I have been on two package holidays in my life. The first was to Calella in Spain just about thirty years ago; if that had been my first visit to Spain I would never have gone again. It was horrendous - I remember lying awake the first night listening to rampaging Celtic fans. Not only that, there was not a single restaurant in the town, just a selection of Irish pubs. Even the sand on the beach was gritty, not lovely and smooth like it is on the Costa Blanca. Since then I have been extremely wary of packages.
However, the opportunity to attend the Puccini festival this summer was just too good to miss. The fact that it was excruciatingly expensive gave me hope that it would be ok, but it was with some trepidation that we set off for our five day trip - three operas, a visit to Florence, two Tuscan villas, Puccini's villa and a walking tour of Lucca.
I am sure you are very keen to know what the other guests were like. Well, they all loved opera. Apart from that they all had their quirks and foibles. I've already told you about Steve and his penchant for Fiats. Here he is at the Villa Garzoni. It is always useful to have someone like Steve in the group to let us know who is missing, whether you are allowed to take photographs, and to give advice on always having your wet weather gear
However, the opportunity to attend the Puccini festival this summer was just too good to miss. The fact that it was excruciatingly expensive gave me hope that it would be ok, but it was with some trepidation that we set off for our five day trip - three operas, a visit to Florence, two Tuscan villas, Puccini's villa and a walking tour of Lucca.
I am sure you are very keen to know what the other guests were like. Well, they all loved opera. Apart from that they all had their quirks and foibles. I've already told you about Steve and his penchant for Fiats. Here he is at the Villa Garzoni. It is always useful to have someone like Steve in the group to let us know who is missing, whether you are allowed to take photographs, and to give advice on always having your wet weather gear
Our guide was a charming man called Charlie. He was an expert on Art history, Gothic and Romanesque architecture and his favourite phrase was 'absolutely exquisite'. Thanks to Charlie I now know more about Saint Sebastian than is absolutely necessary. Despite temperatures of well over 30 degrees centigrade he was always immaculately turned out in his black suit
If you were going on a day trip to Florence and the Uffizi gallery what would you take with you? A hat and sunglasses maybe, perhaps some water, possibly a guide book. Walking towards us is Robert, who decided that he needed his hardback book on the Raj at War tucked under his arm. Well at least he had something to read if he got bored with all the statues, architecture and art.
Now I am not one to gossip, but according to Steve the next person - Guy - is a proper Lothario with several lovers. Well you can make up your own minds
Since we've been back in England it has done nothing but rain. Well it rains in Italy as well, and when it does it is torrential. I have nothing against Eddie at all except he suggested that we shelter under a tree during a thunder storm, which resulted in a drenching for me, and a good laugh for Eddie
One of the many differences between Tuscany and the South of England is how quickly it dries up after rain. Within two hours I was able to give the group the benefit of my impression of Madama Butterfly committing suicide
The group was a nice mix of singles and couples. This couple in particular caught my eye. They were good looking, knowledgeable, well dressed and extremely affable. They were an adornment to the peregrination (one of Charlie's words)
I can't leave Italy without mentioning our other guide - someone extremely well informed and always willing to give us the benefit of her adept scholarship. Some of her insights included: 'this is an important building, can't remember why' 'something important happened here, not sure what'. Most importantly however, Ally is an expert drinking companion.