Taste of Tuscany – Volterra

July 14, 2015July 20, 2021 / Denise / Leave a comment

In our infinite wisdom, my husband and I decided to tour the famous towns of Tuscany using our favourite mode of vacation transportation – bicycle. You see on two previous occasions we travelled through the picturesque terrain of Austria and northern Italy and then, before trekking to Machu Picchu on another holiday, we cycled from Cusco to the Amazonas – two exciting and extremely rewarding vacations.

This time a group of our closest friends decided to join us on our Tuscany excursion. Over the next few blogs I will attempt to take you through our very exciting journey.

After meeting in Pisa (see La Torre Pendente di Pisa) we bussed it directly to the romantic city of Volterra. Volterra offers a glimpse of the architecture typical of medieval times and is filled with small alleys, squares, palaces and towers. And much like other towns in Italy, the window boxes filled with flowers and the charming shops lure you into a lifestyle that is simple, inviting and oh so relaxing.

As the sun sets you are drawn to the magnificent views which surround this important city and the cool evening breezes transport you to that peaceful place you’ve always longed to be. A perfect start to our Tuscany adventure.

If you had to be alone, where would you go…

July 9, 2015July 20, 2021 / Denise / Leave a comment

I chose Lucca.

Lucca is a small town, a short 22 minute train ride north east of Pisa, and whose beginning dates back to 180BC. It boasts of a rich history taking it from the capital city of Tuscany in the 10th and 11th centuries, to an independent republic for more than 500 years, until it was taken over by Napoleon in 1805. A stroll through the old city primarily takes you through medieval buildings transporting you back to an architectural period associated with kings, wars and quite simply fantastic craftsmanship.

I took the opportunity to relax, explore and delve into my new found hobby, photography. And yes, I quietened my mind, my body and my soul, as I walked through the streets mindful of only what I wanted to see, hear, think – trying my best not to get lost. At the same time unresponsive to the many tourists who were on a similar mission of exploring this beautiful old city filled with side walk cafes, restaurants, shopping of all sorts, and of course, ‘Piazzas’ and more ‘Piazzas’.

I ended the day with a delightful lunch in the Piazza Napoleon, people watching, and then quietly strolled through the Botannical Gardens, where tourists and nationals alike rested peacefully under the shade of the huge trees that lined the city walls.

Take a walk on the other side of life – the part not filled to the brim with chores, work, and responsibilities. But filled to the brim with lots and lots of nothing or lots and lots of whatever you, just you, want to do. The only person you have to talk to is yourself. The only person you need to think about is yourself. The only person you need worry about is yourself. You’d be surprised at the results.

Being alone does not equate to being lonely. Spending time with yourself and for yourself, is probably one of the most precious gifts you can receive.

La Torre Pendente di Pisa

July 6, 2015July 20, 2021 / Denise / 1 Comment

A fabulous structure indeed with an interesting history that brings a sense of pride to Italy in general, and Pisans in particular. Depending on where you position yourself, he stands boldly upright with a slight tilt, or is playing peak-a-boo behind his colleague immediately in front. Then, from a totally different angle, he looks as straight as a pin, at attention. The surrounding buildings all play their part in presenting a truly magnificent show of architecture.

What caught my eye and even more so my camera lens, was the excitement in my fellow tourists in photographing the Tower. And not really the tower itself but how to creatively pose in front of the Tower. From the very young to the less young. From couples, to the selfie taker – and oh that selfie stick is everyone’s new best friend – and even whole families. Every one seems to want to right the tower in some form or fashion, lick it, pick it up with their fingers, stand on it, or as you will see from the pics, lift it with certain parts of their body. One guy, I really wasn’t sure what he was trying to do. But the one that really made me laugh was the tour group who felt they needed to record the event in song and dance. Very entertaining indeed.

My attention moved from the tower to the people. And, to be honest, the visit went from ‘ho hum’ to ‘hysterical’.

Girlfriends

July 4, 2015July 20, 2021 / Denise / Leave a comment

I’ve had the great fortune of sharing one of the most impressionable stages of my life with someone who I met quite by chance, in a hostel in Grenoble, some 30 odd years ago. Claudia and I bonded immediately through the many trials of escaping the bondage of a hostel run by nuns, finding suitable lodging, fumbling through the tricky time of self awareness and boys, at the same time learning French, as that was indeed our main purpose at the time.

This was a friendship, unbeknownst to us then, that would stand the test of time and distance. We now live in different parts of the world, with our own families, trials and tribulations, our own celebrations. We’ve taken very different paths but always seem to end up in the same place, physically and emotionally. For at the drop of a hat, phone call or email, we can still pick up where we left off (after a quick recap), and continue the journey of life together.

I know that I am not the only fortunate soul to experience this type of life long friendship – and quite frankly there are many beautiful women in my life who have been true to me through my life’s journey and whose friendship I treasure deeply, but this particular friendship never ceases to amaze me primarily due to its very coincidental start, our very different backgrounds, traditions, experiences – and yet we remain friends to the end.

All this to say that when you call your friend of over 30 years, and say “I have a few days free in Europe – what are you doing?”, you know the answer will only be “Where and When – I’m there.” So what better place to meet than Genova and explore the Italian Riviera together.

Having not seen each other for over a year, the catch up time took a bit longer than expected but not even the beauty around us could stop the chatter. We managed to do so however, amidst the ‘oohs’ and ‘aaahs’ as we climbed the stony path to take in the magnificent views from the Lighthouse in Portofino, explored the Monastery dedicated to the Christian martyr Saint Fruttuoso and his deacons and meandered effortlessly through the cobble stone streets of Santa Margherita. At night the gentle breezes of the Mediterranean cooled the warm air making the Prosecco and pasta that much more enjoyable.

Certainly no better location to fit right back into each other’s life.

Auschwitz – our history

June 29, 2015July 20, 2021 / Denise / 1 Comment

I was in two minds whether or not to visit Auschwitz – a part of our history which conjures up different emotions in each and every one of us. But how do you come to Krakow – possibly a once in a lifetime visit – and not honour those who lost their lives during one of our darkest moments in time, by remembering their horrific journey.

Surprisingly my emotions were stable. I guess having read their story many times over and seen movies based on their torture, my visit to Auschwitz and Birkenau was merely a realization that – My God – this really happened.

The visit took you through their journey recounting the hopes and dreams they had when taking the train with their most precious belongings – just one suitcase was allowed – and of course their spouses and children. I could only imagine the happiness which filled the mother’s heart as she felt that she was being given a chance to make a new life for her family – and the father’s comfort in believing that he would be able to continue to care for and protect his spouse and young ones.

Their shattered dreams became a reality upon seeing their belongings piled high in glass cases -mountains of shoes, hair brushes, pots and pans, religious ornaments and praying mats. Suitcases with their names and addresses – a sign of hope and expectation – giving you an idea of the numbers of persons who lost and died at the hands of this tyrant.

Their living or rather ‘existing’ quarters, the gas chambers, the punishment rooms where four prisoners were made to stand in a 3 foot square room overnight after a hard day’s work, or the rooms where they were left to starve for no apparent reason, filled your imagination, and only your imagination, of what their ordeal might have been like. None of us could possibly understand the depth of their sadness, their humiliation, their loss.

The pictures of some of the inmates who were registered gave you a glimpse of what they may have been thinking. Women, with hollow eyes, grieving over their lost children. The father’s defiance and anger captured in their faces as they swore, albeit secretly, to avenge the death of their family.

As you leave, you pray that our world will never see this type of tyranny again – and you realize even before the end of your silent prayer, that nothing, nothing much has changed. Our world is still at war at many different levels. But you continue to pray and do your part.

May we each find some way, no matter how small, to bring peace to those around us.

Zakopane in all its beauty

June 27, 2015July 20, 2021 / Denise / Leave a comment

Yes it’s a small town, quaint with its cobbled streets, wood cabin type buildings, roads lined with pine trees – lots and lots of pine trees. You feel completely at one with the environment as everything is geared towards its preservation and admiration. Only to learn later that Zakopane is much loved in the winter by those who love to ski and is visited on weekends by those who want to simply immerse themselves in the beauty of its surroundings.

So we took a walk, my husband and I and our unsuspecting niece – more like a hike (5 1/2 hrs) – to one of its highest peaks (1800 meters). And oh the beauty. For any of us who has seen the movie “The Sound of Music”, the song “The Hills are Alive” ring true at every moment. You can just imagine yourself a member of the Von Trapp Family escaping to a new world. Such is the beauty and vastness that surrounds you.

We returned the following day to trek the other side of the mountain, and again, we weren’t disappointed.

Thinking of visiting Poland? Include Zakapone. You will not regret it.

Family Weddings

June 26, 2015July 20, 2021 / Denise / Leave a comment

I absolutely love family weddings. And by family, I include close friends – weddings where you feel you’ve made some sort of contribution to this declaration of love, just by being a part of the couple’s life.

I love the feeling of ‘happy’ that fills the atmosphere and infiltrates your every thought, word and action. And it’s not just because of the overflow of bubbly, wine or Vodka. It’s the excitement of the world about to be created by the newly weds. A world which includes the coming together of two unsuspecting families – each bringing their own traditions, history, and expectations of the future. A world where everything is possible – filled with adventure, hope, dreams and new life. A journey that has no end and one that can only grow deeper in love and trust.

I’ve recently attended the wedding of my husband’s nephew whose parentage is Trinidadian and English. He grew up in England where he met his dream girl and whose parentage is Polish. The wedding took place in beautiful Zakopane, a small town 1 hour outside of Krakow, Poland. The guest list included friends and family from several different parts of the world – a testament that I am not the only one who absolutely loves a family wedding – or more to the point – the joining together of two great people.

What made this wedding special was the absolute love and care that went into its every detail. And you felt it from the moment you received your ‘Save the Date’ email one year before. Imagine bringing together some 200 odd people from different parts of the world and taking care of their every need – smoothly, effortlessly and with the broadest of smiles.

What piqued my interest most – apart from the overflow of food, which included pork in its every form or fashion, wine and Vodka and more Vodka – was the unique way the Poles have of ensuring the longevity of this union. Very simply Greg had to ‘buy’ Julia. We know that some religions work with the ‘dowry’ concept and this usually takes the form of land or cattle – something with a high cash value. Julia, however, was ‘sold’ for a ration of cheese, a bottle of Vodka and One hundred TT Dollars (USD15.00). Let me say this however, that she is worth her weight in gold and they have both won the jackpot.

Thank you Greg and Julia – may all your dreams come true.

Sydney, Beautiful Sydney

August 20, 2014July 20, 2021 / Denise / Leave a comment

If I have to live in winter, I’ll choose Sydney – beautiful sunny days with cool air-condition weather. Actually, if I have to live in Spring, Summer or Fall, I’d still choose Sydney. It’s a no brainer actually.

Sydney is the best of all worlds. On the ocean where beautiful beaches abound, the big city life playing with the pleasures of beautifully landscaped national parks lining the coast. You can be in complete serenity gazing at the horizon or in the hustle and bustle of things shopping to your heart’s content. You can travel by train, car, bicycle or ferry with the assurance of everything working as it should and the confidence that you will be safe anywhere and everywhere. At all times surrounded by a people who enjoy life, respect others and cherish their environment.

Your entertainment can range from a relaxing day at the beach – a choice of a multitude of beaches all with white sand and ocean blue waters – a delightful glass of wine or coffee at a side walk cafe – a delectable choice of meals at well appointed or very rustic restaurants – bar hopping at its best – or simply a stay at home meal enjoying the company of your boys and girls.

I’ve fallen in love with this city – quite unexpectedly.

We will see each other again.

Not quite the end

August 19, 2014July 20, 2021 / Denise / 1 Comment

Not a moment to spare we head to Gerroa, a small town of 497 inhabitants 2 hours’ drive south of Sydney. An amazing view of Seven Mile beach greets us as we enter the beach house just in time to watch the sun set. Welcoming and much needed after our trek across the Kimberley. Jessica’s dad, Bruce and brother, Duncan, have joined us for the weekend.

A drive to Kangaroo Valley takes us through the rolling hills of farming country – dairy, beef and surprisingly sheep, with the odd field of horses. The quaint towns of Berry, Robertson and Kamia delight us with their charming architecture and country feel – clean, well organised and beautifully landscaped – and of course with coast line forever at arm’s reach.

Serene, crisp, hmmm just beautiful.

With Bruce (left) and Duncan (middle)

View from our appt

Is this really the end

August 18, 2014July 20, 2021 / Denise / Leave a comment

You come to realise that this camping thing that we do on holiday is more than that for most of the people you meet on the way. It’s really a way of life for them. Some have been at it for years, some months, some have sold everything they have and are travelling and working their way through Aussie as a means to learning and experiencing what this amazing country has to offer. A tempting prospect as you enjoy the simplicity of life, the generosity and openness of those you meet, not to mention the share beauty of world around you.

As we drive into Darwin, weary from the long road trip and not too sure what to expect, as Darwin is often referred to as the hole of North Australia, we are faced with what seems to be a metropolis and are now not quite sure how to fit in with our camping gear, dirty cars and sand blown bodies. We stop on the esplanade taking in the beauty of the coast and the splendour of the landscaping.

Where to stay – the eternal question – finding it hard to return to a camp site within this space of civilisation. The boys and girls come to the rescue – booking a mystery 6-person accommodation with what seems like all the amenities. Arriving at our destination, we are catapulted into the modern world and loving every minute of it. Thanks guys – your generosity is much appreciated. We are all smiling not only because of the classy end to our adventure but certainly because of a fabulous journey across the Kimberley. We celebrate with an authentic Indian meal and some wine, of course, reminiscing the most precious moments of our adventure.

The view from our last camp site

Our last camp site courtesy the kids

So which gorge is the best?

The votes are in –
– Winjanna because of the crocs and sheer beauty
– Sir John’s gorge where the sunset was just amazing
– Manning gorge, the best place to swim
– El Questro – the climb was slow and the pools clear, cool and oh so clean..

… in other words, we really can’t decide…. can you?