What a wonderful time and place to be doing some reflection among friends hairy or not. I was with you in each of the three segments, in one way or another remembering my wife's and my trip to Italy (especially the Amalfi coast). And then dogs always coming to me when there's a large crowd, and my old, blessed friend Father Thomas Cowley - who founded EPIC (Ecumenical Project for International Cooperation). Thanks for the refreshing walk down memory lane even if I'm on the other side of the pond.
Like I was there, Sharron! I remember the Riviera as I traveled through on the train. The coast line near Rapallo was a favorite part of my trip. A trip that tried to see too much in too little time. A "must go back" kind of place for when there is more time. Thanks for the reminder. : )
Thank you, Sharon! You have written a great travelogue. I enjoyed reading about the nuns, the balloons, and the cats - so many cats! Your writing made me want to revisit Italy. While I appreciate the beauty of spots like Portofino, the place that always draws me in is Venice. I love the tragic beauty of the city, its ruined and weathered charm.
Thank you, Caro, for reading my travel tale. Venice. Yes. Of all the times I traveled in Italy, I returned to Venice again and again, especially in winter, when it used to be much quieter. The gray, cool, drizzly weather truly enhanced the magic of that special place. There are no quiet times in Venice anymore, sad to say.
Lovely photos and evocative writing - I've never been to Italy, but I feel like I have, now!
'Capricciosa' (not sure on the spelling) is, AFAIK, a type of pizza where the toppings vary between different parts of Italy. Mushrooms are common on it... if this is the same as what the deli was selling, it seems that they chose the tomato for their main topping 🤔
Loved this, especially (of course) the lap cat adventure. I guess Americans don't have enough history of the plague to understand that feral cats keep their cities free of rats and mice that carry disease. Brave to the cats and those who cherish and feed them!
Oh, and that game the nuns played. I've got to remember that for my grandchildren someday.
Cats know you are cat-less and try to fill that gap for you. I've lived with as many as 24 at a time. 3 Moms made kits at the same time, and there were brothers of the 3 to add to their number. From Alphonse to Zenobia. Everything tastes better with catfur in it. Its the secret spice of life. 18 have timed out since I've lived here. One remaining. I expect them to live to 20+, and they do. )))
What a wonderful time and place to be doing some reflection among friends hairy or not. I was with you in each of the three segments, in one way or another remembering my wife's and my trip to Italy (especially the Amalfi coast). And then dogs always coming to me when there's a large crowd, and my old, blessed friend Father Thomas Cowley - who founded EPIC (Ecumenical Project for International Cooperation). Thanks for the refreshing walk down memory lane even if I'm on the other side of the pond.
Thanks for sharing your own adventure, Mark. Here is a short thing on the Amalfi Coast that may spark further memories! https://sharronbassano.substack.com/p/the-sorrentine-peninsula
Like I was there, Sharron! I remember the Riviera as I traveled through on the train. The coast line near Rapallo was a favorite part of my trip. A trip that tried to see too much in too little time. A "must go back" kind of place for when there is more time. Thanks for the reminder. : )
Thank you. James Ron! Molto gentile!
Oh, these are delightful, Sharron! Thank you for taking me away on a little trip to Italy. I had such a good time!
I'm glad, Heather. Thanks!
OK. If there are kittties EVERYwhere, I could maybe might like Italy. All that water though..... I don't know.
Your own kitties would really miss you!
You photos are stunning!!! I've never been but my mom has. I forwarded this to her.
Thank you Kristi. Very sweet of you. The lovely photos are stock photos. I wish I could take pictures like that!
Oh no way!! You could have totally lied and I'd have believed it 😁
HA HA HA
Thank you, Sharon! You have written a great travelogue. I enjoyed reading about the nuns, the balloons, and the cats - so many cats! Your writing made me want to revisit Italy. While I appreciate the beauty of spots like Portofino, the place that always draws me in is Venice. I love the tragic beauty of the city, its ruined and weathered charm.
Thank you, Caro, for reading my travel tale. Venice. Yes. Of all the times I traveled in Italy, I returned to Venice again and again, especially in winter, when it used to be much quieter. The gray, cool, drizzly weather truly enhanced the magic of that special place. There are no quiet times in Venice anymore, sad to say.
Another beautiful post, Sharron - I loved every word!
I need to find some of those impulsive tomatoes - the boring old stuck-in-a-rut ones just don't cut it for me any more....
Hum-drum tomatoes. I wonder how to say that in Italian!
LOL!!! 🤣 Me too!
What fun, Sharron. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit.
Oh, great! Thanks for reading it, Janice.
Another wonderful travelprose with my favorite guide. I smiled all the way through. Makes me excited for my trip there in May!! Thanks Sharron.
Four more months, counting down! Wish I could say the same.
Lovely photos and evocative writing - I've never been to Italy, but I feel like I have, now!
'Capricciosa' (not sure on the spelling) is, AFAIK, a type of pizza where the toppings vary between different parts of Italy. Mushrooms are common on it... if this is the same as what the deli was selling, it seems that they chose the tomato for their main topping 🤔
Great analysis! I am sure you are right, EA. Thank you.
I really enjoyed this from start to finish, Sharron! Funny how the cats find you! 🐱
Just like catnip. Sharron Bassano, Cat Magnet...
I love the way you capture so many details. Next time I go traveling I need to make sure I’m as observant as that!
Or take me with you.
I still think the Sharron Bassano Travel Service needs to happen!
👍 💜
Loved this, especially (of course) the lap cat adventure. I guess Americans don't have enough history of the plague to understand that feral cats keep their cities free of rats and mice that carry disease. Brave to the cats and those who cherish and feed them!
Oh, and that game the nuns played. I've got to remember that for my grandchildren someday.
Long live the cats! And that game is hilarious - for all ages. Add music.
Will do. I think my rambunctious grandson will love it when he's about three or four.
It's beautiful!
Sharron you reminded me of two lovely trips to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Enjoyed very much reading about the time you spent there.
Oh, I am so glad to hear you have taken the same journey. We probably have much more in common, my friend. If we only lived closer, we could find out.
Cats know you are cat-less and try to fill that gap for you. I've lived with as many as 24 at a time. 3 Moms made kits at the same time, and there were brothers of the 3 to add to their number. From Alphonse to Zenobia. Everything tastes better with catfur in it. Its the secret spice of life. 18 have timed out since I've lived here. One remaining. I expect them to live to 20+, and they do. )))
No one knows cats like Kate does! Imagine having 24 at one time. Good thing you are rural and can let them out! Thanks, pal!