Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Today is Good Friday
Happy Easter everybody,
It appears that Good Friday isn't that special in Italy. They key have religious processions but it is not a public holiday, just Monday. There will be a procession tonight from one of the six churches on town., and another tomorrow night.
Reece and I had a lovely trip to Florence and Milan. The train travel is so convenient. We had a fantastic hotel overlooking the square and very near to the Duomo. Shops fantastic and window displays are magnificent. We walked and walked , did the hop off red bus and saw beautiful views of Florence. A really good way to get a perspective of the city. We met a very interesting English couple who have lived on Crete for 12 years. He has become an ordained Anglican priest in his retirement and has built the only Anglican Church on Crete. We enjoyed a nice meal with them. Onto the big city of Milan. Doesn't have any of the charm of Florence etc, but interesting nevertheless. And of course again the shops amazing. Red bus again good view of the city.then we got the slow train home to the train station near Paciano on Tuesday. It was a really pleasant ride with the train gently swaying still going at over 100km hour. Keith and Chris there to meet us and good to be home here in Paciano. Keith's daughter Amy is here from London over Easter. We went off to Castiglione on tuesday as Reece had a dental appointment. He has lost a filling. The trip,to,the dentist was very satisfactory. And English chap,who has been here for 20 years, all the latest equipment very cheap,and a dental nurse who has big brown eyes. Reece keeps telling us how lovely she was!!!!!! Only cost 90 euro which is probably 100$. While Reece was at the dentist we wandered around the markets. It appears that each town has markets on different days and the traders move from town to town selling a lot of socks, undies, bad table cloths and linen, pork rolls, cheese, veggies and flowering pot plants. Spring has officially started here and lots of house have flower pots daisies primula etc on the window sills. It looks really pretty.
While we were away missed the opening of Patricia's new bar and coffee shop. It is now double in size and again decorated in pink, lots of pink and lots of fake flowers. We love going there as coffee is only 1.50 euro... So cheap..
Wednesday we went to Cortona which is about half an hour from here. A very high hill town and again the old town with cobbled streets, leather shops. The home of Busatti is here. Busatti is Helen Owenells shop in North Fremantle. They sell linen homewares, quite expensive, but lovely quality. So I popped into the shop but she didn't speak English so very difficult to explain about my fiends shop in Australia.
Last night we went to a Quiz Night!!!!!!! Interesting to see the expats who live here, of course all elder retired people mix of countries. I didn't get to speak with any as I would have been very nosey to find out about them. We had fun and of course I was as useful as nothing.
Today Amy and Keith have gone to Florence for the day. A late morning as we had gone to Patricia's bar after the quiz night and were in time to see the boys local dart competition. Paciano lost... So Reece and I had a stroll this morning , Chris a sleep in, and now Reece is preparing a rabbit dish to put on the coal BBQ.
Tomorrow we are off for lunch as Amy leaves on Sunday
I have noticed that the spelling with the pictures is terrible. It is because I am sending throughout my phone and spell check jumps in. But I think you will get the jist of what I am saying. I had forwarded an email with pics from Keith but you can't open the pics... Sorry
Whew are off to Sicily on Tuesday, driving to Naples then getting the overnight ferry to Sicily. Will be away for a week, so not too sure about email etc, however you have phone numbers if needed.
Mama, I know you will go to church so say a prayer for all of us, I have spent some time in churches here. In Milan at the duomo Palm Sunday service was on. That was pretty special to be a part of that.
Anth enjoy Rotto. The multi media message didn't come throughout the other day. How is max and his finger. Rozza enjoy your break at Denners, and Madgie a rest at home.
Lizzie, enjoy your time with Toby in SA. Vivi so sweet of you yo catch up with Jo in Sydney, hope you enjoyed your time with Jude. I had an email from the bikers. Dirk tells me they are doing Another trip in June. Trish hope all is well with the Cocks fam. Shirl hope you survived your trip to Melbourne.
Any gossiping would love to hear.
Lots of love Pen
It appears that Good Friday isn't that special in Italy. They key have religious processions but it is not a public holiday, just Monday. There will be a procession tonight from one of the six churches on town., and another tomorrow night.
Reece and I had a lovely trip to Florence and Milan. The train travel is so convenient. We had a fantastic hotel overlooking the square and very near to the Duomo. Shops fantastic and window displays are magnificent. We walked and walked , did the hop off red bus and saw beautiful views of Florence. A really good way to get a perspective of the city. We met a very interesting English couple who have lived on Crete for 12 years. He has become an ordained Anglican priest in his retirement and has built the only Anglican Church on Crete. We enjoyed a nice meal with them. Onto the big city of Milan. Doesn't have any of the charm of Florence etc, but interesting nevertheless. And of course again the shops amazing. Red bus again good view of the city.then we got the slow train home to the train station near Paciano on Tuesday. It was a really pleasant ride with the train gently swaying still going at over 100km hour. Keith and Chris there to meet us and good to be home here in Paciano. Keith's daughter Amy is here from London over Easter. We went off to Castiglione on tuesday as Reece had a dental appointment. He has lost a filling. The trip,to,the dentist was very satisfactory. And English chap,who has been here for 20 years, all the latest equipment very cheap,and a dental nurse who has big brown eyes. Reece keeps telling us how lovely she was!!!!!! Only cost 90 euro which is probably 100$. While Reece was at the dentist we wandered around the markets. It appears that each town has markets on different days and the traders move from town to town selling a lot of socks, undies, bad table cloths and linen, pork rolls, cheese, veggies and flowering pot plants. Spring has officially started here and lots of house have flower pots daisies primula etc on the window sills. It looks really pretty.
While we were away missed the opening of Patricia's new bar and coffee shop. It is now double in size and again decorated in pink, lots of pink and lots of fake flowers. We love going there as coffee is only 1.50 euro... So cheap..
Wednesday we went to Cortona which is about half an hour from here. A very high hill town and again the old town with cobbled streets, leather shops. The home of Busatti is here. Busatti is Helen Owenells shop in North Fremantle. They sell linen homewares, quite expensive, but lovely quality. So I popped into the shop but she didn't speak English so very difficult to explain about my fiends shop in Australia.
Last night we went to a Quiz Night!!!!!!! Interesting to see the expats who live here, of course all elder retired people mix of countries. I didn't get to speak with any as I would have been very nosey to find out about them. We had fun and of course I was as useful as nothing.
Today Amy and Keith have gone to Florence for the day. A late morning as we had gone to Patricia's bar after the quiz night and were in time to see the boys local dart competition. Paciano lost... So Reece and I had a stroll this morning , Chris a sleep in, and now Reece is preparing a rabbit dish to put on the coal BBQ.
Tomorrow we are off for lunch as Amy leaves on Sunday
I have noticed that the spelling with the pictures is terrible. It is because I am sending throughout my phone and spell check jumps in. But I think you will get the jist of what I am saying. I had forwarded an email with pics from Keith but you can't open the pics... Sorry
Whew are off to Sicily on Tuesday, driving to Naples then getting the overnight ferry to Sicily. Will be away for a week, so not too sure about email etc, however you have phone numbers if needed.
Mama, I know you will go to church so say a prayer for all of us, I have spent some time in churches here. In Milan at the duomo Palm Sunday service was on. That was pretty special to be a part of that.
Anth enjoy Rotto. The multi media message didn't come throughout the other day. How is max and his finger. Rozza enjoy your break at Denners, and Madgie a rest at home.
Lizzie, enjoy your time with Toby in SA. Vivi so sweet of you yo catch up with Jo in Sydney, hope you enjoyed your time with Jude. I had an email from the bikers. Dirk tells me they are doing Another trip in June. Trish hope all is well with the Cocks fam. Shirl hope you survived your trip to Melbourne.
Any gossiping would love to hear.
Lots of love Pen
Film crew
sent from my Telstra NEXTG™ handset
Paciano recycling station
sent from my Telstra NEXTG™ handset
Filming Florence.
sent from my Telstra NEXTG™ handset
Coffee at Castiglione del Lago
sent from my Telstra NEXTG™ handset
Friday, March 29, 2013
Fwd: Photos from Cortona
Cortona
Begin forwarded message:
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Keith Bowden" <netpal@iinet.net.au>
Date: 28 March 2013 1:46:20 PM GMT+01:00
To: reece5153@gmail.com, "Penelope Cocks" <penelope5153@gmail.com>
Subject: Photos from Cortona
Reply-To: "Keith Bowden" <netpal@iinet.net.au>
<Reece in Fiat Bambino #1.jpg>
<Reece in Fiat Bambino #2.jpg>
<Fiat Bambino in Cortona #1.jpg>
<Fiat Bambino in Cortona #2.jpg>
<Penny in Busatti in Cortona.jpg>
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Homa again
Hi family and friends,
FYI we are now back in Paciano. Home again with Keith and Chris and Keith's daughter Amy.
Will send pics etc tomorrow. Time for Spritz. Love Pen
FYI we are now back in Paciano. Home again with Keith and Chris and Keith's daughter Amy.
Will send pics etc tomorrow. Time for Spritz. Love Pen
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Milan
We travelled first class by Eurostar from Florence to Milan in the Eurostar. The speed got to 300 km per hour at one stage. Quite amazing. Reece didn't realise he bought first class... But hey it was nice. Aircraft like seats. ....
We have a fab apartment near the train station with separate living and bedroom and a BIG decent shower. The Italians like the French have stupid pokey showers.... We even stayed home last night and cooked egg and tomato. Good not to go out. We had a big walk down Buenos aires rd where all the normal shops are. Will probably go to the markets today. I have pedicure at 1300 . Very hard to find places as they don't have outside advertising. I got the name of this beauty place from the concierge here, bit to find it a different matter. I asked couple of people on the street for the number etc, finally got to it but it all looked so dark up stairs and funny rickety lift.These buildings are really fantastic. so big, huge ceilings, huge entrance halls, huge windows with outside shutters, double glazing, curtain then inside shutter. Any way got it and it is beautiful. There was a brass plaque on the outside of the building ..no neon signage etc. very discreet.
Am reading a Patricia Cornwall book ...always a bit gory.
Love. Pen
We have a fab apartment near the train station with separate living and bedroom and a BIG decent shower. The Italians like the French have stupid pokey showers.... We even stayed home last night and cooked egg and tomato. Good not to go out. We had a big walk down Buenos aires rd where all the normal shops are. Will probably go to the markets today. I have pedicure at 1300 . Very hard to find places as they don't have outside advertising. I got the name of this beauty place from the concierge here, bit to find it a different matter. I asked couple of people on the street for the number etc, finally got to it but it all looked so dark up stairs and funny rickety lift.These buildings are really fantastic. so big, huge ceilings, huge entrance halls, huge windows with outside shutters, double glazing, curtain then inside shutter. Any way got it and it is beautiful. There was a brass plaque on the outside of the building ..no neon signage etc. very discreet.
Am reading a Patricia Cornwall book ...always a bit gory.
Love. Pen
Friday, March 22, 2013
Florence
We had a very comfortable train ride to Florence in a very swift train going about 150km per hour and that wasn't the fast train. Found our hotel without any bother , an easy walk from the train station and was blown away when we got to our room cos it is enormous and overlooks the piazza republiqu . Absolutely fantastic. There are restaurants all around the square, merry go round and a regular trio of jazz musicians. Then at night it looks so,pretty with all the lights and the sellers trying to sell there umbrellas, bags and florescent toys that you throw in the air and they sparkle. We have brekkie here of sliced meats, cheese, cereal, yoghurt, croissants, sweet cake that they dip,into coffee, toast, jam Nutella......we don't eat it all......just letting you know what they supply...we did the red bus hop on off yesterday and that was great. Quite cool on the open deck of the bus but we saw some great sights. It has been slight drizzly rain off and on but today is like summer and we haven't needed our coats....quite warm. Walked and walked today. Found a gorgeous shop,that only sold brown leather shoes. I bought a classic brown brogue. Will send snap. The shops are amazing. From the outside it looks like it is very small but they often go back a really long way. The product are all first class. Dress shops divine and the spring fashions are appearing so all looking really pretty.
Mum what a rip off paying $5 for coffee at Cottesloe , mind you we paid a real tourist price today nearly $7.......
We are off to Milan tomorrow by train.....love this train travel, so easy. Will return to Paciano on Tuesday.
Will sent more pics from my phone next week from Paciano.
So many tourists here, I can't imagine what it is like on the proper tourism time. Horrible.... The local shops keepers tell us that local Italians aren't shopping and they are very grateful for the tourist esp the Japanese, they buy up big.
Reece dozing next to me. Can here the music in the Piazza.
Love hearing from you.
Lots of love
Penelop
Mum what a rip off paying $5 for coffee at Cottesloe , mind you we paid a real tourist price today nearly $7.......
We are off to Milan tomorrow by train.....love this train travel, so easy. Will return to Paciano on Tuesday.
Will sent more pics from my phone next week from Paciano.
So many tourists here, I can't imagine what it is like on the proper tourism time. Horrible.... The local shops keepers tell us that local Italians aren't shopping and they are very grateful for the tourist esp the Japanese, they buy up big.
Reece dozing next to me. Can here the music in the Piazza.
Love hearing from you.
Lots of love
Penelop
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
View from our window hotel Pendini, Florence
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Home day
Hi all,we have had a relaxed day today.the weather a bit poopy and raining and cold so at home this morning and then a drive around Lake Trasimina and home now to have Spritzz and Reece is cooking chicken on the coal BBQ with pumpkin gnocchi. Of course the morning never goes by without a morning cafe latte at the baretta in the square with Patricia. It is a tiny little bar that sells much coffee and anything you would like to drink. It is crowded with four people inside. Oh we did go to the Post Office in the square and that. Is fun to buy four stamps. They print each stamp individually after the letter has been weighed. You can't buy a book of stamps and she can't just print four stamps the whole process is quite a long ordeal...oh it is raining again and the boys are on the terrace trying to get the BBQ alight... Forgot to mention that the Peruvian cleaner came this arvo we done speak Spanish or Italian and she doesn't speak English. Anyway the place very clean when we arrived home and so cheap 8euros per hour so she didn't break the kitty.
Reece and I off to Florence tomorrow and booked at the pendini hotel for 3 nights. Well go on to Milan after.
Lots of love
Penelope
Reece and I off to Florence tomorrow and booked at the pendini hotel for 3 nights. Well go on to Milan after.
Lots of love
Penelope
Monday, March 18, 2013
Lunch today
sent from my Telstra NEXTG™ handset
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Venetian trip
Well today is Saturday. We have had a leisurely morning sleep in brekkie then across the square for a coffee beautiful cafe latte all of 1 euro 50 which is about $2. We have been adding a quarter for ease of conversion. Then don to the small supermacato for a few stores cold meats, Prosecco then wander home making a booking at local restaurant for dinner. Then a very short drive to the apple juice supplier who also makes a good red wine. Keith now has his own Demi John which he has refilled from the wine bowser!!!! Now the regular arvo rest before I go to the hairdresser at 1800 for a wash and low dry which will cost me 13 euro ie less than $20!!!!
We returned from Venice by fast train yesterday. Part fast train and other with our own 6 berth cabin. Such a civilised way to travel. First class of course on the fast which we got a drink and snack. The trip cost $200 return per person. The train in Venice gets you right to the grande canal so it is pretty amazing when you get out of the train station. We had a very good hotel only minutes from the station at only about $100 per night. Quite a sight to watch the activities in the canals coz everything has to be brought in on the boats. So many little streets and canals. Really quite overwhelming. And so easy to get lost, but no one seems to mind to help with directions. Easy to pick a local ....either with a dog,pulling a shopping trolley like my purple one, or wearing a fur coat. We had 3 nights there and walked and walked. Also went across to Murano Island and Burano Island by ferry. Murano famous for the glassware they make. We bought 6 colourful tumblers which will really brighten up the caravan!!!!! Burano famous for the traditional lace, however all pretty ghastly the stuff I saw.. Looked like it was from china. Ow ever, Keith and Chris bought a lovely no iron linen tale cloth and napkins. We went over by ferry but had a big treat a got a water taxi back to The main square. Long sleek wooden taxi boat. We also went to Lido island which is quite different. Long and skinny and it has cars where's all the other islands don't.it also has the beach on the Adriatic Sea. There were many many rows of small huts that you can rent for the day. Unfortunately no pic for you, but it all looked really hoffible with all these huts and then grey sand. Fantastic lunch again .... We found a fabulous bar right near the hotel that sells chocolate pastries and coffee. Alcohol is sold everywhere in Italy and small standup coffee shops and bars combined. Fantastic . We have discovered a wonderful local Venetian drink. Spritz. It is aperol ( similar to Campari ) with Prosecco , splash of soda, slice of lemon of orange and ice. So refreshing ... Venice is truly amazing in that it is all,on water, but such a difficult way of living with so many steps , so many bridges, and it floods regularly . They put down ramps like catwalks so you avoid the water.
We will have a few days here in Paciano then Reece and i will go to Florence and Milan during the week. Keith's daughter and partner are coming next week from London for a few days, so to will be lovely for them all to have some time together .
Sorry about the spelling on the pics etc.
well nearly time for hair appt. I really need some colour but am a little wary..
What is the news with everybody.....???????????????
Madgie how is the house coming along.....?..photos?..
Has Penelope settled into Uni. How is Stephie?
Rozza.. I went out in sympathy with you while in Venice. Somehow my left knee was buggered but now Ok. How was the rowing. And how is the air con..
Anth.. Ready for words.. Hope all is good and plans for France coming along.
Mama. Hope your poor old foot is nearly right now.
Missing you all, But having a great time. We are very lucky to be here with Keith and Chris.
Tey are renting their apartment with Linda as we are and every night we toast Linda and say god bless Linda .....as the rent is allowing us to have a great holiday.
Jo.. Third to Skype today but I think I was to late . Perhaps tomorrow.
Love to everyone
Reece and Pen
We returned from Venice by fast train yesterday. Part fast train and other with our own 6 berth cabin. Such a civilised way to travel. First class of course on the fast which we got a drink and snack. The trip cost $200 return per person. The train in Venice gets you right to the grande canal so it is pretty amazing when you get out of the train station. We had a very good hotel only minutes from the station at only about $100 per night. Quite a sight to watch the activities in the canals coz everything has to be brought in on the boats. So many little streets and canals. Really quite overwhelming. And so easy to get lost, but no one seems to mind to help with directions. Easy to pick a local ....either with a dog,pulling a shopping trolley like my purple one, or wearing a fur coat. We had 3 nights there and walked and walked. Also went across to Murano Island and Burano Island by ferry. Murano famous for the glassware they make. We bought 6 colourful tumblers which will really brighten up the caravan!!!!! Burano famous for the traditional lace, however all pretty ghastly the stuff I saw.. Looked like it was from china. Ow ever, Keith and Chris bought a lovely no iron linen tale cloth and napkins. We went over by ferry but had a big treat a got a water taxi back to The main square. Long sleek wooden taxi boat. We also went to Lido island which is quite different. Long and skinny and it has cars where's all the other islands don't.it also has the beach on the Adriatic Sea. There were many many rows of small huts that you can rent for the day. Unfortunately no pic for you, but it all looked really hoffible with all these huts and then grey sand. Fantastic lunch again .... We found a fabulous bar right near the hotel that sells chocolate pastries and coffee. Alcohol is sold everywhere in Italy and small standup coffee shops and bars combined. Fantastic . We have discovered a wonderful local Venetian drink. Spritz. It is aperol ( similar to Campari ) with Prosecco , splash of soda, slice of lemon of orange and ice. So refreshing ... Venice is truly amazing in that it is all,on water, but such a difficult way of living with so many steps , so many bridges, and it floods regularly . They put down ramps like catwalks so you avoid the water.
We will have a few days here in Paciano then Reece and i will go to Florence and Milan during the week. Keith's daughter and partner are coming next week from London for a few days, so to will be lovely for them all to have some time together .
Sorry about the spelling on the pics etc.
well nearly time for hair appt. I really need some colour but am a little wary..
What is the news with everybody.....???????????????
Madgie how is the house coming along.....?..photos?..
Has Penelope settled into Uni. How is Stephie?
Rozza.. I went out in sympathy with you while in Venice. Somehow my left knee was buggered but now Ok. How was the rowing. And how is the air con..
Anth.. Ready for words.. Hope all is good and plans for France coming along.
Mama. Hope your poor old foot is nearly right now.
Missing you all, But having a great time. We are very lucky to be here with Keith and Chris.
Tey are renting their apartment with Linda as we are and every night we toast Linda and say god bless Linda .....as the rent is allowing us to have a great holiday.
Jo.. Third to Skype today but I think I was to late . Perhaps tomorrow.
Love to everyone
Reece and Pen
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Reece new boat
sent from my Telstra NEXTG™ handset
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Loving Umbria
Hi All, well where do I start. It is ow Monday afternoon 1630. Reece having siesta, Keith gone off for hair cut at Chuisi, Chris siesta and me resign on my bed. We have just returned from Perugia!,,, we went to some markets in .... Can't remember the name of the village... Seems to be a market in most towns each day. They have very cleverly made vans that spread out and display their wares, then pack up and move to the next market. Lots of very ordinary clothes, some shoes , plenty of socks and bras but of course one that will fit my boobies... Veggies of course, a good variety of tomatoes,heaps of artichoke , huge red capsicum, broad beans. Also as the weather is trying to warm up lots of pots of small bright flowers which people are putting in their planter or window boxes. Lots outside the restaurants now, they look really pretty.we have had some sunshine the past few days so the wild flowers and bulbs are just starting to flower. Although as I lie here on my bed now looking up,at the sky light it is raining again and even thunder. After the market tour director Keith suggested we carry on to Perugia, the big centre of Umbria and university town. We parked near the Strada and caught the small light rail up the Hill to the town centre. Very beautiful and of course fab buildings. The view amazing however rather clouded in today. .... But I like the view from the hills around here coz there are no new buIldings to blot the landscape. The outer suburbs of Perugia like most cities ... Pretty ordinary. The apartment buildings less than average. Bit disappointing that the new Italians haven't built many smart building compared to their ancestors. However, they are clever in combining new and old eg very clever rail line up to the city centre.
We have really been out and about. We are very fortunate that Keith and Chris have been here for a few weeks and really know their way about. The villages are all quite close so doesn't take too long to get about. We had a nice drive home form Perugia around Lake Trassimino which you can see from the terrace on a clear day. Shopping is quite different from Australia. There are a few shopping malls but generally small shops that often look like they are closed!!!!! I still don't get this closing from 1300 to later in the day.
We are getting the train to Venice tomorrow. Change at Florence. Four hour journey. We will have three nights there...so I will be off air till the weekend.
Time to go. The butcher will be open now as it is 1700. Sausages for dinner.
Hope you are all,OK.
Love Pen
Ps found a good shoe shop ......couldn't resist a pair of light coloured boots.for only $60 beautiful,soft tan leather.
We have really been out and about. We are very fortunate that Keith and Chris have been here for a few weeks and really know their way about. The villages are all quite close so doesn't take too long to get about. We had a nice drive home form Perugia around Lake Trassimino which you can see from the terrace on a clear day. Shopping is quite different from Australia. There are a few shopping malls but generally small shops that often look like they are closed!!!!! I still don't get this closing from 1300 to later in the day.
We are getting the train to Venice tomorrow. Change at Florence. Four hour journey. We will have three nights there...so I will be off air till the weekend.
Time to go. The butcher will be open now as it is 1700. Sausages for dinner.
Hope you are all,OK.
Love Pen
Ps found a good shoe shop ......couldn't resist a pair of light coloured boots.for only $60 beautiful,soft tan leather.
Friday, March 8, 2013
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