Running to chill

Seems to be a lot of action lately to just hang out. What with having friends visit and the mammoth roadtrip of Italy, a lot of energy goes into relaxing. It has been great though, wouldn't change a thing! Most of France will be doing there last running around this weekend as they return to life after chilling. France seems to be very attached to its holiday; Paris is practically a morgue over August. The other day on the radio they mentioned that Sarkozy was returning that day from his holiday, more evidence that absolutely nothing works during holiday time. Seems bizarre to me that even the President complies to national holiday guidelines. Well I'm glad Paris will be waking up. All the little privately owed shops along our street will be open again (yes, their doors have just been shut for the last 2 or 3 weeks, no "we'll be back on ...", "on holiday until...", nada, just closed). Quaintness restored. As for the president he can now show off his post holiday tan.... and with the lousy weather around, we will soon find out if really does go to the tanning salon.

Wishing you a happy return to work.

Ciao Bella

Been a while, been holidaying. What a wonderful trip, lots to tell. Fear not, will ease it to you over a few entries with the pics. In summary it was a little bit of lots of things, as we cruised the north of Italy and Tuscany.

Lake Como


The lakes up north,












Milan cathedral


churches, lots of them,












Bologna


all the terracotta,












San Giminiano


olive trees and little villages,

















San Giminiano



towers, short ones, fat ones, little ones, skinny ones,












Siena


incredible artwork,












near Pisa


and the seaside,

















Cinqueterre

and of course the magic food and ice cream.

A whirlwind tour, but after some retrospect and time to let it sink in, I come away with one reflection; it is absolutely impossible to whisper in Italian! I thought Americans were loud, what a noisy nation, and they can't stop.

Will shortly post some more details of some of the attractions and beautiful cities we were lucky enough to be able to see.

Looking forward to Paris waking up shortly after the holiday exodus.

Hope you have been wowed the last little while.