Cold and Cold

Firstly, we too have had snow and it is quite an event here. It doesn't snow that often down here in Verona. Usually you have to go to the mountains for that. Unfortunately it is melting now so school will be full again tomorrow.

Just left Simon at the airport as he begins his trek back to the UK. I don't get to leave until Wednesday. Luckily for him, Gatwick is open despite the snow. As they said on the news, it is -20 in Helsinki and their airport is open. Nothing like UK chaos!!

I have a cold, as you can see from the lovely photo that Simon took yesterday morning. Sad to say that it has almost gone now so a ruined weekend and back to work tomorrow. I just have to get through three more days and then I can begin my journey. If it snows near stanstead I'll cry.

SNOW

I woke up this morning to find lots of snow on the trees and the cars. It snowed until about 10am and then stopped - very pretty and unusual in Verona. Bloody cold most days but snow is rare. They save it all for the mountains and ski resorts nearby.

Oh and that is my Xmas tree!!!

Christmas is coming

Well we are mid December and it is fair to say that Christmas is on it's way. I have spent far too many hours today baking biscuits and making chutney as gifts. It will all be worth it though as I have gifts for 20 people and have spent less than 10€. Bargain.

Today is Santa Lucia in Italy. Today it is traditional for children to receive gifts. A bit like an early Christmas really, but they seem to celebrate that too. As an adult I don't quality, but I did buy myself a nice new pair of shoes yesterday, so I'll say they were from Santa Lucia and feel less guilty about it.

Last weekend we went to our lovely friends house for an early Christmas dinner. It really helped us to get into the Christmas spirit and I was pleased to leave feeling a little bit tipsy and certainly as though I'd eaten too much.

As for me, I don't finish work until 23rd December and then I'm racing across Italy to fly home.

Dentist

To be honest I can't believe that I haven't started this thread sooner!

When Simon's parents were visiting back in September I broke a filling on a piece of pizza. I thought that I'd got away with it, but after a day it was so rough that it was cutting my tough and was quite painful. An Italian dentist was required.

Fortunately, the English Speaking Happy Hour that I attend (rather sporadically now) has a whole host of useful people, one of whom is a dentist. I swiftly organised an appointment with Enea and got my teeth ready.

It was a bit embarrassing really. Firstly, I should add that I hate dentists and as such I've only been for emergency appointments since I was about 13. I hate needles most of all. I think Enea nearly died when he looked inside my mouth. I know I did when he stuck a camera in my mouth and show me my teeth on a big TV screen. That is cruel and almost guarantees that you'll agree to any treatment.

I've not been three times for a deep root clean and scale. (Yes I did say three times - very dirty) I have also had to have a new filling. He is now talking about gum surgery!!! So far I haven't paid a penny and I have not idea of the current balance. Think I might need to re-divert some of the wedding money!

Dentist is not as bad as I once thought and I will go back for regular cleans now, but I still hate needles.

I thought that I would see if I could be modern and groovy!!!

Day in Malcesine in photos

Busy bee

I have been receiving complaints that I haven't blogged for ages, so here goes. I am shattered and I am so busy that I simply haven't had time. I should really be emptying the bins right now, but I will bow to popular pressure.

Since my last blog we have had several visitors and we have been all over the place. Firstly my grandparents came to Italy with Caravan and dog in town and decided to visit us. For me the most exciting part of the trip was the arrival of a food parcel, which might sound a bit mean, but you have no idea how much I miss my food!!!!! It was obviously good to see them too. We showed them around the town and then went to our little restaurant on the Torricelle. Always a winner because of the fabulous views.

Our next guests were Simon's parents. It took us a while to tidy the house to mother in law standards but I think we passed. They seemed to have a lovely time with us and were happy to follow us around. I even took them on one of our monthly hikes, which turned out to be a bit of a disaster but fun all the same. See pictures.

Simon then jetted off to India for two weeks and I think that he had a great time. I used the time to hibernate and acclimatize to the weather.brrrrrrrrrrrrr.

After the Darren, the best man came for a weekend and I went to England this weekend. HECTIC or what?

Now we are free to relax and await the joys of Christmas. Safe in the knowledge the the wedding is less than 9 months away, but that I have bought my dress!

Disaster

I don't have photos yet, but I will!!!

My brother and sister in law came to stay last week and we decided to go to Garda for the day. As is usual we hired a little motor boat to play around on the lake. If you remember there are pictures from a previous visit. Unfortunately this time we somehow managed to run over a rock in the lake and break the boats propellor. Needless to say, we lost our deposit of €150 and it turned out to be a very expensive hour of fun. I have kept the propellor so I'll snap it at some point.

Fortunately the rest of their holiday was less eventful and hopefully memorable for all the right reasons. Now we have a few days to clean up before the next arrivals, my grandparents and then 3 days later, Simon's parents. Busy busy busy.

Somehow during all this we are still finding time to plan a wedding!!

Holidays

I have been told that people are missing my updates!! I am sorry but it's been a bit busy here recently for one reason or another.

First blog today then is about my holiday. We went to Brindisi in Puglia. It was lovely, but a really long drive and neither of us really wanted to get up at 4am!

On arrival though we had all that we wished for and found a lovely secluded agroturismo with nice romantic and traditional rooms and a pool. Some people go on holiday to see the sights etc but we are really lazy, we like to sit by the pool or on the beach and read. Luckily for us there was a great pool which was only for 8 guests, most of whom never used it so it was like a private area.

Puglia is beautiful and the food is great. The biggest news though is that we got engaged whilst we were down there and are now beginning to plan the wedding!

Spoke too soon.

I can't believe it. I got a parking ticket outside my own house!!

To be fair I have read the signs again and this time they may have a point, but only a small one. Last week the Comune (Council) painted blue bays on one side of the road and put up 1 hour max signs. They left the other side of the road. I therefore cleverly parked on the clear side thinking this was OK. Apparently not. I went downstairs today to discover a wonderful ticket costing €38. I can't believe it. I have never had a ticket in my life and I have the car for 1 week only and see what happens. I'd almost be so bold as to say that I got it whilst typing a blog about the joys of driving.

Is it technically Simon's fault for leaving me with the car??

I had to wait for ages for a space in the tiny carpark outside our bedroom window - here hoping that that doesn't come under the ticket zone.

Not happy :-(

Driving

Just a quick blog today to inform you that I went out for dinner last night in Lazise (Lake Garda) with a friend...and I DROVE. It was a bit scary but on the way back I was fine.

I would request however that Italian cyclists take a leaf out of my book and invest in some lights. I have 2 front and 2 rear lights on my bicycle, it's not a lot to ask for them to have just 1. Cycling on unlit roads at midnight, while wearing black is just not good road safety.

On the bicycle note I have a flat tire. Very unhappy - on the upside I have Simon's car!!

Sunday Morning Stroll

Simon is in the Isle of Wight this week, which means that we are not at the beach (well he might be if the rain holds off!)

I got up this morning and decided to do a very Veronese thing. I thought I'd go for a passeggiata. I don't think it can be directly translated. It is a bit like talking a stroll, but here you are meant to wear every expensive thing that you own and sort of waft along. I've not worked out how to do this yet. It is 35c today, a bit cloudy but still roasting, I simply can't do glamorous and elegant whilst sweating. I used to say perspire or glow - these days I just sweat.

I took my camera so that you could share some of the views that I saw on my walk through town.

Morning all

I am up reasonably early this morning, considering that I am on holiday and that we were out quite late last night. My morning ritual is always the same. Wash, kettle, plants, tea. This morning I went to water my plants and discovered a new addition. I have a Bougainvillea on my balcony that I bought in a supermarket - so far it has not covered the whole of the trellis as I had hoped for produced beautiful flowers. The most exciting this that it has done so far is lose all of it's leaves and then grow them back!! This morning I noticed a pale yellow petal, and on closer inspection I discovered a toadstool. I might try to identify it later if I am really bored. I also took a picture of my very needy impatiens, which need watering 3 times a day. I think they might die whilst we are away on holiday!!

Anyway, this is the scene that greeted me this morning.

Jesolo

Simon, originally from the Isle of Wight is in love with the beach. I always associate it with holidays. Now Jesolo is a bit of a touristy place but I am more than happy to spend my sundays laying on the beach soaking up some rays. The best thing is going in the sea. We really love going to Garda at the weekend but it just isn't the same as the sea.

I even drove home yesterday which is a real feat as I've not driven out of Verona centre really yet!! Simon simply closed his eyes.

Friends to stay....

Last week Simon's friend Claire, her husband Steve and their 3 year old son, (Simon's Godson) Simon came to stay with us.

They picked a great week for it as the weather was wonderful. As tourists go I don't think that there were many places left in Verona that they didn't see and I am ashamed to say that they know our city significantly better than I. I have promised myself that when it gets a bit cooler I will check out some of the tourist places.

Having three year old in the apartment was great fun and it gave us and excuse to do all sorts of things that technically adults are too grown up to do, including playing motorbikes!!!

On the saturday we went to the water park in Garda and played in the water all day. I loved the lazy river, but Simon and Steve were brave enough to go on the bigger flumes - they came back a little whiter each time. In the evening we went to Garda Land. A big theme park that to be honest is my idea of hell and Simon's dream come true. Fortunately there were other people to go on the big rides with whilst I opted for babysitting duties.

It was really great to see people and share the hot weather. Next visitors are Simon's mum and dad. I doubt they'll want to go to the theme park!

A day at the seaside

We decided that we would go to the beach this weekend, so try to get some cooler air.  It is a bit further than the Lake but worth it to see the actual sea.  We chose Lido di Jesolo as our destination.  Only an hour and a half away and  very touristy, so there'd be plenty to do.

It was actually alot cooler when we left and a bit cloudy, and by the time we arrived, the sun had given way to some huge black clouds.  Undeterred we rented sunloungers and slept for an hour or so before taking refuge under the parasol whilst it rained.  

No trip is complete without a look around the shops, and we both got new watches, mine being a freebe from Simon's.  (He really needs more watches!!)

They the sun broke the clouds - Simon, like a child went running to the beach and jumper back o the sunlounger.  It was really nice for the rest of the afternoon.  I even treated myself to a 30 minute massage from a little lady on the beach, who was suprisingly good. 

I had a really good day.

HOT HOT HOT

You just can't win.  We Brits hate rainy old England because you can never plan to do something outdoors because chances are it is raining.  No wonder we have barbeques whenever there is a blue patch in the sky.  I don't understand why we are the largest market for convertible cars though?

Anyway, I've just returned from a rainy England.  It was great to go home and catch up and go shopping.  But mainly to cool down.

Italy is a wonderful place to live and I love the fact that I have a great tan, but does it have to be SO hot all the time.  It is presently 40c and rather humid at that.  In fact it has just started to rain and the storm clouds are on their way so for a few hours we will have respite.  But tomorrow, the humidity will rise.  I have been permanently sweaty since I stepped off the plane.  

Maybe it isn't the heat, maybe I am just predisposed to moaning and whinging!!  it could indeed run in the family!!  but I would just like the temperature to fall at night so that sleep is possible.

Bring bad rain and cold

Travelling friends

I have been a bit busy recently and therefore haven't posted for a while.  Firstly I got Sky TV installed which means that I now simply have to watch junk in my spare time.  It is not UK sky so most of the shows that I am watching are shows that I avoided in the UK but they are fine for filling that hour before dinner etc.

Secondly I had my friend from the states come visit for a few days.  We had a really great time.  I got to go to Venice again.  This was only my second time and the first time it was raining.  I have to say that Venice in the sunshine is significantly more beautiful that Venice in the 'sog'.  We also went to the guardini giusti, (pics above) .  They were lovely too but it was 38 degrees and we were beginning to melt.

I feel as though I have missed a huge amount out, but it is too late now.  I have finished school for the summer and therefore I am free to research for the new year.  

Lastly - we had a visitor on our balcony yesterday - he flew into our window and took a day to recover....we called him pip.

My little adventure

We had friends for dinner last night and i decided that I would try to be Nigella.  Firstly I had to go to the big supermarket.  This is not a big deal I hear you cry.  Ah, well it was my first little outing alone in the car.  It was pretty easy to be fair, but Simon's car is a tank and doesn't fit through little gaps like mitsi used to.   I made curry, because as I've mentioned before, we are not in large supply of it here.  I used a jar for the main curry but I did make bombay potatoes and naan breads from scratch.  Domestic goddess.  

Having people over to eat was alot of fun, we all drank far to much and the evening ending in the usual style of us all around the piano in a cross between the von trapp family and a 1940s film.

Today I made Simon drive me around the hills of Verona.  We went to Soave and the Valpolicela.  I have to admit, the scenery was beautiful, but I really hate these hairpin bends.  I entertained Simon by making strange noise around each corner.  

At the very top we came across a family of donkeys which were so sweet and such posers!

TVR Trip Italy

I've begun to realise that in the days and weeks before Simon arrived here I used to write about all sorts of weird and wonderful events.  Now I write about cars.  Maybe I should rename the blog and call it Lindsayscaritalia??

Anyway.  Another car event to report upon!!!

We had a wonderful weekend away in Emilia Romagna and Tuscany.  It did involve cars, but don't be put off.

The TVR Italia club met on Saturday morning at the Pagani factory for a tour.  Now this was the highlight of my month.  I have been brainwashed by Simon into car love and for me the Zonda is the most ostentatious car there is and for that reason, I love it.  The factory was in an industrial estate and looked like "bob's autos".  The sign was rusty and you'd not notice it if your weren't looking.  We were expecting grandeur.  To be honest the cars were incredible, but the factory tour was awful.  My Italian remains terrible but I understood enough to realise that the guide was a complete and utter arse.  When a phone rang during the tour, I thought he was going to punch it's owner.   Suffice to say that the tour became a talking point for all of the wrong reasons.  By the way for those of you who are non car geeks.  The car in the picture (with me) is worth £600,000

For me the treat was the beautiful countryside.  Unfortunately we were on windy country lanes so I spent most of the time with my eyes shut but it was simply stunning.  The photos can't capture the scale of the mountains and the height.  They also fail to capture the 40c heat which was super fun when we have no air con.  

On the way home we found the waterfall.  It was actually running through a glacier and the air temperature was much cooler.  A real welcome break.   We also stopped at an agriturismo is Emilia Romagna for a 2 hour lunch where we ate fabulous food for next to nothing.

Raduno TVR Italia

1000 Miglia

I remember sitting with Simon at Christmas on the Isle of Wight, watching James Martin trying to complete the Mille Miglia.  It was an historic car race that went through Verona and other Northern Italian cities.  I was interested because I was already living in Verona and recognised things, and because the cars were really nice.  To be honest James Martin, TV chef, was the real reason to watch...he is hot!!

Anyway, since then, Simon and I have been waiting for the Mille Miglia to arrive in Verona.  And last week it finally did.  It was a real shame that Simon was in Russia on business!!!

Luckily for him, I quite like cars really and so does my friend Faye, so we decided to go and be official photographers.  It was incredible.  Firstly, Italy being as it is, there were no road blocks or barriers so you could literally touch the cars.  We had a great spot on Castelvecchio bridge.  Secondly, there was hardly anyone there to watch.  It was a bit of a non event.

There were hundreds of cars.  I took 349 photos in total and I didn't get home until 1,30am.  I was shattered the next day.  

Simon was pleased to see ALL of the photos and named almost every car.  He was really jealous, but glad I enjoyed it.

Florence

It was bank holiday on Friday so we took the opportunity to spend some time away from Verona.  Since the weather was lovely we went to Riva del Garda.  This is a town on the North of the Lake.  It was very different to the southern places that I have previously visited.  It was much more like a seaside town.  We were able to sit on the grass at the edge of the lake and enjoy the sun for a while.  We also found signs for a grotto waterfall.  We found it but you needed coats etc so we'll save that adventure for next time. 

Yesterday (Saturday) we went to Florence.  My love affair with Italy began here so it was great to go back.  It was so much busier than it was in October when I've been before.  The queue for the Duomo was ridiculous.  It was also really hot.  I love having a good camera but it is bloody heavy and gets on your nerves after a while.  We visited most of the tourist places including the Ponte Vecchio and the Piazza della Signora.  I would have liked to have climbed up the campanele to show SImon the views but it was too muggy and we were both feeling a bit lazy.  We came home and ate dinner on the balcony whilst watching an electric storm in the distance.

Today I have been reading my book on the balcony and sunbathing.  This is as they say, "the life"

Lake Garda

my mum and step dad came to visit this weekend and we were lucky enough to have beautiful weather yesterday.  We took them to Peschiera and Garda for a day on the lake.  In Peschiera we decided to hire a small motor boat and have fun out on the water.  We only paid for 1 hour so we didn't get to see much - we did get across to Sirmione, where there is a beuatiful castle and thermal springs.  It was alot of fun on the boat and we all took turns driving.  I think that we will definately fork out for 3 hours or so in the summer when it is hot and it was such a lovely way to spend time.

After we came back to shore we drove round to Garda.  This was a new town for all of us and it was beautiful.  We stopped for some lunch and then walked along the edge of the lake.  Simon was happy because there were lots of bikes there and mum and I could enjoy the sunshine. 

Today it is raining and we have left them at the airport.  I think all four of us are looking forward to some peace and quiet.  We are now waiting for our next arrivals!!

Kitchen......yeah

Finally the kitchen has arrived.  Well it arrived two weeks ago but I've not had time to update my blog as I've been too busy cooking.  The photos show different aspects, including the  shanty town conditions that we were living in prior to delivery and the enormous scratch that I am in the process of complaining about.

It is such a nice thing to have.  There are parts of it that I'm not all that keen on but it is great.  I've made a cake and tonight I'm making lasagne.  We've also rediscovered frozen food and can't wait to have fish fingers.

The photos don't show the red curtains that we have or the rug etc.  But I thought I'd let you see what we are cooking on.