Two hairy caterpillars

I had a rather adventurous weekend. I did something I've never done before and, honestly, I'm not sure I want to do it again. My wanting to and needing to are more than just two different words.

Saturday I woke determined to stare down the flu threatening to take over my body and confine me to my bed for the weekend. Not on a weekend. I'm more than willing to surrender on a working day but weekends only happen for 2 days every five days.
My darling Fiancé (not sure I'm used to that word yet) had an appointment with Ben - the man who cuts his hair. I had a desire to shop. Little did I know what awaited me.

I've mastered the art of dodging a certain type of Salesperson. All over Edinburgh these people who wake with shiny, white-toothed smiles and think using the line 'Can I see you hands?' is going to work on me. In this swine-avian-dognammit-I-don't-need-to-cover-my-nose-when-I-sneeze-society why oh why would I willingly let you see and touch my hands? You are a stranger with strange hands and I don't talk to strangers.

Saturday my guard was down. The flu had weakened my natural instincts. I made eye contact. A fatal error. His name was Raul. His smile was perfect and the Spanish accent not half bad. I really do have a beautiful name. And my Fiancé (nope not used to it yet) really is a lucky man.
£40 later I now own a bit of the dead sea. And my hands are soft, soft, soft.

Admiring my soft, silky hands I wandered out into the mall and found myself being approached by another Colgate Smile. Before I can say lickety split (I've never said that but next time I might see if I can get it in) I'm sitting in a beautician's chair and preparing myself for Threading. This is an ancient Asian torture technique done using 3 pieces of thin, twisted pure cotton thread which is rolled over untidy hairlines, like my eyebrows on Saturday, plucking the hair out at follicle level. Apparently it isn't as painful as waxing. Apparently. My eyebrows do look good and no longer resemble two hairy caterpillars crawling above my eyelids.

I didn't even cry. I did bite my tongue to stop myself from screaming. When I opened my eyes I had drawn a crowd. Human beings have always been attracted to watching other human beings being tortured, haven't they? We don't want to watch but we still do. No-one came to save me. No-one pulled me from the chair and asked Colgate Smile if she'd gone mad. Nope, tens of women did seem amazed at my bravery. So fluttering my lashes beneath perfectly framed eyes and waving my satin hands I paid and went in search of my Fiancé (I'm getting better at this). With his new haircut, my soft hands and neat eyebrows, we were a striking pair.

Maybe I'll go back in 2 - 4 weeks. Maybe.

A full week.

Heading into my first full week back at work since we got back from Italy. I like to plan it that way - go back in the middle of week so it is only a few more days till you have a weekend. Monday is looming.

Did I mention I got engaged last week? Yup, I did. So going to take something gigantically momentous to beat my last week. I'm still riding on that happy wave so I'm expecting another fabulous week.

Have a good one!

Caldonazzo... Bellisimo!

We arrived yesterday in Trento and were met by my brother. This place, and most especially where he lives in Caldonazzo, is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. Mountains and lakes. So peaceful and awe inspiring.

Today I'm feeling a little sad. It is my Oma's funeral and I'd like to be there. It was not to be so I've said a few prayers and my private goodbye. I know she is at peace now. At 94 she has had a good, long life and will be missed.

Tonight we will feast in her honour and toast to her memory and our memories of her.

Waking up to the Ringing of bells...

and another beautiful day in Florence. We spent a marvellous day in Siena yesterday just wandering around the streets and lounging around the Piazza like locals and licking on our Gelatos. I could easily get used to this Italian way of life.

So today we are off to explore more of Florence. I'm going to find David. Then we might go climb a hill to see a spectacular view, have a picnic in the Bobolina Gardens and then watch the sunset over the river while sipping on cocktails - what you all doing today?

And on we go...

Our time in Rome is now coming to a close and it is time for us to head off to Florence for the next leg of our adventure. We've fallen in love with Rome. The Food. The People. The History. Our host at the B&B Baldessini, Francesco, has been outstanding - makes a great breakfast, gives great recommendations and just very interesting to talk to. Without him we would have spent much more money and not seen as much.

Lots to tell you but not too much time so will update again, hopefully, from Florence.

When in...

I'm waiting at Gatwick airport for our flight to Rome! Woohoo! Crazy time of the morning to be up but you got to do what you got to do. I'm actually too tired to write anything remotely sensical so forgive all grammar and spelling errors because I'm on a count down and there is no time to proof read.

Looking forward to arriving in Rome being met at the meeting point (wherever it may be) by Alessandro and driven to our B&B where I'm going to collapse on the bed and sleep. Yup, sleep. Then wake and feast like a Roman! That is our plan for the entire trip - to do what Romans do, when in Rome! So Ciao, Ciao. I'll try write again - otherwise be back in a couple of weeks! Check every day just in case!