Hi…after promising you all a reprieve we are in touch again! Just had to tell you what a great couple of days we’ve had. Isn’t it funny how things surprise you. What we thought was just a practical process of getting from A to B turned out to be a wonderful time. Our trip from County Kerry (car-bus-bus) to Belfast went well. A long day but we arrived at our hotel around 7:30pm. After a long relaxing bath – amazing how a good soak can revive you – we wandered down to the Crown, a famous traditional pub in the city centre. We had a great night! Met Louise and Johnny who just chatted about their life in Belfast. Thanks guys! We then went on to meet some teachers from Estonia who were in Belfast for a conference, and some English girls celebrating something – not sure what. The place was packed and very noisy, add to that different accents, a couple of wines, and it can be hard to get the finer points of the conversation. We did our best! Anyway we loved Belfast. Not the subdued unhappy place you might expect. People seemed open and friendly. Walked down to the local market the next morning. Lots of atmosphere, great food, some great looking cheeses, but no wine! Never mind. Also checked out the shopping area. Lots of people, but still a relaxed feel. The photos of the Crown were taken the next day – just had to sneak back in so we could share!
Great flight to Milan. Plane was nearly empty so had good seats with leg room – important when they’re as long as mine. I was hoping to see the French Alps, but we were heading into some very heavy cloud as we approached Lake Geneva. I wasn’t hopeful. Then suddenly peaks appeared poking out from the sea of white. It was amazing. I ran around taking photos. Everyone wondered what was happening until they looked out of the window. Lots of excitement. The air stewards thanked me – they fly the route so often they don’t even look anymore. Can’t wait to visit the French Alps on the ground.
We were picked up at Milan Airport buy Diego, owner of the guest house we stayed in last night. Very cheap for Milan – 55 Euro with free pick up and drop off to the airport. A great place – comfy beds, good bathroom, quiet. You never know when you book over the net!! He recommended a local pizza restaurant just around the corner and it was great. They spoke very little English and our Italian is non- existent but we managed to communicate. A great night of pizza, hand gesturing, and an Italian red.
Better go. Diego is picking us up soon to take us back to the airport to pick up our hire car. Off to Northern Tuscany today.
Lots of love
Di and Reg