My Mother was born in a small village in the mountains. When she was a young student nurse, her Papa (my Nonno) organised a marriage for her with an older, wealthier gentleman. My Mum ran away to England, met my Hungarian refugee Dad and woo hoo….I was the result. Needless to say, Nonno was seriously […]

As soon as the kids heard that we were planning this Italian sojourn, they decided to hop on board. Of course, Mama and Papa will be providing the beds and food (and vino) so why not? Wogette and her husband, Machissmo are to meet us in Milan. Leonardo, our artistic son based in Scotland, also […]

Both Mr. Wannabeawog and I wanted to do a Lake cruise however, our last minute plans were not accommodated by the tour operators as they were fully booked. No matter, Mr. Wannabeawog is a seasoned skipper (despite he thinking the sun sets in the south in Italy) so we rent a boat and take off. […]

As recommended by the Hotel’s concierge, Mr Wannabeawog and I head off to walk to Castillo di Vezio. I’m always a little nervous when an Italian tells me ‘it’s a short walk’ as the last short walk we took was the Path of the Gods…..nearly killed me. We are smart enough to check a map…it […]

Mr Wannabeawog is a skilled skipper. He has crossed a few seas and can find his way around better than most. Which is why I was stunned when he asked what direction I thought the sun set in Italy. “West” I mumble. “No” he says “I think it sets in the south. Bit like the […]

After a quiet night in Courmayeur, we decide to spend some more meditative time on Monte Bianco (Monte Blanc for you Frenchies).  We catch the cable car and proceed to climb to the roof of Europe. The car is full of loud people laughing and chatting in an assortment of languages. We try to zone […]

Today we have decided to have a lazy drive checking out the villages around Alba. The roads are twisty, windy and narrow. So you know, I drive like Nonna Maria and Mr Wannabeawog drives like Valentino Rossi (except on four wheels). I have busy trying to hold down my oats as he is zipping through […]

We commence our week long “wing it tour” by driving to Alba in Cuneo. Only a two hour drive except for the extra two hours we spent getting lost in the old quarter. The narrow one way cobbled stone streets are a mish mash and there are people everywhere. I am slowly losing the will […]

Mr Wannabeawog and I drove to Santa Margherita Ligure today. Relatively trouble free ride and the Hotel has free parking. Which is lucky as the hotel room costs a motza. After checking in, we decide to cab it to Portofino. Alessandro (the cabbie) collected us in a Mercedes E350 and elegantly describes the landmarks. Very […]

Mr Wannabeawog and I are staying smack in the middle of the old quarter of Genoa. Absolutely stunning. The shops are so vibrant and full of unique items. I’m worried about ditching Mr Wannabeawog and getting some alone time (read shopping time with no nagging spouse). Well, it wasn’t hard really. The Salone Nautica is […]