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