Long time no blog. That’s because Olivespastavino has been travelling – a lot!
In the middle of March we drove up to the North of Italy, first to Viareggio inTuscany, then on to Apricale in Liguria and finally a visit to Gubbio in Umbria. It was fabulous. We absolutely loved each place and plan to visit Gubbio again in June, specifically the Relais Ducale. Another Blog post with more info to follow next week.
At the very end of March I jumped on a flight to the UK to meet up with my lovely daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter, they live in New York so this was an opportunity to meet up. Sadly they were visiting the UK because of bereavement on my son-in-law’s side of the family.
The weather was fabulous and despite a sickness bug (for them not me) we managed to have a wonderful time. A visit to Hampton Court Palace Gardens was the highlight. A truly English experience. Spring flowers, shrubs, trees, foot paths and all beside the river Thames.
It really is truly wonderful being a grandmother, Nonna in Italian. I love it! Of course I have got the most beautiful granddaughter in the whole world…who hasn’t? Every moment spent with her is precious, she lives so far away.
I returned to Italy for just one week and then went off again. This time to Northern Ireland for a grand dinner and knees up…splendid do, The Man polished up quite well for this and he was a lot better than the dog at selfies!
From Belfast we travelled over to Bristol where again the sun shone. After visiting Cardiff for family business The Man and I went our separate ways for a few days, him to London and I stayed in Bristol where I suddenly got the fitness bug!
My friend Jan took me to the gym, I don’t often like them but this one was rather lovely…Bristol Health and Fitness I did ten minutes on the bike, ten minutes on the running machine and then five minutes on a machine for toning biceps and triceps, it was a bit like riding a bicycle with my arms. Think I only covered a few metres though. We then had a swim, me in the slow lane and Jan in the fast. I never was any good at swimming.
Jan gave me some of her old gym clothing and I invested in a good sports bra – very necessary! The very next day I borrowed a pair of trainers and I went for a run, yes a RUN – well a walk with a bit of jogging thrown in for good measure. It took me half an hour, up the road and round the park. I felt very proud of myself.
Back in Italy I am determined to carry on what I have started but so far the bra has only had one outing and I’ve yet to buy the running shoes. BUT – today I collected a registration form from the local gym in Valmir. Not quite up to the Bannatyne standard but what the heck. Watch this space.
Hope you all had a good Easter, our Sunday lunch was taken at Parco Galeano again this year, 33 euro for a meal of several delicious courses, wine, coffee and liqueurs thrown in! No wonder I need the gym!
I think it was 8 courses + water wine mistra and coffee all for 33 bucks! and Delitta was a delight as usual! Steady on with the fitness though or you will be looking 20 years younger than TM and requiring a much younger model – he is a bit ancient in those photos and not at all the debonair middle aged gent who appears in the mirror every morning.
Now … about that bra! need any help?
You’ve been busy! X
Isn’t the world a wonderful place? xx
Wow. Impressed. Keep up the good work in the gym!
There was I, hot cross bun in one hand and choccy egg in the other, I read this and was SHAMED into going to the gym…..thanks a bunch!
Jan
Hope you like your photo…rather fetching I thought, goggles and hat! Bought the running shoes this morning!
Hey ninette… Get those running shoes worn in for our visit in July!
Well… maybe not so much running, but I do intend walking my socks off & I need an exercise buddy! Start practicing 🙂
Hi Carmel. I’m just back from gym now….ouch! Legs are wobbly and body feels tired. Gotta carry on though, I’ll need to keep up with the young ones in July! x