We were woken this morning by more earth tremors, the second time in less than a week, first in Rome and now Siena.  In contrast, despite the number of times we have been to New Zealand (the so-called Shaky Isles) we have never experienced even a slight hiccup there. We decided this morning to go […]

Life begins early in the Cloisters of the Carmine Monks. Woken by the smell of coffee at the crack of 8.45am.  I look out of the window at the vast expanse of terracotta roof tiles towards the near by Basilica and the distant Duomo. I once more descend the marble stair case, pausebriefly to look […]

It’s another glorious sunny day in Sienna, so we’re off to do some exploring.  But the first priority is the washing of the jocks and socks!  A coin operated laundry is conveniently located just around the corner from our accommodation.  An hour, 6 Euros, and Job done. Walking through the streets of Siena is absolutely […]

ROME TO SIENNA. When planning this holiday nearly three years ago, Sienna was on the must do list after skipping it last time. That was the greatest of mistakes. We chose to come by bus, as it passed through some interesting towns,and we thought the slower speed would enable us to get a better look […]

Buon giorno amici! It’s Wednesday, and our only full day in Roma. And, of course, it’s raining. Never mind, on with the raincoats and off to the Paletine, Rome’s ancient ruins and the place where Julius Caesar (and many famous others), walked the walk , talked the talk and came to grief in the Forum. […]

NAPLES TO ROME. It is often said that you don’t get what you wish for. In one of yesterdays few quiet moments Ilze said, “do you know we have been here a week and have not yet been inside a church” Fatal words. First there was the Chiesa of the Sisters of Santa Chiara and […]

SUNDAY Another bright and early start today, thanks to the Sisters and their bells.  After a leisurely breakfast we decided to use our 3 day pass and go up to the Vomero on the funicular rail.  We expected sensational views on the way up but were disappointed as most of the journey was through a […]

When I first discovered the writings and the later TV works of Professor Mary Beard OBE etc, Chair of Classical History at Cambridge and truly awful hair, I had already made a visit to Pompeii. During that brief visit (with a Spanish speaking tour guide) I believed everything he said and came away wanting to […]

OK, technically its evening but after three glasses of Tavolla Red with our extra-ordinary dinner, I cant even spell right. Just walking down via Speranzella for 300 meters is a feat. Two young 20ish somethings, on scooters, talking and on their phones, parted (unlike the red sea)just long enough to go around us and the worst part is […]

CLANG, CLANG, CLANGETY CLANG, CLANG ……  think very loud bells, for a whole minute, at 7 am every morning, and that’s our alarm clock courtesy of the nuns in the convent across the laneway from our hotel.  No excuses for sleeping in and not starting the day  bright and early. Today our itinerary took us […]