Andy has gone to check out the wifi and to see over the menu, as we think we might be getting above our station here. Turns out this place we had booked to stay in is a restaurant with rooms, and I fear a strained evening ahead coping with a pretentious menu and surroundings. We were met on our arrival by a crisp and smart gentleman owner who had spent the day in Milan. Handshakes were not exchanged as he looked at our hot and sweaty features.
The room is modern, nay chic, matt grey finish everywhere and, as ever in Italy, a shower room of great style. So I prepare a cup of tea, recover from 54 sweaty miles, that’s 54 miles, and see what the evening has in store.
The day was what Andy calls a transition day (as in the TDF!) i.e. not really very interesting though flat as he tries to navigate a manageable course to Piacenza and beyond. Perhaps the most interesting thing throughout was the fine view of the distant alps to the north – though not very photographable.
We leave behind the best of experiences in Acqui Terme – a lovely guesthouse where we rested for a couple of nights. The young couple running the place were Marco and Silvia , they were kind and friendly and had 2 bambini, 2 dogs and they also ran a vineyard so had their own red wine on offer. With the toddlers wandering in pyjamas to pinch yogurts from the breakfast table, scrambled eggs made specially for us and conversations in 3 languages , English being my preferred choice, there was much to be charmed by. I shall go back as soon as ever I can.
Track of the day:
Mixtape by Jamie Cullum.
After 2 quiet days with no music in my head I started out with this today, his karaoke tune, and it brings back good memories of a JC concert at The Sage last year with Catherine.
Well hello again! ! I have just spent time writing the start of my message and managed to ‘ lose ‘ it. So, if I have inadvertently sent an unfinished missive, I am about to try and repeat it! A aaarrgghh. We have just returned from 6 glorious days in North East Scotland. I was not mistaken for a Swede, a Scot or, for that matter, an Angle (angel?) – definitely need to work on my je ne sais qois (how do you spell that? ) .Ball was fab, everything to excess (would you expect anything less? But the real star? – Findhorn Bay- awesome: combined with wonderful weather almost moved to apply for citizenship – I said almost! That said, looks as if you guys are doing the yellow and spotted jerseys in scenery. Need to go and sort stuff. As for people who have been to Milan for the day- biker sweat is lucky- he missed out. Hope the food was a (not too pretentious) pleasurable fuel stop. Love as ever xxx
Before I go – how does Helga van Twinkle sound (for Helen not me)? Xxx