Year of Len Nearing an End

Year of Len Nearing Its End

Since our return from our trip to Italy and our cruise I haven't written. Many have encouraged but I have not had the inclination , or clear relaxed mind of being on holiday to write. My beautiful daughters and their respective spouses have moved into new homes this past summer. So it has been busy with; "dad, can you do this for us , or fix this or look at that?" I don't mind and actually love doing it. It was lucky they were within blocks of each other , and by the way, I am so happy of that.

Rosemary, the love on my life, has had a tough go of it since our return to hectic normal life, both professionally and personally. I shall forgo the professional because it is somewhat resolved that her frame of mind being: "can't worry over something I can't control, so what will be will be." Personally she is going thru a tough time with her parents, which we live next door to  them.  It is not a "Everyone Loves Raymond" situation. It is a constant frustration on a daily basis. Those who have gone through this can fully understand. She gets depressed over the fact her parents are no longer the guiding spirit behind her life. They live inside a dense cloud. Sometimes it clears and there is clarity and other times she wants to lay in bed curled up and cry. It is a horrible illness: Alzheimer's. It affects not only the victim but all the family as well.  Having gone through this with my own parents and was blessed that God answered our prayers when he took them within His arms, relatively early. Rosemary parents are so very fortunate they have not experienced (and I pray they will never experience) a care home environment as my parents did. They are fortunate they can get along well (relatively) with the aid of a very nice care worker living with them. On a daily basis Rosemary checks to see if all is well, even though the care taker is there. Her parents are not the same as they once were. She has to treat them as children and one's patience is tested often. The terrible thing and very tragic; this gets progressively worse, and one's patience gets thin, very very thin. Rosemary thanks me on almost daily basis for keeping her grounded and reminding her, they are children we have to look after now,  plain and simple.

Dad built this olive press.

Doesn't look like much.

It has tools,and much much more. So well cherished.

Moving on. I have been unpacking and organizing and yes purging of items since our move. We had over 200 boxes unpacked in basement. Now that my basement project (man cave) is complete we are unpacking and storing, or purging. Recently I came across my beloved dad's tool boxes and boxes of odds and ends we cleared from my mum and dad estate. When we cleared out their old home we split up tools, personal possessions and what nots. I have a work area under our main floor laundry. It is combination furnace room and tool/ work room and has a height of 6 feet 4 inches. Two tool boxes which I saved and cherish, are two handmade tool boxes from scrap wood and well built with a latch with copper wire locking system. The room I have down stairs is small and low ceiling but very cosey for me especially when I opened one of the cases. I smelled my dad. The same smell that was on him constantly. Tears began to flow as the tiny room had my dad's spirit there. Opening the box it had two sliding shelves made of wood from wooden grape crates. He used everything and hardly ever wasted anything. The odour was, as best described was like saw dust mixed with machine oil. He had a cloth apron for a tool belt which I picked up and held close. The old tools, in excellent condition were like museum pieces of an old era where power tools were only thought of. The cloth tool belt was like an ancient artifact. It had the name of the lumber company: Pape Lumber, which no longer exists of course and a 4 digit phone number beginning with OX. The memories were over whelming and at same time as tears flowed, so did my smile grow. So very proud of my heritage and loved Dad so much. I wanted to call my brother and sister and tell them of this but could not, but will share with them our memories at a later date. The last year we had together was wonderful even though painful. I reminded Rosemary to enjoy what she can, when she can, for despite the frustration and loss of patience, there will be a day when she wishes they were here to talk to, to share with and to cherish with. I remember my dad smile and presence and odour and above all his influence he had on my life. I am my father's son.

Have to go now, Rosemary's parents are sitting in their family room watching a blank screen on their tv. They have forgotten how to turn the power on  and switch it to their one channel they watch. Sometimes they just sit there, mostly in the dark til it's time for bed, about 7:30. Yes I know, sad.

Phobias

At the start of this blog , I had mentioned you would learn of some of my (many) phobias.  Some will understand and some, will roll their eyes.  Our cousin in Monterotondo, had a fear of bees. One summer the community offered a course in Bee Keeping, and he enrolled in order to understand the thing he fears. Today he successfully has many Bee Colonies and makes his own honey (very tasty). 

Anxiety has always been a problem for me as far back as I could remember. As I become more aware of the why and when, I have learned to control it to some degree with moderate success. I do have a ‘security blanket’. I carry with me but have not taken (for a very long time)a prescribed medication for Panic Attacks. Most times, the feel of that little pill box apon my person enables me to deal with the problem without the actual medication. To the ones now saying “its in his mind”, your absolutely correct. I say to them try to change a life long habit, it is not so easy, easy to say, but not so easy to do.  It is a lifelong challenge to alter a behavior one has developed. At best, one learns to deal with it best they can.  There have been a few times, I was not able to soothe a panic attack and had to take the prescribed pill. If I can avoid it, I try my utmost, for I know, If I can deal with it mentally without precriptions it reinforces my ability to deal with it.

Panic Attacks, are like; you are about to die. This is essentially how one feels. Your head spins, you lose balance, your heart beats faster. You have shortness of breath, sweat uncontrollably, and feel you must get up if you are sitting, if you are standing, you must sit down. You feel you must move about if you are standing still, and if you are moving about you must stand still. Your heart  actually beats quite fast and the more you realize it, it seems to beat even faster. You know exactly what is happening to you but you don’t know because your mind in not functioning properly. Your just focused on the fact that you are about to die, and look around you as though it is the last thing you will ever see.

Here I am on holiday, on a beautiful cruise ship in the Mediterranean

, with my lovely bride of 36 years. I adore this woman and commend her for putting up with my many faults all these years. It has not been easy to say the least, and at times has lost her patience and temper. (Mauro)

I don’t blame her one little bit, not at all. Many times I have bailed or pleaded for her to attend a dinner or function on her own or with our friends, alone. Please alow me to give you a little more insight into this phobia felt by me, and many others.

On this day we are taking a guided tour from our ship to the ruins  and ancient sites in and around Athens. Athens, like Rome is very congested with cars, motorbikes, buses, tours, and people. As we depart to the sites, our tour guide begins her  descriptive narrative of the sites we are about to visit.  As she is talking, I don’t hear a single word and she is only a few steps away from me. I look about to the back and front of bus, hmm,,,no toilet on this tour bus. I view the traffic and the traffic lights ahead of us. Hmmm ,,,,heading into morning commute traffic. I close my eyes and hear silence, and tell myself that the traffic is moving, and I have gone to the toilet just before getting on the bus. I open my eyes and see we have not moved an inch in 10 minutes and feel the urge to look for a toilet. Relax Len, as I adjust the air flow control for the air conditioning above me, and wonder if the people in front and behind me would mind if I adjust theirs to point towards me. Rosemarys eyes are closed, she is resting her eyes, as she would want people to believe, but I know better.  She feels me squirming about and I can hear her silent thinking “its all in your mind”, she has learned not to say it out loud. Len, relax, ignore the beads of sweat now dripping from your forehead, ignore the wet sticky feeling of your shirt on your back, relax, breathe. Relax, take deep breaths, control it. Opening my eyes I see we are moving now and my breathing becomes easier. I feel the cool air of the air conditioning soothing my body. I feel Rosemarys’ smile and her squeeze of my hand. I am relaxing now.

Arriving at the  Parthenon so rich in beauty and the views are  outstanding I am in awe. I cant help but notice the multitude of tour buses and the masses of people. There is beauty here, there is ancient history, this is where legends have started and exist. I see chaos.

I see shoulder to shoulder chaos of people trying to funnel through the gates with tickets in hands, to  two  very slow moving ticket takers. The heat , even this early in the morning beats off the worn marble we stand on. Put it out of your mind Len. This is an historic ancient site reflecting our very existence. Not to mention many films have used this site as backdrops, one comes to mind, “Jason and The Argonauts”,   where they trapped the winged creatures. That reminds me, I know now who that tour guide reminds me of, that fabled woman with snakes in her hair, and if you gaze at her, you will be turned to stone. A lovely woman, telling the bus driver how to drive the bus. Every once in a while I see his glare to her as though balancing the thought of quitting, or homicide.

She made her own rules such as wearing the mic around her neck instead of in front of her mouth and we had receivers in our ears with her constant sounds of the mic brushing her neck and clothing. Very very very annoying.  Almost all have it turned off now and are ignoring her.

Making our way down the slippery marble paths toward the exit, we gather and await the guide. “How long to the next stop?” She replies, “Athens is a very beautiful city full of culture.”  I repeat slowly, “Next stop? Bathroom? How long?” “We shall stop shortly at an Art Shop with clean rest rooms.” I used the ones on this site and they were clean by my standards and in relation to the amount of people it handled.  “Oh yes very clean and today for this group only you will receive a 10% discount off any purchase in the shop.  If my body temp was not already high, it has now peaked and boiling over. Hate being hustled, but this practice is so common worldwide. Patience very thin now, I ask “Are the Taxis regulated in Athens?” Puzzled look on the the womans’ face.  “Are they required to use the meters or bargain for fare?”  Still that puzzled look, I fear to look her straight in the face for I may be turned into stone.  I rephrase, slowly,   “ I……want…… to……return………to ship.” Ahhh yes now the puzzled look going away. “For anyone wishing to leave the tour, you may do so but must make your own way back to ship.”

“We shall be leaving shortly.”  Never specific times, like 5 minutes or 10 minutes, just, soon.  Rosemary gives me her look. I have seen this look too often. “I am so sorry.” Say I. I close my eyes and concentrate on breathing control. Smile back at Rosemary and say…”All is well, I am fine.”

A nearby fellow passenger, a very nice woman, says, “Its  the same no matter where you go, one has to laugh or else it will get to you.” I smile and laugh ,“You are so right.”

Ciao Monterotondo

Internet on high seas is not good so pictures will follow when I return home, plus all updates on our travels.

Monterotondo  

Monterotondo is a sleeper community of Rome. Many commute to and from twice a day to work, either by Train or Bus or Car or Motorbike. It seems most prefer motorbike and car and the roads even in this small town are congested twice a day. Pardon me, it is actually more. Once in the morning and then around 1:00, they return for lunch and then return  to work around 4, and then of course coming home in the evening around 7. In other words very congested. Quite different from our first visit when we first got married. It was quiet, no traffic and no congestion.

Visiting our cousins here in Monterotondo is an event we always look forward to. They are infrequent visits, yet, when we get together again,  we continue as though no time has passed. We ignore the passage of time and distance and hug each other as old friends do with tears flowing and smiles. From morning to evening, we enjoy tidbits of life we share and miss. We share our lives as though they are intertwined, and in fact they are woven together.  Unfortunately time goes by ever so fast and when we realize this, we frown, for shortly we shall part company once again with half smiles and many tears, and embraces we wish not to end, ever.

Dear cousins, no words, no smile, no tear is adequate enough to describe how we feel. We see our children grow and in fact have grown into their own lives . We have such pride for our children and our close relationship.  We share more than a love of kinship, more than a friendship, more than a relationship.  Our love for each other has no boundaries. We would sacrifice so much for one another without hesitation. It is a rare kind of love we share. One that will never disappear but will grow and be nourished by our life experiences, and by our childrens’ life experiences.

We leave you our love to continue and grow. Forever in our hearts.       

My brother and Demetra arrived a day prior to depart for the cruise and we said we would all go out to dinner. We had previously negotiated a contract where we would take entire family out, and it would be our treat. It had to be a contract, legally binding or else there was no way we could accomplish this feat.

 Michella arranged all of it. She strategically made a reservations at MOMO’s a local popular spot with Romans , not a place tourist would find easily. An huge old villa formally a Hospital for Mentally Ill I think I am not quite sure. Three floors of dining very stylish and can tell by the patrons, it is an “IN” spot. Men an women dressed to the hilt. Fashion galore around us for sure. Amazes me, that these people do not perspire.  Dressed in long sleeve attire and some with jackets or sweaters. It is at least in the mid 90’s F inside with not a hint of a breeze. We sat beside a window and I assure you, there wasn’t.  There is no air conditioning nor circulating fans , just menus and napkins to fan yourself.  My brother and myself had to excuse ourselves to go to the “baino” at least a couple times to throw some cool water on our faces to revive ourselves from heat stroke. Meanwhile patrons ate drank and were not bothered by the extreme heat. Rosemary’s line, some will recognize it; “don’t think about it.”  Thankyou dear wife.

 Jeanfranco and Elvira insist to drive us to Citivechio to catch our Cruise Ship. Rosemary final goodbye to her aunt is a fountain of tears. She has Alzheimers and greeted Rosemary daily as if for the first time she saw her since her visit when she was 18. This time it is a little different for when she greeted her and Rosemary said farewell, her aunt commented,  “it is the  last time I will see you”, hence the tears. It is an emotional parting.

We must get on the road before 1:00 pm or else it will be jammed with people going home for their lunch. Everything closes 1 til 4. Fortunately traffic is light and we near the port and see a mountain of a ship ahead, Celebrity. It is huge all 14 floors of her. A floating hotel. Our cousins want to see Frank, Eugenia, Silvia and Max before they board and happily they are there. They look so tired and hot , fresh from the overseas flight and bus ride from the airport. They have already registered and lines are growing. We must leave our beloved cousins now. As we walk toward the entrance and lineups to register, they turn  their heads to watch us and half smiles and nods see us disappear into the crowd.

It is great to see our friends and family that have joined us for our cruise holiday. Frank, Eugenia, Silvia and Max, plus Joe and Vassa , Frank and Demetria, and Diane and Mario.  Once inside and settled we agree to meet for a bite then let them rest up for a  late dinner. Rosemary and I are now unpacking and her cell phone rings. Jeanfranco and Elvira are in a Bar in Citivechio having a coffee and had to call to tell us they miss us already. 

Do you you ever have a time you invite guests over for a dinner or function and then watch the clock and wonder when the evening will end? In this case, when we were together we spent morning to evening together and wondered where the time went.

Ciao Bella Monterotondo.

From Sicily With Love

The people here (Taormina, Sicily) were so stupendous and friendly, and it was difficult to say goodbye. Rosemary was working and I was alone to have breakfast and lunches.  I became known as "il Calabrese" (the Calabrese), a term of endearment, believe me because the staff became like family. Toto (Salvatore), how is your appetite this morning Signor Calabrese?  My broken Italian, or more precisely, my broken Calabrese dialect was learned not from books or school but through necessity to be able to communicate with my beloved Grandmother, Bless her Soul. Ciao, Bella Sicilia, Beloved Country, I hope to return one day.

Catania Airport (Sicily) to Verona and then pick up a rental car and drive to Lago di Como. There is no adequate way to describe the chaos at the rental place within Verona Airport. Un macello. Thank God and the inventor of the Garmin GPS. Without it a leisurely 2 hour drive would have been surely an all day macello. (disaster)

Again words escape me, to describe to you the beauty of Northern Italy and the Lago di Como area. Hopefully the few pics I post will speak for me.

view from our room

ferry transport

Bellagio

Rosemary is so happy

our rental

The Hotel is excellent , but not like Sicily, here they are very proper and friendly and in Sicily they will give you a great big hug and kiss on both cheeks. The room had a great view of the Lake. The weather however was not with us, cloudy rain and misty.  Arrived and leisurely look around immediate area and local town nearby and light dinner. Un po umido, the locals would say to one another. Rosemary and I had short sleeve attire on and the locals had sweaters under their coats.

Plan of action: take in what we can in just couple days and make best of it. Drive the shoreline and visit the many small towns, ancient towns, and then a day trip and ferry ride to Bellagio, one of the most beautiful to visit when in this region. Beautiful names of towns reminiscent of the Romeo and Juliet era.
Names such as Cernobbio, Moltrasio (where we are) Tremezzo and Bellagio to mention a few. The small winding roads barely fit one car with some homes built over the roads. These places represented a classic part of history and rich in culture and customs.

What to do when it rains and you are on holiday?  ....anyone? ....anyone?   Shop would be the correct answer, actually there is no other.  I thought the quaint boutiques in the small towns were very nice and would have sufficed. How wrong I was. Rosemary inquired at desk, where would you go to shop? Smiling, the young girl says, Switzerland of course.  "Foxtown Factory Outlet Mall", about 20 minutes from border. I was then aware how close we were to the border. "250 shops, a lovely place" Rosemary's eyes were the widest I have seen them. I think she might have wet her pants. The border crossing is easy, passports in hand the young man looks inside and says, "Purpose of visit?"  Rosemary replies instantly "Shopping"  Smiles, "Pass and Buona Journatta" The valuable Garmin agains comes through for us guiding me through many turning circles and delivers me to the main entrance. Hmmm, hours are 11-7, we are an hour early. Impatiently Rosemary waits and each time she checks her watch, taps it to make time go faster.

So this is Foxtown Factory Outlet?  Let me list a few outlets, Gucci, Fendi, Ferrari, Ralph Loren, Valentino, Prada, Ferragamo, Versace, Yves Saint Laurant. Get the overall picture? There was a small crowd gathering and waiting to begin their shopping experience. I felt out of place. A Reebok t-shirt all wrinkles, Costco Jeans, baggy, and Sketcher sneakers. While waiting, Rosemary maps out on the brochure the most efficient way to shop the three floors in fantasy land. My term of endearment for this place. The people working here, mostly young, were great, and quite friendly and spoke several languages. I wonder if a sale of a $1000 Euro purse from Gucci or a $750 Euro for a pair of sandals from Prada made them giggle.

Let me take a minute and tell you, many and I mean this, many already had a few bags they were carrying. Rosemary's single purchase made her quite happy. A top, very attractive sporty type from a reasonable outlet.  The sales girl was from Taormina, and was as friendly and warm as the ones we had just left from there. I suggested another purchase, a beige top. Nooooooo says she,  "Colore non e buono per la signora"  Rosemary agrees and I am silent and put in my place.

Rosemary is just content at looking and perhaps handling a purse or few pairs of shoes. She is smiling and that is all I care for. I will buy you this purse if you like? She smiles and shows me price. I swallowed my tongue. She thanks me for bringing her here and spending this time with her in fantasy land. I say, not a problem, how many get to come to Switzerland to shop?

Mid afternoon and we head back. Crossing the border again a bit of traffic but it is moving. Three lanes merging into one. Side note:  everywhere you go in Italy, the paint indicating the lane separation is invisible and just a decoration. The beauty of this is, no one gets angry, not a one. You must not stop or hesitate, for if you do, you will be left behind. You merge, inch your way almost to a collision but the fellow will let you in, as you will let the next in. Amazing isn't it?. If it was the Don Valley Parkway you would be on the 6:00 news as victim to a beating. Here in Europe there is a comradery of sort amongst drivers, at least the ones not driving a big Mercedes or BMW or Land Rover.

The long winding roads in Lago di Como are similar to the ones in the Almafi Coast. Instead of cliffs there are ancient homes with doorways and arches that jump out at you at every turn, and there are many. Every one a challenge, every one a surprise. Be attentive, do not leave your arm hanging out the window, nor the passenger. Yes it is that close. It is not unusual to feel the brush of a car mirror as it passes, if you are on foot.  Many, many parked cars have damaged mirrors, and best to fold them in when parked.

At This Moment

Sunday June 3rd.


Sunrise was beautiful, and as the sun rose above the sea, how thankful I was to this glorius sight God created and thankful to be alive to enjoy it.

Sunrise

One of a series of steps, 75 in all to our room and back

Resorts are basically the same worldwide, but this part of paradise is so enjoyable because we get to enjoy it at this moment. At least I do. Rosemary is already off to her duties. Let me take a moment to inform those who may be jealous of her job  of organizing such events is glamorous and exciting. Far from it. She works three times as hard here then at home and for those who know Rosemary she works very hard. There is a team here but Rosemary is ultimately responsible. Gone early and returns late, exhausted. Try to please the number of people that are here; it is an impossibility. Yet everyone knows Rosemary and she makes them feel special and individual.

Early morning is preferably the time for breakfast for me. The resort beginning to come alive. "buongiorno come possiamo essere del servire a void"  ..."Caffe e Latte".  mmmm,,,,,,coffee and hot milk and "cornetti" I sit off to the sitting area next to the precisely organized tables with fresh linen. It is under the shade of older pine trees well over 200 years old.

Super views no matter where you look.

Always impeccably arranged.

fruita

As I sit sip coffee and enjoy the atmosphere and surroundings, above me, not too far is a majestic looking black pidgeon. Asked the young girl what is the Italian word for 'pidgeon'?   she smiles and says 'pidgeon' Why does this bird look majestic? It is perched nobely with its long black  neck so straight and looking perfectly coiffered. Its heritage may be as old or older than the pine trees we are both sharing. We make eye contact and I wonder what is on its mind.  Looking around, I accidentally spill a few crumbs on the terrace. Instantly she dives down and accepts the offerings.  Gasps and cringe to myself as I observe this noble bird. She has one good foot and a stump instead of another. Nobely she limps and takes her crumbs and very quickly returns to her perch.I sigh and look up and ask myself, how did this happen to you oh M'Lady of the Pine Tree? In the land know for vendetta, was this punishment? Was this a payback for infringing on another birds territory? Was it on purpose to persuade you not to seek vengeance for some act apon your family? Sighs...who can say? You sit their so majestically and look content with what you have and what you can get. Another accidental spillage of crumbs, this time larger pieces. (the staff frowns on such charity)
A nearby gekko scurries about and helps itself to one piece.  It appears the local animal inhabitants are well trained in commando type maneuvers. Get in fast and get out fast.


As more guest begin to arrive for breakfast and more staff now, they pass by in Sicilian (translated by me, best I can) " Look at what those nice pidgeons have left for us on the terrace"  Quickly and efficiently, and quite sternly the Manager, who by the way is impeccably dressed in a suit and looks like he has fallen out of a fashion magazine, instructs his staff, "Quickly, quietly  and immediately clean this" A scurry of staff that are quicker than the gekko i had seen.  At his time I nonchalantly look around my immediate surroundings for tell tale crumbs, for  I fear I may soon be limping as my majestic pidgeon. None to be seen and as a commando I move to retreat quickly to my room, draw the blinds, double lock the door and put do not disturb on the door and sit quietly from my perch.

"When in Rome........"

If i had posted this the day of, or day after i arrived at Villa Sant'Andrea it would had given you the wrong impression and I am so glad I waited to post.

Friends, relatives, countrymen,  lend me your ears, I have come here to .........ohh...wrong speech.

I am in European mode now. "When in Rome,,do as the Romans do."

Suffice to say it is a marvelous journey, stupendous, and once in a life time experience, to be remembered for the beautiful memories and not the negative ones, and of course I never ever, ever dwell on the negative, as my friends know all too well.  As my nose starts to grow to record length i am experiencing a Pinocchio Moment.

"What have you learned Dorothy?" I have learned, besides, there is no place but home, i have learned to listen more and be more patient. Two virtues hugely underestimated. For whatever you feel is going wrong or what seems to be going against your expectations, there is always, always "it could have been worse".

Having said that I only have one comment, "you get what you pay for".

Where the Journals of the "Year of Len " originate from. The terrace outside our room.  

Air travel has never been a favourite of mine. My recommendation to use Air Transat is only for its pricing, and not for its roomy seats and especially the Club Seats. Suffice to say, you get what you pay for. Seats that have only one recline position almost straight up and a bit more leg room and not more in seat room. Staff are friendly and accommodating, but behind every smile is the implied and silent (you got what you paid for) As i found out after, and as luck would have it, we rode on one of the last older planes that has not undergone a retro fit for overnite travel and entertainment. How lucky we are. It could have been worse.

"When in Rome"

Entrance to Lobby of Villa Sant'Andrea. Notice the fig tree on left, sighs,  no  fruit.

A Lovely side street  of  Taormina.

Be European and do not think nor act as a tourist. Don't walk scared down a narrow
street where two tiny cars barely fit and the side mirrors of the passing cars brush near your clothes. Butt in front of a line and smile and scusa. Be aggressive yet polite and respectful.

Apon arriving at Rome airport we line up at Passport Check and Security. Busy,  as many planes are now coming in now. I get into wrong line that appears to be moving and for good reason. It is for Italian passport holders and I think for Libyians. Anyways, realizing my mistake we are about to head to the back of line of others waiting. I turn to the girl behind the booth, smile and wave our Canadian Passports to her. She smiles and waves me to the booth, stamps our Passports and we are now in European mode.

If you act a tourist, you shall be treated as tourist. For example. Land In Rome International and we must now find the Alitalia desk for our flight to Catania Sicily. Lucky us, it is in another Terminal. Approximately 300 meters down and to the left.  Translation: the first half mile down that way.  We arrive at the desk and one girl and one customer. Wonderful.  We are lugging three bags with us by the way. Another girl shows and sits there and ignores us. A native Italian woman arrives with her husband and says in Italian, "she is free....go for goodness sake, you tourist".  The translation is somewhat different, but it is correct by my view. Happily she arranges our tickets and we give her our bags. No, you are early for bags and must return in one hour to check bags at another counter.

Rome is huge huge airport and quite busy with many terminals, the good thing is, it has excellent food. The bad thing is, we have to lug three bags for another hour.

Funiva Cable Way.  Funicular to  Town of Taormina.

Excellent restaurant.

Another view of garden.

One of the many views in the garden.

The original owners builders of Villa Sant'Andrea

VIew from Balcony.

Add caption

View from our  Balcony.

"Year of Len"

This is a very significant year, for me. It is a milestone to be sure, my 60th year commences and according to the chinese calendar; The Year of the Rabbit (me), hence "Year of Len"

This is of course not about me, but my life and that which affects my life. I therefore dedicate these writings and ramblings to the women of my life who have shaped my very existence.  First, Rosemary, my love and my life and my wife of 36 years. Second, my first born Michelle and thirdly Jacqueline, the baby, both girls have many characteristics of their parents; poor girls. They share my love equally.

I started this as a journal for our trip we planned to celebrate my milestone event, and will post as we go from place to place. During the course of this  discourse you will learn of many phobias I have and some will share and some will roll their eyes.

Before I left for Sicily this is the card given to be for my birthday from the girls and their husbands, Danny and David.

Yes, I am the one in the middle, or could be any one of the three. 

Travel

Because Rosemary has an event in Sicily we decided to take advantage and plan our holiday to coincide. 

Now the phobias start, when i say we plan our trip it is really Rosemary that planned the trip, because first thing I thought of, was the plane ride, the wait and confusion, the crowds, the delays, the cramp quarters, and proximity of the lavatory. This is Rosemary's view: the hotels, the beach, the food, the sights and sounds so exciting and the time to unwind and relax..... pfffft ........silly notions.

Our itinery is first Taormina, Sicily  and then to Lake Como and then Rome to catch cruise ship. Rosemary thinks George Clooney is waiting to greet her in Lake Como. 

I am currently writing this from Villa Sant'Andrea, Taormina Mare.

The last picture shows a very nice bird that greeted me outside on our terrace, the first morning after what seemed like an eternity of travel. Such an eager greeter and so early in the morning too. Shortly after this shot i had to retrieve the camera from the garden below.  I missed.

This is the first part of my post and shall endeavour  to post more pics and my ongoing insights and observations on world travel, or what is better know as "The world according to Len"