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!