Had a manic dash across Paris on the metro during the rush hour to the Gare de Lyon, with our backpacks and wheely thing..... I had to have a pain-au-chocolat to calm me doon!
‘Spanish Steps’ Walked over to the famous Spanish Steps which have little to do with Spain really and were commissioned by Louis 14th of France. They climb a slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the bottom and Piazza Trinita dei Monta and the church of the same name at the top. Only 135 steps but beautifully designed, to link the French church and the Spanish embassy below. Lovely views over Rome and as Jeff discovered an interesting tea room at the bottom - Babingtons which was opened in around 1890 by two English ladies who introduced the notion of tea drinking to Rome. We nearly went in to introduce our Yorkshire Teabags but alas will have to save that for another day. The Vatican We thought all the self-guided slots at the Vatican were booked but Jeff suggested we just went anyway and 'knocked on the door' so to speak. Amazingly they h...
Rain chucking it down this morning so I'm taking the chance to update this Blog since I've not had much on-line time in the last two weeks. We have been reflecting on this year which has been one marked with almost unbearable grief as most of you will know. I miss my two brothers so much and often still catch myself thinking I must ring them, or send a funny message. This year has made us resolve to live life to the full, be in tune with every moment and find joy in the everyday. All cliches I know but it is how it is. On a lighter note we have been following every day the health challenge of our dear granddaughter Susie who has just undergone a major operation to correct a spinal condition, scoliosis. She is a brave girl and just starting to make a recovery at home. Thanks at times like this for digital messaging so we have been able to visit her virtually at least. We are so pr...
Sadly it was too choppy for the tender boats so we were unable to visit Mykonos and so had two days at sea taking us back up to Rome. Plenty on-board things to do including a great 'how to take photos with your smartphone' seminar where I learned a few things. Played cards and dominoes and enjoyed the three lane pin bowling alley, although we were badly beaten by the Americans - turned out there were a few all-star players around - put me in mind of Fred and Wilma Flinstsone! enjoyed lovely whiskey tasting on our last night on-board.... I used the walking/jogging track a few times - 330 steps end to end so about 3.5 lengths per kilometer and did 10 each session about 3 kms. Good chats along the way with people from all over the world who all wanted to know everything to do with Scotland including tails of the three-legged haggis. Passed a few volcanic rocks looking quite lively.... ...
Hope the bags are holding up. Xx
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