hell of a lot of stuff in order to just get on the plane.

Oh well…nice night at home tonight with Bolognese Tortellini on the menu when Chris gets home from work.

I think one more email if I’m lucky and then silence from me!!

Posted on

Back in Roma and hooked up again!

Well here we are back in hot and sweaty Roma. A rather trying day yesterday. The sun was shining, the sea was sparkling and enticing, a perfect day…and what were we doing but toiling up the hill with our junk, the rubbish, Chris’ cast. As I said I did a trip the night before and got my case up to the car. In the morning there was still more than we could do in one load so I did a trip just to get the rubbish up. We cleaned the house and set off for the final ascent. Sadly we drove away watching the sea winking and twinkling at us all the way…the devil’s work!!

We had to get the car back before 12.30 because they closed then until 3.30. Our train left at 3.30 so we had a long wait at a very ordinary station. We had to get a regional train to Venezia. The air conditioning had broken down so it was a very hot and uncomfortable couple of hours. Change trains then on to Rome. It was after 9 when we finally got in…totally exhausted. A quick take-away pizza and then bed.

Today I had a million little end to tie up organising early morning transport to the airport etc. Printing boarding passes, catching up on emails etc. Chris went out to do chores and I putted around getting myself sorted…laundry too, a big chores after more than 2 weeks. Then I went off deciding to get a bit cut off my hair because it was sticky around my neck…found a random hairdresser which was fine. I must say the Italians seem to know how to cut hair wherever you go.

Tomorrow is re-evaluate my clothing etc and packing for the final 7 weeks or so. Then Sat am its off to Paris for me!!

Posted on

Farewell Lucca

Today I record my missive from Roma. The Lucca episode closed this morning. This photo sums it up really. So many friends made it’s hard to even fathom it all. The Italian School in Lucca is amazing for the social networks it encourages, the like-minded people passing through and (cliche-ically) the sense of family it engenders.

So last night Anne (with apron) invited this lovely group of people to her Lucca apartment for dinner to farewell a number of us. She cooked an amazing meal and we laughed until 2am. A really very funny night, with some of the most hilarious stories Ive heard in a long time. One of the woman, We discovered that Camila (black top and frizzy black hair) was leaving on the same train as me so we arranged to meet the next morning at the station.

I was struggling like crazy this morning with my massively heavy cases being dragged behind me but before I was half way to the station I heard ‘Sue’ being called behind me and Loretta and Ibis (Loretta-pink top, white shorts and Ibis- greenish thai-dye top) bounced up behind me and relieved me of my case and escorted me to the station. We met Camila who had packed a picnic lunch for both of us to enjoy on the train. We said our farewells and Camila and I got on the train. I had all the help in the world on and off the train, a great lunch and lots of chat all the way to Firenze. I have been so lucky, really, these are fabulous people.

Here I am in Roma, it always feels like coming home and it is just great to come back to Chris’, have a glass of wine put in my hand and an old friend to chat to.

Weekend here, then off to Matera on Monday morning. This means an early train to Bari and then finding the right train in Bari to take me on to Matera. Roma seems even hotter than Lucca if that is actually possible and a constant state of sweat.

P1080011

P1080012

Posted on

Life in Rome with my travel buddy

First full day out and about with Rosa yesterday. What fun for me! Rose is still a bit jet lagged, so tired at times but we did a lot of walking…a few churches in the morning with my favourite mosaics and frescoes etc. That was fun (for me). Then we stopped for lunch and in the afternoon we went to the Forum and up the Palatine Hill. It was a beautiful sunny, even hot, day and the Palatine is lovely and green with the Wisteria coming out and beautiful blossom trees in bloom. It was lovely but tiring. Rose at one point grumbled at me that my enthusiasm was exhausting…so, home for a rest (and for her a sleep!!). Then out for a meal. Day over!! Rose didn’t sleep so well last night so I think she’s getting too much sleep during the day so I’m planning to kill her with enthusiasm again!!

Posted on

Days of waiting!!

Goodness me its been quite a few days since I last emailed. There was little to report on Thursday and Friday really. I spent the days going for a few walks, trying to do some Italian revision and basically going into shutdown mode waiting for Rose to arrive. I got a walk or two in each day, I ate and drank as per normal and all I could think about was Rose arriving. That is until Friday night when everything went haywire!!

Rose rang to say she was at the airport…all good!! Then she rang to say the plane was delayed for 2 hours. Still all OK because she had a 4 hr transit in Dubai. Then a 3 hour delay. Then a 5 + hour delay. By this time I was on the website watching as the delays got longer and longer and nervously hoping, hoping that they would hold the ongoing flight to Rome until they arrived. So to bed but not sleeping, not knowing whether I’d be going to the airport in the morning or not. I was up in the early hours of the morning and it was looking as if the connecting flight had departed but Rose’s flight hadn’t arrived. Very bad news but still not sure. Then finally a message from Rose confirming she had landed in Dubai but no connection and she was now arriving in Rome Sunday morning. SO depressing, such a build up but no Rose!! Poor thing, it was so awful for her. They put her in a hotel but it was 3 hours before that was sorted out and she could get some rest.

So another day of waiting!! Again what can you do? The sun was shining and it was lovely and warm…but that is the only good thing I can say about this day. In all other ways it was an absolutely crap day, everything that could go wrong did go wrong:

  1. No Rose after so much anticipation
  2. I managed to leave my apartment without the card/ key to get back in. So I had to try and get hold of the landlady, Eleonora. I couldn’t get on to her for about 3 hours. In that time I not only couldn’t get into the apartment but I couldn’t leave the vicinity for fear she arrived. So I sat about wherever I could!! Eventually I got on to her but she was at work and couldn’t come so I needed to get to her….a massive enterprise! But to cut a long story short I eventually got in but the effort involved was a shocker.
  3. I stood up from a chair after coffee and felt severe pain in my leg. I’ d pulled something that left me in great pain in my leg. So much so that negotiating stairs was a killer. Bloody awful!! (improving now)
  4. I went to buy a bus ticket to the airport online, in optimistic anticipation of going to meet Rose in the morning and booked it going the wrong way.

Blah blah…what more could go wrong??

Chris was feeling very sorry for me so I went over there for tea and to watch a film. I walked over and had a nice night…she had cooked a delicious meal. But I had to go home early because Rose was now arriving at 7.30 am and I had to get myself up to the station to get on the bus out to the airport. But in terms of bad luck it was daylight saving changeover night so the 5.30 am get up was actually 4.30 AM (old time)!!!! OK you win…as a day that wasn’t vying for any honours.

Today (Sunday) up at the crack of dawn…actually well before dawn. No problems. Out to the airport and eventually wahoo, there she was. Not in too bad shape for such a shitty flight. We came in by train to avoid delays and the pushing and shoving associated with the bus trip in.

After a shower and a beer we set off to walk to the market where we met Chris. It is such a glorious day and we sat in the sun and had a beer/wine before setting off for lunch in Trastevere. We had a lovely lunch, sitting outside on an unbeatable day. We walked around Trastevere, drove up the Gianicolo Hill, had a coffee, went back to Chris’ place then set off to walk home. Chris came with us as far as Piazza Venezia and on the way did one of her ‘tours’ through Piazza Navona, Piazza Minerva etc. I still love Chris’ tours and the walk in the lovely sun was a delight.

But by then we’d done a lot of walking and were both very tired. We collapsed back home and now Rose has done what I try to avoid…gone to sleep on the bed. Oh well, its been a massive couple of days for her. At least she finally here!!

Posted on

A day of Rain, rain and more rain.

I haven’t seen this much rain since Milan in November. It has rained (and this is rain not drizzle) all day. And all this after yesterday when I was hot even without a coat on and thinking I was going to have to move to lighter clothes.

So there hasn’t been much happening today. I had a lovely long phone call from Ang this morning with good reception which is very satisfying. That was great and very exciting because plans are underway to see Ang and Kirst in August/ Sept.

Then I ducked down for my morning coffee. Then I went to my trans – sexual hairdresser and got another haircut, then and could do little more than duck back home again. I kept myself busy with Italian revision, sorting emails etc, tidying up. Then down I went again to have some lunch at the restaurant over the road. Then back.

Then down for my afternoon cappuccino then back …..and the day is over!!!
And still it is raining. I just hope it gets it out of its system before Saturday when I want to sun to shine!!

That’s it for now

I’m really getting excited now.

Posted on

Another day in the life

Nice treat this morning. Had a Skype date with my favourite work buddies who were out to dinner and set me up to dine with them vicariously. Must say the food Shamala cooked meant that the vicarious bit was rather hard to take. Still that was very nice and left me thinking about home for the rest of the day. Heard the goss, the good the bad and the ugly!!! Then Rose rang for a brief chat so by the time I got my morning coffee I was a bit desperate.

After I stoked up on my cappuccini I set off to a Museum that was a bit further away outside the walls, The Musei Capitolini Centrale Montemartini. Now this really id an interesting Museum. It’s housed in Rome’s first public electricity plant and all the massive turbine engines, massive steam boilers and diesel engines are all beautifully preserved and surrounded by magnificent classical roman sculptures. Really unique. The ultimate his and hers Museum!! I loved it, some gorgeous mosaics which always gets me going!!

I tried to walk home, got a bit boxed up so decided to jump on the subway to make my life easier. Then I indulged myself (probably because I was in a nostalgic, homesick type of mood) with a sit down lunch and glass of wine. Had a bit more of a wander then came home fairly early.

We’re down to 4 sleeps now til Rose arrives.