It's A Wedding!

On Saturday afternoon family and friends gathered at our home thinking that they had been invited to an Engagement Party. Only a few knew that it was indeed an invitation to a share a wedding celebration for Alysia and Sam. Since May, secret preparations were being made for the garden wedding that both Alysia and Sam had desired. Gardens planted, marquees rented, caterers trialled, lounges rented, cushions and lanterns purchased, dresses ordered and a gown chosen for October 29th. We all awoke to brilliant sunshine on the morning of the wedding. Tables were dressed in white linen and sashed with delicate silver bows. The terraces and lawn hosted neat rows of white chairs for the guests. Pink paper lanterns were strung from tree branches and so too tear drop shaped glass crystals ready to sparkle when the sun set. Flowers adorned each coffee and side table; especially purchased for the day. Bright pink and black cushions featured on the white leather lounges. Lounges that had been arranged to create comfortable spaces for conversation. A shiny, black bar was installed in one corner with a tea and coffee station alongside. A guest book table was established for processing pictures of guests who then created collages and wrote comments to mark and record their memories of the day. Tuscan pines potted in black, ceramic, pots dotted both the interior and the exterior of the marquee. The two man band had been secured and an entire corner allocated to their array of instruments and technology. Are brides always late? Not this one. Alysia was ready and the guests assembled. The bridal party were also keen to wait not a single minute longer. Music played and the procession of bridesmaids, father, mother and bride wound our way through the garden to the shade of the peppercorn tree. Vows were read and moments shared. Alysia and Sam were now husband and wife. Then the party began in earnest. Caterers ensured that guests were content and bar staff poured the bubbles, wine and beer. Thank you to all who made the day so special and D.A.M for her patience and flexibility.

Getting Down To Business

Can one purchase privilege? A debate of ethics in the first instance. Recently I discovered the price of buying privilege. Not a new concept says anyone. The extent of the advantages traded for dollars intruded on my concepts of social parity. How naive was I when Business Class tickets were purchased? I had considered the additional cabin space attached to the ticket price and the different onboard cuisine too, to justify the expense. At times the travel on long haul flights can be so uncomfortable that the traveller arrives at their vacation destination feeling like a battery hen. When released from the confinement of the economy class travel space the body requires time to recover. Recent Business Class travel revealed the numerous benefits of paying for concessions. Business Class passengers have additional baggage allowances and they queue in especially designated carpeted lines to check in. Red carpets or blue carpets appear to be the norm. Red for First Class and blue for Business Class ticket holders. Often they can check in earlier than the displayed 'Gate Open' times. In addition, the Business Class guest usually has access to a serviced lounge area where beverages, food, showers, toilets, reading materials, WiFi and television are freely available. A most welcome and thoughtful gratuity for the additional price of the ticket. Express lanes for the Business Class commuters through security and immigration. I was beginning to understand scope of and the leverage of the dollar. In Business Class I was greeted by name and shown to my cubicle by a smiling attendant. There, in the cubicle, I grasped all that my ticket had purchased. Leg room was greatly appreciated and so too the fold down bed. Additional pillows, white linen for each meal, extensive menu options for each dining experience and real cutlery. What more could I want? Bolinger was presented by cabin crew prior to take off and my drink order requested and noted for when we were airborne. Noise cancelling headsets were distributed and upgraded fabric wallets containing socks and eye shades for sleeping. Quality of each slightly different to those made available in Economy Class seating. Don't misunderstand my appreciation for the luxuries that I enjoyed in Business Class. The table space, the reclining sleeping position, the large flat screen, the additional stowage space allocated to my cubicle was highly valued. The five course meals of exceptional standard and delightfully presented were tempting to the palate. I got what I paid for; yes, indeed I did and more. For the flights of just over 7 and 11.5 hours challenge the body when made consecutively and Business Class attempted to accommodate my every need. Whimsical thoughts now. I was feeling more unequal than other travellers. Greedy luxurious travel-spoilt in every way. I'll ponder not my rights nor the cost for I am sitting jet lagged at the computer wondering why I am awake in the middle of the night. Couldn't my dollar purchase a remedy for jet lag? Finally, I felt equal to all those who travel in Economy Class. Jet lag shows no favours for dollars. Thank you, I think. My social conscience is reinstated. Not sure what ticket that I'll buy for my next overseas adventure.

Pan Pacific Hotel

Great internal architecture at the Pan Pacific Hotel. Internal terraces and walkways bring the outside inside. A circular stairwell rises snake-like towards a sun inspired light well. In the bar area muted light filters from rows of arc shaped, steel framed, timber beams. Seated guests become aware of a light show that illuminates the concrete columns stretching overhead. As the patterns of lights and colours move from space to space the eye is distracted and tracks their progress across the room. Conversation is drawn to comment on the geometric light show unfolding.

Touchdown Singapore

Looking relaxed in the 377. Thirty six hours in Singapore. What to do, what to see? Showers and rest on the agenda. Check out the hotel's facilities. Shopping a great possibility since we exchanged the last of our euros for Singapore dollars. Windfall. Yay! Watches, shoes considered. A month on the road and wooly sheep must be shawn. Cloudy skies outside and exceptional humidity. All variables and options considered and then prioritised. Short delay to action plan. Luggage retrieved from the taxi this morning still has not arrived at our room. Twenty-three floors and unable to wait any longer we rang to discover its progress from front door up to the twenty-third level. Plane carousels had delivered luggage in a more timely manner than hotel personnel who had been so eager to assist with its passage from boot to reception. Finally, refreshed from shower and sleep we hit the shopping malls. Citizen watches not in abundance as we'd hoped. Brands of every other watch shown and sold but not the exact Citizen, ECO watch that we sought. Shoes, not requiring cherry pickers or ladders in which to place one's foot without straps or buckles, another item of interest.

Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow

Homeward bound. According to some statistic. stated at some time, by someone unknown to me, the most popular destination in the whole world is 'home.' No longer able to sit by the arena in Verona and write in one's journal for we were two stops from home. Two people on a mission. Fruit platters eaten. Castles farewelled, long plane rides and journeys into unknown territory all but at an end. Goodbye to Milan's fashion district and fountains by the score. One last coffee prior to check-in and seeking the comfort of the lounge. Two hours passed and then we were seated in our plane seats. Sipping bubbles, boarding preparations underway; seatbelts buckled and warm, white flannels steaming on travel weary hands and faces; we smiled. The first leg, 11.5 hours away from a landing in Singapore.

Milan - I Am Almost Done!

I am sitting in the bar of the Anderson Star Hotel recalling of the things that we have seen and done since we arrived in Milan on Saturday. Whew. Busy, but interesting distractions. Didn't go to Rome-too much happening there at the moment. Today we visited the Museum of La Scala. Inability to go to a performance was not too disappointing. We walked into one of the reserved boxes and immediately had a sense of the atmosphere when the theatre's seats were filled to capacity. I imagined that I could almost hear the chatter of the audience awaiting the performance and I expected the lights soon to dim. As we stood there gazing at the magnificient decor I thought about the costumes, the eyes of audience members casually searching the theatre for other bejewelled or elegently dressed patrons.The also imagined sounds eminating from the smartly dressed muscians warming up in the orchestra pit. The orchestra pit much smaller than I had thought yet the stage much larger than expected. Standing in that guilded box with red velvet chairs revealed more than anticipated. The items displayed in the museum allowed us to partake a little of the theatre's history. No photographs permitted inside. No happy snaps! Duomo also on the list of sights today and we actually entered the cathederal. Passed through the security check quickly and painlessly; just simple bag inspections. Still strong evidence of police presence in the square. Recent riots have left many in state of high alert. The enormity of the Duomo's structure grabs the casual tourist by surprise. We've seen big but the Duomo was not only large but most spectacular in architectural style. Next, we searched the streets beyond the Duomo. The glass ceiling of an infamous shopping district. I'll not mention any cliches. An ancient castle also presented itself. Then extensive gardens unfolded as we strolled for what seemed like kilometres. The gardens contained an enormous sporting arena. Not too far from the arena stood an arch of impressive porportions. A subsequent tram ride was yet another revelation for the day. So much happened all in the space of a few short hours. As exciting as it may have been for us to hire bikes that we saw; we resisted the urge to hire them as the local ambulance service was an unknown entity and one should not place themselves at too great a risk. Alternatively, the considerate tourist should not pose a threat to local residents either. When right is wrong and left is right it is all so confusing. Tram back to our temporary home for one last night. A night of reflections.

Lake Garda

On foot, by train and then ferry we arrived in Lake Garda a little before 10:00. The ferry chugged slowly across the lake stopping at several towns before we disembarked at Garda. Garda was exceptionally serene with pristine waters. October was obviously not its busiest season of the year, for tourist numbers were noticeably absent. Our walk around the headland was comfortable, in that we were able to follow the waterfront path with no steps or steep gradients. Garda's shops were welcoming and they traded typical tourist goods and wares. Down a side street, opposite what appeared to be a gallery dedicated to frogs we saw various metal sculptures with pleasing artistic merit. Later, we took a hydrofoil that delivered us to yet another lakeside town, on Lake Garda. It was here that we stopped for lunch, out of the heat and away from the countless market stalls overlooking the waterfront. I must mention that I did make a purchase prior to our luncheon break. In the main, market stalls featured handbags, autumn/winter lady's fashions and endless suppliers of scarves.

Milan Car Show

Stephen and I were out walking on Sunday morning when we stumbled upon a car show in the making. Cars of every vintage and model were entering the street barriers to park in their carefully selected categories. Vintage, police cars, driven by uniformed Caribanieri, assumed their places in the line up. A car able to travel both on the road and on the water piqued my interest as did the golf mobile. My favourite was the golf mobile, the name that I assigned it, since I was unaware of its correct title. Cars that I remember seeing in movies as a child outnumbered the contemporary models. Proud owners had polished metal until it shone in the morning's sun. Tyres were blacked and hoods opened to reveal gleaming engines. Motorbikes were included in the display and they too held appeal for onlookers.

Making Money In Italy

During our travels we have happened upon some very novel ideas for creating wealth. In Verona and again in Milan there was the very overt style -'begging in the street.' Personally, I found this, somewhat disquitening. Another that we saw was more creative, where one dressed in period costume and then offered to stand with tourists. For a fee happy snaps were taken with the afore mentioned person. The gladiators liked to enhance the photograph with some basic acting thrown in for good measure. Gladiators were popular with many tourists but I think that the approaching cold weather will deliver a blow to their financial adventures. Street buskers were uncommon but the man playing sax in a plaza in Milan had a most amazing talent. Acoustics under the arches created a most pleasant atmosphere as we strolled down to the main shopping area. In Verona there was agentleman who sat in pink satin in a pram whilst delivering his performance to all who stopped to listen. He often drew huge crowds. Crowds that frequently reeled with laughter at his antics. I was not sure how the Statue of Liberty connected with Verona but the man had been standing in the same place every day for the week that I spent in Verona. I made a small contribution to his finances. You have to love street theatre.

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Arena

A funny thing happened on the way to the arena. As we approached the arena the sound of revving engines filled the air. It sounded like every 16 year old who ever lived was sitting in a car park with his friends revving his engine. Upon closer inspection it became apparent that a car rally of sorts was leaving from the Piazza Bra. In the background the arena that had seen every sight since its construction was witnessing modern man's need for speed. Tiny cars with the biggest exhausts and probably phew grande engines were shadowing one another in a short circuit to enter the rally's starting podium. Each car entered the podium's archway, for happy or glam snaps and then resumed its place in the line up. The significant feature of this event was the diminutive size of the competitor's vehicles. A paradox to the amount of noise individual cars were able to produce. The next time someone rips off my small car I shall whip out the images that I snapped through the camera's lens and explain that biggest is not always best! Go my Getz!!!

La Griglia Verona

A secret waiting to be discovered. One of the best dining experiences that we have had since arriving in Italy. Located so close to the arena that even the gladiators must smell the fine cuisine. We first dined at La Griglia last Sunday. On that occasion we had lunch. At that time we felt that we had covered sufficient tourist miles to take a break from the multitudes of visitors in the square. La Griglia was tucked away in a side street; far from the madding crowds who roamed the Piazza Bra. A table was free and we sat and recovered in a most splendid manner. Tonight, we revisited La Griglia. It was not surprising to again find that both service and food was of the highest quality. Orders taken and crisp linen by the fire. Attentive staff delivered each course with professional competence and flair. Coals were raked and withdrawn from the log fire onto the hearth. Chef then entered the dining area where he grilled our veal and fillet steak over the coals raked from the fireside. He gently seared the meat until it was just tender. A quick exit and thence, smiling wait staff delivered our plated meals from the cuccina. If wondering where to have that special dining event in Verona then La Griglia is a must do trattoria. By the fireside or in the adjacent dining space each was equal in its appeal. My recommendation is to try the veal, for it was my favourite. So tender and moist.

Leaving Verona - Taking Memories

When I arrived in Verona traffic chaos and throngs of people filled the streets surrounding Castelvecchio. All had ventured to the city for a festival. Vendors plied their wares along the narrow cobblestones on footpaths, in parks and even on some bridges. The ancient city yielded to the crowds eagerly making light of their excursion. In but a few days I have become familiar with its culture while partaking of its local habits. I've walked the streets and lanes. I've dined in. I've dined out; at cafes, ristorantes, osterias and pizzerias. Up tall steps I've climbed into the arena and watched a passing parade of marching bands. Streets of lucky stones have tormented my shoe leather until they have succumbed to the pattern of my gait on the uneven surface. Engines of vans, arpes and vespas have trilled in my ears, like bees in a tin. The sound reverberating in my head as they accelerate past and it continues long after they are out of sight. I've shopped at supermarkets and walked in circles lost for what seems like ages when foot sore a known landmark is sighted and spirits have lifted. I've developed a liking for cones of limone and banana gelato and an interest in browsing the market stalls in the piazzas scanning the displays for trinkets and souvenirs. I grown accustomed to the smell of freshly ground espressos taken on the run, by residents, hurrying to work. Street theatre performers in the square outside the arena no longer a novelty for I've acquainted myself with their rehearsed patter for tourists. I note the polizia who daily stroll the pavements casually greeting those they know. Into juliet's courtyard I've ambled with streaming tour groups.Wonder what I'll miss the most?

Venice Museo Leonardo da Vinci

Damn clever, that man. When did he sleep? In Venice we stumbled on a museo dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci. For a few euros we were encouraged to interact with the machines on display and to remember, 'no flash when taking pictures of his artworks.' A bit of background on the man. He was born in 1452 and died in 1519. Keep those dates in mind for when you see the models of his inventions you will recognise the man's true genius. Given that Leonardo had no access to computers or the technology that we all embrace today; when you stand before each replica or model of his creations you are left to marvel at his innovations. For example, his weaponry machines for mechanically firing many arrows simultaneously or his underwater breathing apparatus. Was he a little ahead of his time? Yet another structure was his storming ladder designed to raise large numbers of raiders over fortifications. There was a timber pod that resembled the first lunar space modules and yet another for digging and raising loads of earth with extraordinary mechanical advantage. An enormous timber model of a ballbearing sat on display willing the onlooker to ask how did he do it? A helicopter style contraption in such fine proportions was strung from the ceiling. Test pilots eat your hearts out. His artworks were also most impressive but on that day my attention was focused solely on the vast array of models and da Vinci's brilliance. Was he always sketching, drawing, measuring, aligning timber or fabrics to produce incredible devices? What would a man like da Vinci conceive and develop were he alive today? Did his contemporaries consider him a genius, a phenomenon in his day?

Verona Stepping Back

In the old city, not too far from our apartment we found this shop. The street was narrow, just wide enough for traffic to flow. Other passers-by also paused to take a second look. Someone had been faithful to a business created many years ago. Its shop front appears to have been unchanged for generations. Inside customers stopped to talk to the shopkeeper whilst others waited their turn to be served. A crowded shop no deterrent for polite conversation. Patience and customer service paramount. So busy we delayed our walk until the shop emptied, albeit briefly, for other shoppers were making their way to its door.