tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133884552024-03-14T01:41:16.739-07:00Life in Le MarcheMeanderings in Le Marche, Italy and around the Peninsular too, with Mice, Lili, Forch, Eva and Bessie, oh, and of course Marina (aka Diabolika), Socksie and Lilla...and with the recent addition of TikkaMichael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-35946259932721700822015-02-26T03:00:00.002-08:002015-02-26T03:25:03.781-08:00A cultural thingWe are experiencing bleak cold damp weather and Lili suggested we drive to Piedripa to take a Sauna and Turkish bath. Nice clean place but no relaxing area which I found odd, just a too short cold plastic chair next too the Turkish inferno. This was the first Turkish Bath I'd had since Istanbul so I was still somewhat traumatised by that event which I might tell you about some day if you are an adult and broadminded<br />
Now, the mens' changing rooms have huge sign painted on the door which reads 'MENS CHANGING ROOM' in Italian<br />
Simple enough; so in I whisk to find it inhabited by three ladies with a bunch of little boys whom they are preparing for a swimming lesson.<br />
So I check the sign on door. Yep, it's the MENS CHANGING ROOM..no doubt.<br />
I wait a while. Should I say something? Is it a family day where these things are allowed? Should I go instead to to the LADIES CHANGING ROOM? <br />
Eventually I just go for it and get discreetly changed and in the too hot Turkish Bath I mention this to Lili and she just smiles.<br />
Then when I go back to get dressed; same bunch again. So I get changed once more in a discreet corner, mumbling, grumbling softly to myself.<br />
Driving back she tells me that it would be because the little boys wouldn't want to be seen naked in front of girls. So that's why.<br />
Oh! I see, I say, not seeing at all<br />
Turkish Bath and trauma; definitely a link there <br />
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Michael at <a href="http://www.starstone.org/">STARSTONE</a><br />
<br />Michael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-13182973092897402952014-05-09T08:52:00.001-07:002014-05-09T08:52:00.932-07:00Starstone Creativity: Coaching and the creative mind<a href="http://starstonecreativity.blogspot.com/2014/04/coaching-and-creative-mind.html?spref=bl">Starstone Creativity: Coaching and the creative mind</a>: the Sibillini mountains, our summer playground in Le Marche I'm a guest speaker at the ICF Global Conferenc...Michael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-83982867561423867592013-03-27T13:35:00.000-07:002013-03-28T07:05:44.655-07:00We movedFrom Amandola to Morrovalle. Been here now some 8 months and are settling in gradually. Miss the majesty of the mountains but not their overpowering nature, nor the cold winter (ten years was enough)<br />
We have lost three pets along the way, Bessie died in June, she was 16 years old and happy up uintil the end, never once having had to go to a vet. Then little Tikka who just disappeared. We think she found the change and the uprooting too difficult to handle and that she found an easier home nearby. Maybe she'll make it back someday. Hope so, because I miss her and the little games we used to pay tohgther, whizzing her around the legs of our kitchen table. New arrival Orfeo went missing 10 days ago too. He is a sweetheart and we are praying he'll come back too.<br />
Morrovalle is a pretty little town and the people are friendly. Civitanova is only 15 mins away and cinemas and theatres are all close by, shops too an the sea just 15 mins away too.<br />
We have purchased lots of shrubs and trees and are just awaiting some warmer weather to get stuck in to our new garden.<br />
Will post up some photos along the way. Here's one from my 'Homage to La Sibilla' series<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIRQqpcMCTzjeO6S7lKar2vg5nT5Iz4kQZgCJJlF9pl7pIbI21OLlu943UEz2rNqHe5j5sjv1YalfMSsRCxJIg1MsIOHyNlg4_nuJFc3YgicxoIdIe30EXW8F5CQILElNtkHO/s1600/new+homage+March.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIRQqpcMCTzjeO6S7lKar2vg5nT5Iz4kQZgCJJlF9pl7pIbI21OLlu943UEz2rNqHe5j5sjv1YalfMSsRCxJIg1MsIOHyNlg4_nuJFc3YgicxoIdIe30EXW8F5CQILElNtkHO/s320/new+homage+March.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's one of a set of ten, 120cmX90cmMichael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-42143025803366130482011-05-31T09:29:00.000-07:002011-06-02T02:22:28.921-07:00Our Garden Studio at SambucoOur garden studio is a delight, so peaceful and tranquil with views across the Sibillini mountains which take your breath away. It's the place to come too to read all those books you've never had time for; to walk unhurriedly though woods and pastures and trek along mountain paths and gorges too. And swim in the sweet water of Lake Fiastra; so blue and clean, or take a canoe and picnic on one of the many little coves around the lake edge.<br />
We are just 12K from both Sarnano (which we overlook) and from Amandola. Both are very pretty medieval towns which come alive in the summer months with festas and fieras, music and theatre as well as antique fairs and food festivals (Amandola is famous for its truffles)<br />
The garden studio has two bedrooms and can sleep five people. Our neighbour, Bernie, can sleep the same number, so we can cater between us for two families or a group of ten. The kitchen is quaint and modern and there is of course a lounge and bathroom. We have wi-fi and a good collection of books left by past guests.<br />
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You can also have group or private lessons in Longevity Energetics and Creativity during your stay.<br />
Michael is Professor in Painting at Siena Art Institute and a trained Creativity Coach. Liliana is a trained Instructor in Longevity Energetics.<br />
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<b>Rental from E450 pw self catering.</b><br />
Happy to provide meals should you wish<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The garden studio terrace</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUm_ZQG-mORWWH6Eco90UMnZ8SaQ9dyuTmR7cDjWgxw8s5KO_TGGLYVpg4ic7_lsRnM1fcjsFY5dZ6O-1rwumA6rgRDaKl_Y0m_eJJnaZE7ZXctpirPdFPM6S6y6iKwlACziT/s1600/bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUm_ZQG-mORWWH6Eco90UMnZ8SaQ9dyuTmR7cDjWgxw8s5KO_TGGLYVpg4ic7_lsRnM1fcjsFY5dZ6O-1rwumA6rgRDaKl_Y0m_eJJnaZE7ZXctpirPdFPM6S6y6iKwlACziT/s320/bedroom.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of the gorgeous bedrooms</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKRQjEMla5SDn5qoav63SvTavgvjAhqO1n7PxSREKR40JaJl2vONX5KbSdeQH1QXNFpWDm5s1Khypp_JuNIx1il4w16UPbiv-Sw2K0I91ZN1dznc96pHzi_xYoqyPmkLQ82TU/s1600/pink+dawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKRQjEMla5SDn5qoav63SvTavgvjAhqO1n7PxSREKR40JaJl2vONX5KbSdeQH1QXNFpWDm5s1Khypp_JuNIx1il4w16UPbiv-Sw2K0I91ZN1dznc96pHzi_xYoqyPmkLQ82TU/s320/pink+dawn.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawn at Sambuco</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtY4tb72eBYtpKyCVd2FTgOBCgUSqBo7L0jOsELc9C7w9V4HefEYCKU0bnx3KKOHpW2ILmtlhCmF_jDvveWnlm0ObPFyPw2W1SrvYQkhPYsZOnIsDjUW7JDX-3IenAIr_LfHxp/s1600/terrace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtY4tb72eBYtpKyCVd2FTgOBCgUSqBo7L0jOsELc9C7w9V4HefEYCKU0bnx3KKOHpW2ILmtlhCmF_jDvveWnlm0ObPFyPw2W1SrvYQkhPYsZOnIsDjUW7JDX-3IenAIr_LfHxp/s320/terrace.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The garden terrace</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wLK91sXy2_M2mFbS7GP-1N9d9Oz_AKR0WudXROXcgzYmSfdaVTs5LHdEbkE_PUsN3g8xBWbNgFYTHi5zqB_Hsw0WQ94aS7nftNubELoRXtpQky88S0NLLw9K1WrUIFeOvrRj/s1600/garden+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wLK91sXy2_M2mFbS7GP-1N9d9Oz_AKR0WudXROXcgzYmSfdaVTs5LHdEbkE_PUsN3g8xBWbNgFYTHi5zqB_Hsw0WQ94aS7nftNubELoRXtpQky88S0NLLw9K1WrUIFeOvrRj/s320/garden+house.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sambuco from the lovely garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmAarJwoAQTC4ig6c_h0nkDOgL7bjYOc9wN7zlsFxUpoggsRIBQhkDnMPwz1yqvrABV8GxostmzbHm0kujrxIfQWbplXWMRyD6Mud_jL2XUJwR7YwjZA3rju6dYFAWvend_qd/s1600/garden+oct.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmAarJwoAQTC4ig6c_h0nkDOgL7bjYOc9wN7zlsFxUpoggsRIBQhkDnMPwz1yqvrABV8GxostmzbHm0kujrxIfQWbplXWMRyD6Mud_jL2XUJwR7YwjZA3rju6dYFAWvend_qd/s320/garden+oct.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The garden looking towards mountains</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGA9izAeBI3Vmr1sI_SewTU1mi2CR2PWbVvZpaWhMLRIefo5cYswT5aA8O8Pl2UcqJ8VmFFuOwIAOZElXF5IuEi_EWWFiaKLEq-C-TifUUmbqP6MHVu-HXzqUyxDQuP55ChQG/s1600/house+street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGA9izAeBI3Vmr1sI_SewTU1mi2CR2PWbVvZpaWhMLRIefo5cYswT5aA8O8Pl2UcqJ8VmFFuOwIAOZElXF5IuEi_EWWFiaKLEq-C-TifUUmbqP6MHVu-HXzqUyxDQuP55ChQG/s320/house+street.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sambuco</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFD9yZorxI3jqyLiV0o_prlCuxfXF02HK5DQ-dFxlsEBVR67ewHeRAIJrrTTYkHQwLG_vrsKiQiUk38sToIlJ_Z-JvpjwITUAA-NpZSh5ayOzR4NGTEXF_ZxaRiGeLaeov2F1U/s320/red+sunset.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="256" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">typical sunset<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFD9yZorxI3jqyLiV0o_prlCuxfXF02HK5DQ-dFxlsEBVR67ewHeRAIJrrTTYkHQwLG_vrsKiQiUk38sToIlJ_Z-JvpjwITUAA-NpZSh5ayOzR4NGTEXF_ZxaRiGeLaeov2F1U/s1600/red+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Michael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-42249172622165273222011-03-09T06:17:00.000-08:002011-03-09T06:17:08.784-08:00Cabin fever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUy-IPOas9my4RQ4FfgxeQiph5l2OLrzuJ37t1AyyCjNdHKAAH7gCXIu5FZIx1QjtEOC_qGd0KL-n5TFugcsmUFIkOop5JWBqh4oNSfQpaQrDP1SAvz7FL6OG8JgsaSPoC9Ob/s1600/snowstorm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUy-IPOas9my4RQ4FfgxeQiph5l2OLrzuJ37t1AyyCjNdHKAAH7gCXIu5FZIx1QjtEOC_qGd0KL-n5TFugcsmUFIkOop5JWBqh4oNSfQpaQrDP1SAvz7FL6OG8JgsaSPoC9Ob/s320/snowstorm1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The snowfall lasted 12 hours, silent and windless which meant it did a lot of damage to trees, blocked roads and caused a lot of accidents. I usually do my mole act at such times and bury myself beneath DVDs and crisps. But this one took a pylon down up above Garula and we (or should I say I) were without power for 5 days.<br />
Five days in which I got colder and colder (no heating except a small stove).No TV, no music, no shower or hot water, no electric blanket, so cold bed, Yuk!<br />
Couldn't escape because we have five animals and I just get them all into the Kangoo at the same time. You know, like trying to fit a dozen eels into a jamjar (great pun Mice!) I was finally rescued after five days by hero electicity engineers who had descended from somewhere in Paradise to save me. Took a look at myself in mirror on day six when power and wife came back and I generally agreed with my reflection that I looked very much like a dead worried sheep. especially after an improvised bath which I did a Boy Scout task on. Seven huge pans of boling water poured into bath and washed myself like Clint Eastwood did in those movies. Couldn't get soap out of my hair though, darling, and hence dead sheep impression.<br />
Now, two days after, wife back, sunshine back and deadsheep look slowly diminishing<br />
Tell you what though, it doesn't half make you appreciate the taken for granted things like electricity, heat, water, music, porridge.<br />
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This lunchtime...cold air but warm sunshine.mmm<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNyMx4iYUeBaiN8kggJPyHKD4PI-rj4yOH02yymVfgms8yTzZ8tATeUufr_DG5rfomt-aFqySgxoJRojdRn6u3z_oxyEISKVtrCAg0GHMS82Fr8YCqJSXLHzdzNsyTtvEOkA5/s1600/snow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNyMx4iYUeBaiN8kggJPyHKD4PI-rj4yOH02yymVfgms8yTzZ8tATeUufr_DG5rfomt-aFqySgxoJRojdRn6u3z_oxyEISKVtrCAg0GHMS82Fr8YCqJSXLHzdzNsyTtvEOkA5/s320/snow2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Michael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-952243104856355912010-12-14T06:57:00.001-08:002010-12-14T06:57:28.741-08:00Snow’s here<p>Hope it doesn’t last though, gotta get over those mountains and snow chains are dangerous.</p> <p>This is a new painting inspired by a visit to the Tate a few weeks back. Turner struggled with his paintings and so I thought I’d do the same. This one was a fight</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TQeF0BzZJ1I/AAAAAAAAA_A/CYnpU-nACW8/s1600-h/Il%20rosso%20delle%20stelle%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Il rosso delle stelle" border="0" alt="Il rosso delle stelle" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TQeF08rWDZI/AAAAAAAAA_E/v-hiPycmTzE/Il%20rosso%20delle%20stelle_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="175" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Not much different form what’s going on outside. Minus 3 and the stuff is settling ominously.</p> Michael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-77105591404024327432010-11-06T11:08:00.001-07:002010-11-06T11:08:29.667-07:00Bewitched I am<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TNWZmPBxetI/AAAAAAAAA9w/VCeHSFWqGys/s1600-h/winter%20light%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="winter light" border="0" alt="winter light" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TNWZm3tEQWI/AAAAAAAAA90/BRurcZXEqr0/winter%20light_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p>Bessie comes up and nuzzles me for her walk just before sunset.</p> <p>She gets cross when I start to take photos..and barks her head off.</p> <p>She always gets her way but I manage to sneak a few shots in.</p> Michael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-10585529527580523412010-07-27T01:13:00.001-07:002010-07-27T01:13:35.548-07:00Temperature<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Drops from 35C to 23C.. and which do I prefer having cool English blood?</p>in riferimento a: <a href='http://www.google.it/firefox?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official'>Pagina iniziale di Mozilla Firefox</a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/108256967311171064761/id/fLrloFIw3Ey4NAMkKbngAldxtX8'>visualizza su Google Sidewiki</a>)</div>Michael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-62649549026734851032010-07-19T10:52:00.001-07:002010-07-19T10:52:56.428-07:00Sibillini Nights<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TESQ33UrtaI/AAAAAAAAA74/SB_9kv9PA1E/s1600-h/Castelluccio2%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Castelluccio2" border="0" alt="Castelluccio2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TESQ4yp37NI/AAAAAAAAA78/9OvwALXRfS8/Castelluccio2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p>I bought the T shirt, I did! I never do that, ever.</p> <p>But this was my friend Giorgio's organised weekend of Sibillini Nights.</p> <p>Now the Sibillia (as you all know children) is the seer, the Sybil, the Goddess, prophetess who abides in these parts.</p> <p>So, we attended the film 'Il Cecco' on Saturday night. He being the medieval intellectual and free thinker who was declared an heretic and executed by the Church. Then this was followed by a very late ending dinner half way up mount Sibillini.</p> <p>Then up at the crack of dawn Sunday morning for the great trek up to the Sibilla's cave. It was hot, some 30C climbing up but the wind switched to the NE as we began out descent and dropped to 21C.</p> <p>Being understandably knackered, we zoomed back home for a snooze then zoomed back to look at the colours of Casteluccio (these pics)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TESQ8NVMC0I/AAAAAAAAA8A/GCbIUoLhQHk/s1600-h/Castelluccio%201%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Castelluccio 1" border="0" alt="Castelluccio 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TESQ98pJNSI/AAAAAAAAA8E/SdwzoxBRuCM/Castelluccio%201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p> and delightful they were too. then back for a meal in Monte Monaco, then a gorgeous short film by Giorgio; his look at Il Cecco's life in poetry and image. Then music in the park where I sank a Beck's and then got drowsy. So we slunk away about 11.30. Still knackered I am ...and thank God it's rained for twenty minutes today. Delicious!</p> Michael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-66711649613166139202010-07-17T06:22:00.000-07:002010-07-17T06:22:42.495-07:00Gmail - Our Autumn Workshop - micermice@gmail.com<a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1#inbox/129dfd5ec086e655">Gmail - Our Autumn Workshop - micermice@gmail.com</a>Michael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-25822865415488174022010-06-27T11:37:00.001-07:002010-06-27T12:20:02.128-07:00The Montefiore Workshop ‘Falling in love with ourselves’<p>Everything has a beginning, a middle and an end, except of course if you are a butterfly or a salamander.</p> <p>I must tell you from the outset that the middle bit, the workshop itself, was fantastic…and I’ll come back to that later, just to keep you in suspense.</p> <p><strong>The beginning</strong></p> <p>A disaster on wheels</p> <p>This was the plan. To pick up the English girls (or should I say our UK workshop lady participants) from Falconara Airport. Now, I must tell you that just writing those two words sends waves of hatred through my entire nervous system because whenever I approach it, it is waiting for me with a pre-planned disaster in store.</p> <p>And this day was no exception. OK, I was late; the whole day so far had stacked up against me. But the plane was late too and I had to get the girls to Falconara station within twenty mins or never…ever. So I packed their luggage into my van, stacked them in a taxi with instructions to the driver to go go to the station with me racing behind. Except that I wasn’t… Any way, this is dragging on. So to cut it short, this is what happened. I lost my parking ticket and couldn’t get out of hated airport. Lost the girls, they weren’t where I thought I’d sent them (they were fiddled by taxi driver and taken to Ancona station) Found them there.</p> <p>Had five mins to get them tickets so Mags parked my car (what? at Ancona station? That’s madness!) Got to ticket booth, didn't have enough cash but ticket man said go go. pay me later (phew! an angel)…Rushed to see girls on right train (they were all as cool as cucumbers), zoomed on to Autostrada to get to meet them at Pedaso station, only to find myself at pay booth at Pedaso at a new automated exit. Cash only! Robot tells me I’m short of 25 cents. I say look robot, I’ve had a rough morning. He booms out’ Don’t leave the car, Don’t leave the car’ in a high metallic voice. Oh, now why would I leave the car for heavens sake? Voice says put in credit card. I do but robot refuses it. I bash help button and a human comes on speaker; tells me to put cash in box, I say I have but I’m 25 c short. Meanwhile 20 cars hooting up behind me as the robot spews out a fine to be paid he booms within 15 days. I zoom off.</p> <p>Now wasn’t that great?</p> <p><strong>Now for the end bit</strong></p> <p>No no, this is expecting too much of your patience. Enough to say that my 0830 am departure from Montefiore ended up being midday and it involved TrenItalia timetables and a lady in the bar opposite the station who only had 2 tickets left for 5 people. (and of course you get fined 50 euros if you’re on board without a ticket) Don’t ask, don’t ask!</p> <p><strong>BUT…The middle bit:</strong> the workshop (which it was worth suffering either end for)</p> <p>Loved it, every bit of it. The place, the hospitality, the food, the sea, the dancing, the laughter and most importantly, the passion and heart that folks put in to the workshop program. Maria and I were each of us profoundly touched by being and working together and the experience still resonates.</p> <p>Here are some photographs</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TCZKHNfD3QI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/7cG8QPsftRg/s1600-h/workshop_montefiore_dance%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="workshop_montefiore_dance" border="0" alt="workshop_montefiore_dance" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TCZKHy3Aw0I/AAAAAAAAA7U/aqhWlpsutzE/workshop_montefiore_dance_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p>I think this was a triple Tango</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TCZKLSWt4vI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/7PeO_8is684/s1600-h/workshop_montefiore_M%2BJo%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="workshop_montefiore_M Jo" border="0" alt="workshop_montefiore_M Jo" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TCZKL3MSpGI/AAAAAAAAA7c/dI5QvphZ2Eg/workshop_montefiore_M%2BJo_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Lunch time</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TCZKPOFYnvI/AAAAAAAAA7g/Hv5JYKnbBCs/s1600-h/workshop_montefiore_table%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="workshop_montefiore_table" border="0" alt="workshop_montefiore_table" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TCZKQKd9LZI/AAAAAAAAA7k/C1-ACImOuis/workshop_montefiore_table_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Dinner time</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TCZKSbv9GZI/AAAAAAAAA7o/IWycU2-4xoQ/s1600-h/workshop_montefiore_beach%202%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="workshop_montefiore_beach 2" border="0" alt="workshop_montefiore_beach 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TCZKTxkCpDI/AAAAAAAAA7s/xcmTuhXnXVY/workshop_montefiore_beach%202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>A poetic moment</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TCZKWK2VR6I/AAAAAAAAA7w/5ObawVaYe0o/s1600-h/MF%203%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="MF 3" border="0" alt="MF 3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TCZKWmk7RpI/AAAAAAAAA70/RCMbfp4sdDo/MF%203_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>I Cigni, Montefiore</p> <p>Next workshop Oct 14 weekend at Montefiore</p> Michael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-60422682727993802912010-06-26T11:43:00.001-07:002010-06-26T11:43:40.299-07:00The Montefiore Workshop ‘Falling in love with ourselves’<p>Everything has a beginning, a middle and an end, except of course if you are a butterfly or a salamander.</p> <p>I must tell you from the outset that the middle bit, the workshop itself, was fantastic…and I’ll come back to that later, just to keep you in suspense.</p> <p><strong>The beginning</strong></p> <p>A disaster on wheels</p> <p>This was the plan. To pick up the English girls (or should I say our UK workshop lady participants) from Falconara Airport. Now, I must tell you that just writing those two words sends waves of hatred through my entire nervous system because whenever I approach it, it is waiting for me with a pre-planned disaster in store.</p> <p>And this day was no exception. OK, I was late; the whole day so far had stacked up against me. But the plane was late too and I had to get the girls to Falconara station within twenty mins or never…ever. So I packed their luggage into my van, stacked them in a taxi with instructions to the driver to go go to the station with me racing behind. Except that I wasn’t… Any way, this is dragging on. So to cut it short, this is what happened. I lost my parking ticket and couldn’t get out of hated airport. Lost the girls, they weren’t where I thought I’d sent them (they were fiddled by taxi driver and taken to Ancona station) Found them there.</p> <p>Had five mins to get them tickets so Mags parked my car (what? at Ancona station? That’s madness!) Got to ticket booth, didn't have enough cash but ticket man said go go. pay me later (phew! an angel)…Rushed to see girls on right train (they were all as cool as cucumbers), zoomed on to Autostrada to get to meet them at Pedaso station, only to find myself at pay booth at Pedaso at a new automated exit. Cash only! Robot tells me I’m short of 25 cents. I say look robot, I’ve had a rough morning. He booms out’ Don’t leave the car, Don’t leave the car’ in a high metallic voice. Oh, now why would I leave the car for heavens sake? Voice says put in credit card. I do but robot refuses it. I bash help button and a human comes on speaker; tells me to put cash in box, I say I have but I’m 25 c short. Meanwhile 20 cars hooting up behind me as the robot spews out a fine to be paid he booms within 15 days. I zoom off.</p> <p>Now wasn’t that great?</p> <p><strong>Now for the end bit</strong></p> <p>No no, this is expecting too much of your patience. Enough to say that my 0830 am departure from Montefiore ended up being midday and it involved TrenItalia timetables and a lady in the bar opposite the station who only had 2 tickets left for 5 people. (and of course you get fined 50 euros if you’re on board without a ticket) Don’t ask, don’t ask!</p> <p><strong>BUT…The middle bit:</strong> the workshop (which it was worth suffering either end for)</p> <p>Loved it, every bit of it. The place, the hospitality, the food, the sea, the dancing, the laughter and most importantly, the passion and heart that folks put in to the workshop programme. We were each of us profoundly touched by being and working together and the experience still resonates.</p> <p>Here are some photographs</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TCZKHNfD3QI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/7cG8QPsftRg/s1600-h/workshop_montefiore_dance%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="workshop_montefiore_dance" border="0" alt="workshop_montefiore_dance" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TCZKHy3Aw0I/AAAAAAAAA7U/aqhWlpsutzE/workshop_montefiore_dance_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p>I think this was a triple Tango</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TCZKLSWt4vI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/7PeO_8is684/s1600-h/workshop_montefiore_M%2BJo%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="workshop_montefiore_M Jo" border="0" alt="workshop_montefiore_M Jo" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TCZKL3MSpGI/AAAAAAAAA7c/dI5QvphZ2Eg/workshop_montefiore_M%2BJo_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Lunch time</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TCZKPOFYnvI/AAAAAAAAA7g/Hv5JYKnbBCs/s1600-h/workshop_montefiore_table%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="workshop_montefiore_table" border="0" alt="workshop_montefiore_table" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TCZKQKd9LZI/AAAAAAAAA7k/C1-ACImOuis/workshop_montefiore_table_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Dinner time</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TCZKSbv9GZI/AAAAAAAAA7o/IWycU2-4xoQ/s1600-h/workshop_montefiore_beach%202%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="workshop_montefiore_beach 2" border="0" alt="workshop_montefiore_beach 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TCZKTxkCpDI/AAAAAAAAA7s/xcmTuhXnXVY/workshop_montefiore_beach%202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>A poetic moment</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TCZKWK2VR6I/AAAAAAAAA7w/5ObawVaYe0o/s1600-h/MF%203%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="MF 3" border="0" alt="MF 3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/TCZKWmk7RpI/AAAAAAAAA70/RCMbfp4sdDo/MF%203_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>I Cigni, Montefiore</p> <p>Next workshop Oct 14 weekend at Montefiore</p> Michael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-64681344239240404472010-05-03T05:57:00.001-07:002010-05-03T07:03:01.216-07:00Marche in MaggioRead this morning on BBC site that according to medical experts, a walk in the countryside, in the fresh air, is good for us psychologically; makes us feel happy and healthy <br />So now we know. fresh air and countryside walks are good for you? get this.. <br /><b> <br /><span style="color: rgb(204,0,0)">'Just five minutes of exercise in a "green space" such as a park can boost mental health, researchers claim.</span></b> <p style="color: rgb(204,0,0)">There is growing evidence that combining activities such as walking or cycling with nature boosts well-being. </p> <p style="color: rgb(204,0,0)">In the latest analysis, UK researchers looked at evidence from 1,250 people in 10 studies and found fast improvements in mood and self-esteem. </p> <p style="color: rgb(204,0,0)">The study in the Environmental Science and Technology journal suggested the strongest impact was on young people. </p> <!-- E SF --> <p><span style="color: rgb(204,0,0)">The research looked at many different outdoor activities including walking, gardening, cycling, fishing, boating, horse-riding and farming in locations such as a park, garden or nature trai</span>l' </p> What? Do we really have to be told that? Tragic state we’re in if that’s the case. <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/S97II93h4KI/AAAAAAAAA5M/hK_olVTOBhE/s1600-h/CAI%20May%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="CAI May" border="0" alt="CAI May" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/S97IJlt6irI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/2MgxG2H5RdQ/CAI%20May_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>This is a photo from yesterday, our CAI trek up to Garula.</p> <p>I love it! Being part of this great group has opened my eyes to things I would never see alone.</p> <p>We were 15 in number, including three kids. The entire trek took four hours because we stop every ten mins or so to be educated by our guides.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/S97IKzPQAdI/AAAAAAAAA5U/_OjecviX-NE/s1600-h/CAI%20ditch%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="CAI ditch" border="0" alt="CAI ditch" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/S97ILoDTOgI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/XhsxZ2poTdk/CAI%20ditch_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>And what’s this?</p> <p>Looks like a hole in the ground eh? Yes, t’is!</p> <p>But according to our Archeological guide it was a communication point. A thousand year old Facebook, one of thousands spread across Le Marche which allowed messages to be sent ; bit like NA Indian smoke signals. Kids weren’t too impressed on this one.</p> <p></p> <p>Le Marche, mountains and sea, that’s what it is</p> Michael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-50728781444372159862010-04-20T05:27:00.001-07:002010-04-23T09:07:29.270-07:00Creativity workshop in Appignano<p>Though I’d thought of everything; catering, leaders, materials, wine, biscuits. But a volcano! a volcano! Would you ever have imagined it?</p> <p>It meant we lost five wondrous people from UK whose flight was cancelled at the last moment. It made for a sad start but we held a wine and biscuit ritual to mourn their absence and we soon recovered. A near thing though. So there we were, a bunch of 13 of us.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/S82dhyNF_oI/AAAAAAAAA3w/z4wx0XHi1J8/s1600-h/Appig_workshop_3%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Appig_workshop_3" border="0" alt="Appig_workshop_3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/S82dikQzojI/AAAAAAAAA30/hWZQFiptoRs/Appig_workshop_3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p>The general theme was ‘This moment of NOW’ where we learned that being present in the NOW is a gateway to creativity and life adventuring; where creativity awaits us and where the voyage towards its very heart begins</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/S82dkJ4dH7I/AAAAAAAAA34/efCtRneH-IY/s1600-h/Appig_workshop_1%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Appig_workshop_1" border="0" alt="Appig_workshop_1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/S82dk15KXzI/AAAAAAAAA38/5U5FXZzxdOc/Appig_workshop_1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="196" /></a> </p> <p>The above image is from the story writing part of the weekend, although you would never guess it would you?  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/S82dmJY79RI/AAAAAAAAA4A/n_V5vBoEjbU/s1600-h/Appig_workshop_2%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Appig_workshop_2" border="0" alt="Appig_workshop_2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/S82dmylIRkI/AAAAAAAAA4E/63dDuNKbjlU/Appig_workshop_2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>And this part is called ’Painting attack’</p> <p>So this was a voyage into the NOW, the present. </p> <p>And now you are itching to know what our next workshop is about, aren’t you? Well, it’s a journey into past, present <strong>and</strong> future; how the one fuses with the other to form what we are, how we pattern our lives.</p> <p><strong>Maria</strong> collects treasures from the past; Italian customs, culture, cuisine and saves them in her Magic Box to share with you. <strong>Mice </strong>takes you into the NOW of creativity on a wondrous voyage of self discovery and <strong>Ant</strong> into the Future where you design a Planet worth living in for yourself and your love ones.</p> <p>It’s June 11 to 14 in the beautiful agritourism of <a href="http://www.agriturismoicigni.it/english/e_pagina1.htm">I Cigni</a> in Le Marche, Italy, on the edge of the sparkling Adriatic Sea.</p> <p>Info on our site <a href="http://www.starstone.me">www.starstone.me</a> or call Mice on +39 3535358 if you want to chat about the workshop in English or Italian. Or you can email him on <a href="mailto:micermice@gmail.com">micermice@gmail.com</a></p>Michael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-84298391530834764132010-03-30T12:12:00.001-07:002010-03-30T12:15:27.766-07:00The Meteorite<p>OK, what’s this?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/S7JNDC0sicI/AAAAAAAAA1w/jGn2ymP1stc/s1600-h/CAI202820Marzometeor2.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="CAI%2028%20Marzo meteor" border="0" alt="CAI%2028%20Marzo meteor" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/S7JND5AdBNI/AAAAAAAAA10/82aZ2NzlPkI/CAI202820Marzometeor_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>A truffle!</p> <p>No!</p> <p>Look, you’re not gonna guess, so I’ll tell you. It’s a meteorite, found on the mountain this Sunday when we trekked up Mt Amandola with our CAI group (Club Alpini Italia) and were rewarded with a the most spectacular views across the hilltop towns of Le Marche to the sea, as well as a meteorite. Isn’t that marvellous though? To find a meteorite? We climbed to about 2000m, </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/S7JNEzJ46QI/AAAAAAAAA14/_kdbhQYzKr4/s1600-h/CAI202820Marzosnow2.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="CAI%2028%20Marzo snow" border="0" alt="CAI%2028%20Marzo snow" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/S7JNFlb1FnI/AAAAAAAAA18/2dEp3tAC4nI/CAI202820Marzosnow_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/S7JNGx-etfI/AAAAAAAAA2A/AfxqghITyUw/s1600-h/CAI202820Marzo22.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="CAI%2028%20Marzo 2" border="0" alt="CAI%2028%20Marzo 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/S7JNH-s-kzI/AAAAAAAAA2E/Dkr2roWe8io/CAI202820Marzo2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>……….ate a banana and a packet of crisps (classic) and rested awhile on one of the peaks before climbing down slowly to the trattoria where we’d left our cars. Then a long and dozy lunch. And the day before I was at the sea spending the morning costing our June workshop with Patrizia the owner of I Cigni, . It was almost tropical in comparison.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/S7JNKI8KgSI/AAAAAAAAA2I/zf6eX4TjL1Q/s1600-h/DSC_mf12.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC_ mf 1" border="0" alt="DSC_ mf 1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MO_ooXfSZLs/S7JNK-4eWAI/AAAAAAAAA2M/yjHnQ5Il2V0/DSC_mf1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>This part of Le Marche is where the mountains pushed towards the sea millions of years ago. In fact a great part of the sea was itself thrust up trapping a species of red shrimp in what is now a glacial lake (Lago di Pilato) in the process. Red shrimps and meteorites.</p> <p>So, lucky we are, to have the mountains and the sea within a short driving distance of each other.</p> <p>So, here’s an idea. Spend a fantastic weekend on our workshop and spend the rest of the week touring this beautiful area; even go meteorite hunting up in the Sibillini mountains. You’ll find one, you will, with a bit of guidance.</p>Michael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-83433411084112149152010-03-09T06:10:00.000-08:002010-03-09T06:10:47.108-08:00Room On The Edge<a href="http://www.roomontheedge.com/">Room On The Edge</a>Michael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-1033968053017053472010-03-08T12:42:00.001-08:002010-03-08T12:48:56.500-08:00Invisible Mice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJN_gozi7Y4WcaiRQF9Qm6AjfT8S4JGhyphenhypheno0t5-0wwMngXOkBejPh7HQGDghj-zXp4brutb-y3YmtSFptVrnbuOzpxjzlr-vvZOVIHtpZBwDZv2n-DpeVfERiYDrOq8HPFvdb0/s1600-h/frozen%2520jeans%2520002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJN_gozi7Y4WcaiRQF9Qm6AjfT8S4JGhyphenhypheno0t5-0wwMngXOkBejPh7HQGDghj-zXp4brutb-y3YmtSFptVrnbuOzpxjzlr-vvZOVIHtpZBwDZv2n-DpeVfERiYDrOq8HPFvdb0/s400/frozen%2520jeans%2520002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446366390654202130" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I know what you're thinking; that it's me , invisibilised!<br />Naar, it's not.<br />It's my jeans that I put out on the line to dry and they froze! Laugh you may, but they almost snapped in half when I tied to fold them over a chair.<br />Life does have its little adventures doesn't it?<br />Cabin fever? Could be with half a metre of snow forecast, wife away and chips running out fast. Got some beer in thoughMichael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-4292056284488260562010-03-03T09:28:00.001-08:002010-03-03T09:30:58.768-08:00Alba6.30 am 3rd of March 2010.<br />A delicious sunrise<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMY7Aponk_SJKDLULx4HN4B6uiIKUHaU8HQrNBRuoav2Xtp5b-TtlblpU1-ZDBv3MNS-VzjWYf6aFgraOBHp7lcDgrRRKHRnBNBzSyF73suAr4Nwxuw8SUsHvYnzjl5YYFLguX/s1600-h/Alba_1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMY7Aponk_SJKDLULx4HN4B6uiIKUHaU8HQrNBRuoav2Xtp5b-TtlblpU1-ZDBv3MNS-VzjWYf6aFgraOBHp7lcDgrRRKHRnBNBzSyF73suAr4Nwxuw8SUsHvYnzjl5YYFLguX/s400/Alba_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444461083353799938" /></a>Michael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-32874499297481057572010-01-10T05:55:00.000-08:002010-01-10T06:16:16.634-08:00Christmas puddingJust blown up the microwave with a Christmas Pudding!<br />My fault entirely which I share with the microwave and the Christmas Pudding.In my defence though, what do I know about Christmas Pudding?; haven't eaten one for years (they're banned in house) and what do I know about microwaves?..we have one but never use it. OK, you guessed, Lili's away in Bari and it as my usual egg and chips wkd and there was this Christmas Pudding on the shelf given by an English friend and somehow overlooked (otherwise ir would have beem binned). So, I'd peeled off the cooking instructions, in pieces and mistread the instructions; thought it said 50 mins.<br />Was on SKYPE with mate Jack from SF and there was this smell, and then smoke and then billowing smoke.<br />I'd often wondered what the meltdown at Chernobyl actually looked like. Now I know.<br />When I woke up to what was happening I rushed to the kitchen I found the inside of the microwave was a molten white crucible of fire. Switched power off of course and then rushed to open all windows and doors to clear acrid smoke.<br />And retreated.<br />An hour later I ventured back in and oh my Gawd what a mess.<br />The microwave? Just burning bits.<br />The Christmas Pudding? not a trace.<br />I think the ex-microwave might still be radioactive.<br />I re-read instructions. It was 50 secs!<br />The wife's gonna kill meMichael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-34708410447672487322009-12-15T05:23:00.000-08:002009-12-15T11:29:27.230-08:00The Solstice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_s5nkwSvaMJmZOVzgPuzMIRdPGX_1k-rJkuoIZMysIMwrSN23oOlCw3ayFXyI8yf-_lsF48_Q1XzHmsnMol2DeYyx1lzp1VNgS6_9oF4ieF8vDuwp8uc9E2NFP9vbcl_33w1v/s1600-h/CAI_snow_001.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_s5nkwSvaMJmZOVzgPuzMIRdPGX_1k-rJkuoIZMysIMwrSN23oOlCw3ayFXyI8yf-_lsF48_Q1XzHmsnMol2DeYyx1lzp1VNgS6_9oF4ieF8vDuwp8uc9E2NFP9vbcl_33w1v/s400/CAI_snow_001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415506243635829634" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Just six days and the light returns.<br />This is the time of Year when my energy flows slowly and I have to push myself and don't feel pulled by life. Doesn't help that it's snowing like crazy outside and far too cold so suddenly. Our woodstove is eating up our winter's supply and it's a battle to keep the house suitably warm.<br />But there are good things too.<br />The sun being at its furthest south, we are getting sunsets lighting up the sky at Mt Vettore.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4CfKH-uUwJPTM_ukMEg-mZTKDVpybattIjemvPUpfzGGvr6jvzNYaT52643ax11KHvU6eT7VCFxhu1V2WOabr7q_LUZnDqw72pb_5vkGZVzlNEs-vwQZUDHCdou6rIyjfvtA/s1600-h/20k_3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4CfKH-uUwJPTM_ukMEg-mZTKDVpybattIjemvPUpfzGGvr6jvzNYaT52643ax11KHvU6eT7VCFxhu1V2WOabr7q_LUZnDqw72pb_5vkGZVzlNEs-vwQZUDHCdou6rIyjfvtA/s400/20k_3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415458940293399234" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Then there is the fact that we have joined C.A.I. (Club Alpini Italian) which makes me laugh no end, firstly because most of the other members here are amazingly fit and sportive and secondly because their membership card and badge are left-overs from the Fascist era (Mice's guess!)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F_00m0vB2vRRqWyCIxmX8wkCzLomCpCbWZMQmn6GPGRf2im2ykEyqQSEPM85p0_9_YX4SlaLCaVPjRsoHtAOwrKc0pCfwowlAuWmuC_NQgErGvvkPsgWi9REwUFa1FzCuy1Q/s1600-h/CAI_snow2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 383px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F_00m0vB2vRRqWyCIxmX8wkCzLomCpCbWZMQmn6GPGRf2im2ykEyqQSEPM85p0_9_YX4SlaLCaVPjRsoHtAOwrKc0pCfwowlAuWmuC_NQgErGvvkPsgWi9REwUFa1FzCuy1Q/s400/CAI_snow2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415506367739085346" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />and then, and then,...on a 20K walk on Sunday (don't ask) we walked past this house on the way to Monte San Martino.<br />And look what it says splashed right across the front of the building 'Duce a noi' which more or less 'We're with you all the way, Duce' (you need to screw your eyes up to see it mind)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpCF6gNrkKxSZvaCi9YLDvAKAeSW-2JEQgmMmroaMsi16DRmAGaZKzu-UNUY-DUm2tNG53HoAuYRFA3OrroplguiCDFwm8olX02xxWcbUHKRYipPgU25QIGJv-XtfA6FmVYJy/s1600-h/20k_1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpCF6gNrkKxSZvaCi9YLDvAKAeSW-2JEQgmMmroaMsi16DRmAGaZKzu-UNUY-DUm2tNG53HoAuYRFA3OrroplguiCDFwm8olX02xxWcbUHKRYipPgU25QIGJv-XtfA6FmVYJy/s400/20k_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415459301062873090" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VPP3OyjKw2Dk-KYieWLHF0iVOybewPkjlGndPHLlys2ZH-fqqFPjrCcuq6yMmCRBQZkjwjqMw6DeUCfpPin8cnEaeHdVXNaOSrTBNvJiS7ICoS4F-mHTKLO4PWwfUgSPXUie/s1600-h/20k_2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VPP3OyjKw2Dk-KYieWLHF0iVOybewPkjlGndPHLlys2ZH-fqqFPjrCcuq6yMmCRBQZkjwjqMw6DeUCfpPin8cnEaeHdVXNaOSrTBNvJiS7ICoS4F-mHTKLO4PWwfUgSPXUie/s400/20k_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415459781872475074" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It's all bubbling still, under the surface here in Italy. Communism, Fascism; like old ghosts lost in time forever, And all this couples in my mind with the attack on Berlusconi on the weekend where he was coshed with a model of the Milan Duomo. It's the circus of Italian politics which have never matured out of the ruins of the second World War.Michael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-87875814451418689162009-11-14T09:38:00.001-08:002009-11-14T09:38:54.769-08:00six womenThis weekend in the house six women.<br />Now I know why man became carnivoreMichael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-15400846719003628192009-10-13T10:14:00.000-07:002009-10-15T05:52:01.604-07:00It was MexicoWell, it seemed like it at the time.<br />I was walking up Bernie's garden to take a look at the sea and I heard shouting and laughter; looked up and saw UFO's whizzing across the sky. Then I walked into a bunch of Mexican cotton pickers, but they weren't.<br />Does that ever happen to you though? You suddenly think you're in another country?<br />Anyway, a voice shouted 'Michael!' and I was brought back to the here and now.<br />Guess who it was?<br />You're dead right, it was Mari, Jo, Vittorio, Quinto, Pepino and Lorenzo. Not pickin' cotton but sweetcorn (UFO shaped)It's 25C in the sunshine and they're complaining of the heat...<br /><br />Here they are, look, it's them it is.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56TBN3_LEBRhzqQD8oYhEJLU34hTaAOeg0eORyQkKpZ6SkRWfbY_KU0b3TBD5N1W9Puu2W1rFqzbCR4WsMw1B7iCWKVN4keILxMPxfB11J-enwzw66uBqoaOZv0yKp49z_DTF/s1600-h/mex.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56TBN3_LEBRhzqQD8oYhEJLU34hTaAOeg0eORyQkKpZ6SkRWfbY_KU0b3TBD5N1W9Puu2W1rFqzbCR4WsMw1B7iCWKVN4keILxMPxfB11J-enwzw66uBqoaOZv0yKp49z_DTF/s400/mex.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392516050101470706" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Next day temperature drops by 20C and we are plunged into winter and the Sibillinis have their first dash of snow. John pops in, carves a huge hole in our laundry room wall and walks off shaking his head. It's like that when the seasons suddenly change.<br />No wonder the British went mad in India (A thought that briefly sails though my mind)<br /><br /><br />a mountain view from the garden, the first snows<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATNZtprlJFyO87g4T2UByKvROtffujGjOplFIpNzzwEDEXXrk2126iHECCD8trLUrQ1sxJmfY98YDkqN6a03AfMp7wAxy_joEnVW2iBOCn4PE3ARG0LP7cXTRmBvS95Xhnqn-/s1600-h/snow_mtin_oct_018.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATNZtprlJFyO87g4T2UByKvROtffujGjOplFIpNzzwEDEXXrk2126iHECCD8trLUrQ1sxJmfY98YDkqN6a03AfMp7wAxy_joEnVW2iBOCn4PE3ARG0LP7cXTRmBvS95Xhnqn-/s400/snow_mtin_oct_018.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392807946626750594" /></a>Michael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-71424020170083753352009-09-11T01:55:00.001-07:002009-09-11T03:42:29.051-07:00Our summer of trekking<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdtm1bXNNCMvXZNavm0XGhrwv97MNN0hndaj-NTB955tDMoF5fqocHnsy88OdKcOHBbTIiaZ-q9MzSQF1duBg8n0wxkkZcLH4rgcZHcm7oirSlWe5qkwSrbI8nOHZXbINMsx9/s1600-h/toms.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdtm1bXNNCMvXZNavm0XGhrwv97MNN0hndaj-NTB955tDMoF5fqocHnsy88OdKcOHBbTIiaZ-q9MzSQF1duBg8n0wxkkZcLH4rgcZHcm7oirSlWe5qkwSrbI8nOHZXbINMsx9/s400/toms.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380131082258886546" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I know what you're thinking! You think I'm going to write about my fantastic tomato crop, or our splendid figs or the to die for potatoes.<br />But I'm not.... and who would die for a potato anyway? (don't answer that one, please!)<br /><br />Instead this little story is about last weekend's trek/mountain climb up to the source of the river Ambro which is a hike and a half above the Sanctuary of La Madonna dal Ambro (who is really the Sybil as well we all know)<br />Our trusted guide and leader, Giorgio Tassi, had persuaded us that this one was a doddle; tough first ten minutes, then flat all the way. We know him well enough to translate this as (a confidence booster which really means) 'life threatening experience, stay in bed, it's safer'<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qKK15WZdG8mDrNw8-cIbA88iAeexEg8uYKAFaIBnCScr0U5N0EzOnFHuihz6dtqGsbCttP1fjRo6eN7crPgMb52d4OL3Cx1SRrzRQf0Fgr1B-GVyjTSy23_V2Mx1Aq_hpPs1/s1600-h/crosing.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qKK15WZdG8mDrNw8-cIbA88iAeexEg8uYKAFaIBnCScr0U5N0EzOnFHuihz6dtqGsbCttP1fjRo6eN7crPgMb52d4OL3Cx1SRrzRQf0Fgr1B-GVyjTSy23_V2Mx1Aq_hpPs1/s400/crosing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380133976925217346" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The river had to crossed at least a dozen times; our Mexican friend, Sofia took the first dive and one by one we succumbed, each of us wet from the knees down, but it was OK. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVujNnKRJ9Z_URWR5g3y4MpxB0RZjxi4q8bO7jskqbfloe3_qCF6y7PaO1JFo_c9xe5DBosf6gdFNAWF5ETZ6pJKn9u_E4BAOhYthWshGi7HfoREERcILwz_2fSmD8lxCMQI0/s1600-h/L+climb.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVujNnKRJ9Z_URWR5g3y4MpxB0RZjxi4q8bO7jskqbfloe3_qCF6y7PaO1JFo_c9xe5DBosf6gdFNAWF5ETZ6pJKn9u_E4BAOhYthWshGi7HfoREERcILwz_2fSmD8lxCMQI0/s400/L+climb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380134921002046482" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The scariest part was climbing up (and then down) a sheer precipice, our only way of circumventing a blocked part of the river bed. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7xUHzUo1hlsuc8zziv5dugvk_uROxtK2T0xD9AmNWio1wXGdXKB2zETEre96jx2nbY_W5Y5NgFeadbUNfTF7sjENkETWLjsDnJLWNeKLPCCsLjk8I2RQypauyAuBxUplsLZQ/s1600-h/Throne+L%2BS.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7xUHzUo1hlsuc8zziv5dugvk_uROxtK2T0xD9AmNWio1wXGdXKB2zETEre96jx2nbY_W5Y5NgFeadbUNfTF7sjENkETWLjsDnJLWNeKLPCCsLjk8I2RQypauyAuBxUplsLZQ/s400/Throne+L%2BS.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380143001526928610" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here you got to wonder at the way water had eroded the gorge over millions of years and here it took some time to get the twenty of us to the top of the rope where our wondrous leaders were perched (we had four guides)<br />When we reached the 'Throne' itself, after more or less another hour of climbing, I know we were all in complete awe of this majestic place. My God! We've lived here for seven years and didn't have an inkling of such splendour. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeuBDEtfIadE63Gk3-J-tdFlAPacWXFF9g6N1x25lDcmTqivcWgsqwSQKhMgRNWuzT4O8iNOuUICPoB0KgfTq8kbVMgXdKxGcYcqN-pe-HnZ2RtGKFGUTIvmrv6Se1wylaOQ3/s1600-h/L+rampic.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeuBDEtfIadE63Gk3-J-tdFlAPacWXFF9g6N1x25lDcmTqivcWgsqwSQKhMgRNWuzT4O8iNOuUICPoB0KgfTq8kbVMgXdKxGcYcqN-pe-HnZ2RtGKFGUTIvmrv6Se1wylaOQ3/s400/L+rampic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380139425349521202" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So we celebrated this feeling (a sort of benevolent dreamy state) by eating a gorgeous lunch consisting of bacon and tomato rolls, Sheep cheese and a bottle of coke. Then chocolate to double up on the caffeine intake.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sa12ZROIx39cSwNczhQt3DdlD6r2L7j0nS12rA5i-RdMXJ8LAJxT7Asdbi3r5uQgnIPb6DCJnGkFmL53Nh-XM0I3NJbqkWQHlfeZvl4pZNV9FM4oN0Zczm23bqkU5YRMGPoY/s1600-h/river.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sa12ZROIx39cSwNczhQt3DdlD6r2L7j0nS12rA5i-RdMXJ8LAJxT7Asdbi3r5uQgnIPb6DCJnGkFmL53Nh-XM0I3NJbqkWQHlfeZvl4pZNV9FM4oN0Zczm23bqkU5YRMGPoY/s400/river.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380137839783994834" /></a><br />The journey back down was easier, except for having to re-negotiate the precipice and by this stage most of the group had given up on trying to navigate the stepping stones to cross the river, and just waded in. I think. for me at least, one of the most beautiful parts of the trek was walking besides the sound of rushing water through the sunny glades which stretched the length of the river. It's a lovely experience because eventually the mind empties itself of everything except to sounds and sights around.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYcU_izdP8WOnp5K3JSFjROX7l997Pfw3z1Yb5QdKkXMWU3lfg94oZez3B9__AZ5Yjfl4RR8uB6PqUpUTeMo_ZbzGYcrfkF1PgERzoDW_CrJ2hORjkk4yxYHXPdZ9GpXHTgRh/s1600-h/L+S.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYcU_izdP8WOnp5K3JSFjROX7l997Pfw3z1Yb5QdKkXMWU3lfg94oZez3B9__AZ5Yjfl4RR8uB6PqUpUTeMo_ZbzGYcrfkF1PgERzoDW_CrJ2hORjkk4yxYHXPdZ9GpXHTgRh/s400/L+S.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380139880986649234" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So we've got the bug and we are going to join the trekking group. And this coming weekend? a trek up the Fiastrone. What a wonder that will be.<br /><br />Finally a photo of some of the group taken in front of the Sanctuary<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Pq36JWfJjHOhevb4soxmzp-XhItm0zCJLYpWNl23wDeP5Wx03VU-iOJlxAlM2SSSAKKQkRxjeEZFjZi2p9AyoLIsSeeqom4DW4b6Qcw3PuhfTz33AgS6voszFy9aCbhOlh4K/s1600-h/group.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Pq36JWfJjHOhevb4soxmzp-XhItm0zCJLYpWNl23wDeP5Wx03VU-iOJlxAlM2SSSAKKQkRxjeEZFjZi2p9AyoLIsSeeqom4DW4b6Qcw3PuhfTz33AgS6voszFy9aCbhOlh4K/s400/group.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380140786950594578" /></a>Michael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-34713014437976526872009-08-07T04:00:00.000-07:002009-08-07T04:14:42.974-07:00YesterdayNow I'm not a great lover of shopping. In fact I lose a year of my life when I'm trapped into the horrors of it. Yesterday was a prime example (or so I thought at the outset). The objective was simply to buy a pair of trekking shoes for my kindred soul. You know the story.... 5 hours later with bags full of bargains (but you have to buy this because it's half price and will last you forever!), we by chance, looking for the beach at Porto Sant Elpidio, drive into yet another Shopping Mall. By this time I've lost two and a half years and seven days--- but this Commercial Centre is new and I swear it's the first one ever that has been designed with the mind of man in mind (oh, I like that!).<br />It's got whole areas for tools and tents and camping beds. And what'smore shops for hikers with 50% reductions. Computer and telephone sections with huge screen TVs and and thoroughly modern Sainsbury type Trustbuy scheme where you just use your credit card as you you zoom through and avoid checkout. On top of this there's a pub in the corner with a vast selection of beers and pizzas and there, as you walk out, is a multi screen (12) new Cinema.<br />I'm not making it up, honest.Michael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13388455.post-18448772230421113342009-07-11T10:00:00.000-07:002009-07-13T05:08:16.689-07:00La Sibilla<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJjuyofD3astBPHgbACJL1guXwjyPF0v1AXeRRtGhHXps-N3xAOz2sR-oIC-51ogBJFziXEWg2K-A8kUyhhr9AM8UefD3ZGOTQt6FMAzsyiIH5DwTQzUskMeQ9xlfJsraQP6O/s1600-h/mtn+f4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJjuyofD3astBPHgbACJL1guXwjyPF0v1AXeRRtGhHXps-N3xAOz2sR-oIC-51ogBJFziXEWg2K-A8kUyhhr9AM8UefD3ZGOTQt6FMAzsyiIH5DwTQzUskMeQ9xlfJsraQP6O/s400/mtn+f4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357250558667420530" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Last Saturday I joined a brave set of souls on a hike up to the cave of La Sibilla, who, as you know, is the local goddess, and ex-prophetess to the Roman Emperors. It was great and something I've always been meaning to do. The day was organised by Giorgio Tassi, a local photographer and nearly new Mayor of Amandola (he missed out by just a handful of votes)...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypYEbgyttkXG88o_wTfkaicLgq80azCNY-povNtfAjh3A569lMhlh4HYB5vo-e8G5kWjXFrYsbYAd6X_uLPwCleBh6v1GObx57X2XURaHSOyhB-Yq_JOcQ5nqOYqDM-WgI4LR/s1600-h/mtn1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypYEbgyttkXG88o_wTfkaicLgq80azCNY-povNtfAjh3A569lMhlh4HYB5vo-e8G5kWjXFrYsbYAd6X_uLPwCleBh6v1GObx57X2XURaHSOyhB-Yq_JOcQ5nqOYqDM-WgI4LR/s400/mtn1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357250235984502274" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Jo is an experienced mountaineer and a great direction giver for those in need of advice.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PRs6UoZu1mS1oSq8RLt1ALTQjS6IfOkaND2N3H4biOFjBIt7tXOnhDhNWor4247vKZnxqSpjx0Jl5Rhi9PCXotB3cVUd3RKZoVCQhUKIgLV7dtyOUG0yUGuPwKYHQScsux81/s1600-h/gio.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PRs6UoZu1mS1oSq8RLt1ALTQjS6IfOkaND2N3H4biOFjBIt7tXOnhDhNWor4247vKZnxqSpjx0Jl5Rhi9PCXotB3cVUd3RKZoVCQhUKIgLV7dtyOUG0yUGuPwKYHQScsux81/s400/gio.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357251242366069298" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It was a day of swiftly changing weather conditions, hot sun, then sudden drifting fog with chilled us but which had its own beauty as sheep, climbers, mountain shepherd dogs drifted in and out of focus.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlShuuCftZOtrDnIbXWUS9z2j6iVvXkcsGjFOhNg7qJoIIopEXIEqavmhoZ6gl7qtepRYPNfrEnjEoe3YL78-vF_MXLxlubIGDwq5WhGNXe4vm7tUOauRh5A1oK2TZcKEELw-/s1600-h/mtn+2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlShuuCftZOtrDnIbXWUS9z2j6iVvXkcsGjFOhNg7qJoIIopEXIEqavmhoZ6gl7qtepRYPNfrEnjEoe3YL78-vF_MXLxlubIGDwq5WhGNXe4vm7tUOauRh5A1oK2TZcKEELw-/s400/mtn+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357253264749096626" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkdM6GVHREMv0VTWwi59ozBpZvjmoHfUljsjx8SANQoUz48LmtgxkR63E2eLKPmkNfYagLXNuK9h4D6m_C15fgHVKGkZsAACYvxhg41CDsE91347x5fMLd7Ho-bbzwcc4EuL3/s1600-h/mtn3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkdM6GVHREMv0VTWwi59ozBpZvjmoHfUljsjx8SANQoUz48LmtgxkR63E2eLKPmkNfYagLXNuK9h4D6m_C15fgHVKGkZsAACYvxhg41CDsE91347x5fMLd7Ho-bbzwcc4EuL3/s400/mtn3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357253566115644994" /></a><br /><br />We reached the Sibilla cave after two hours and ate our sandwiches and drank our energy drinks. I missed Bessie and sort of wished I'd brought her along but she would have casued mayhem; bashed up Holly, attacked the sheep dogs and pestered me for a slice of sausage. Then guess what? We were given a lecture on the history of the Sibilla by a historian, the upshot of which was that it was generally agreed that the Sibilla was still present as witnessed by many a sober soul during nights spent alone up there. This spot is, according to those who know this stuff, a portal to the Cosmos. <br />Told Lili about this and she wants to go up there too (she was in Naples that weekend). Not sure whether she means to Cosmos or Mount Sibilla...I'll ask before I make any plansMichael Eldridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06389434668710459918noreply@blogger.com0