Never far from HOME

Friday 16th October - Rotterdam

Back to the barista cafe for breakfast where we were greeted by the friendly barista and treated to our delicious breakfast once again. The weather was threatening to get wet in the afternoon so we took a tram into Rotterdam central only to find it barely waking up.

Few cafes were open but shops don’t open until 10 or 11 so we caught another tram to the Trompenberg arboretum where Cathy delighted in the trees and flowers. They even had a cactus collection in a greenhouse which was fascinating. The original owner was a tree collector and lived on site. We saw a group of gardeners maintaining it today.

Thursday 15th October - Rotterdam

Another sunny day had us venturing out early and across to the fascinating Fenix migration museum. The focus was on the journey and experience of migrants through art and story-telling. Several of the old suitcases could be scanned to hear a 2 minute story of the owner’s journey to Rotterdam. We had been drawn to visit after watching the display on the travellator in the Metro where stations were replaced with various emotions. Very clever so we had to buy the poster. Cathy had developed a sore throat so she ventured to but meds whilst David watched the cruise ship Brittania set off from the cruise terminal opposite our hotel. Getting excited about our cruise in a couple of days.

Elvy gastrobar beckoned us back for a return visit with champagne and dinner this time as the lights came on over our landmark feature - the Erasmus bridge. We have crossed by walking, cycling and catching a tram and gone beneath on the Metro.

Wednesday 14th October - Rotterdam and Delft

Knowing that first light is not until 7:36 and the cafe doesn’t open until 8, made for a relaxed lay in bed checking the news etc. Same cafe but different staff today so it wasn’t quite as yummy as yesterday. Cathy decided to try one of the hotel bikes, whilst David walked to the Euromast.

The sky was clear and the views were stunning. Cathy was so happy to be back on a bicycle that she decided to ride to Delft using google maps for directions. An hour each way along bicycle paths and narrow roads got her out of the city for a bit.

She saw cows, sheep, horses, geese,swans, rowers and goldfish along the way. The Delft pottery is classic dutch blue and white. The town is beautiful with canals, mosaics, bars and restaurants and many things to see and do. Can't carry shopping on a bike so the only purchases were lemonade and a toastie before heading home into a cross head wind. After 41kms, she had still only gained a piddly 79 metres elevation from going over bridges! Cycling in trousers with a seat that is too low has created some friction so the Bepanthen is being put to good use.

On the way to dinner, we decided to check out the Elvy gastrobar on the 7th floor of a hotel. The views of Erasmus bridge at sunset were great. The champagne pour from our well educated barman was generous and we had some fun conversations with other patrons.

Cathy was missing Italy and felt like lasagne. “Happy Italy” was nearby. A big bowl of spag bolognese was the best she could find, whilst David almost caught on fire with his spicy chicken and pepperoni pizza. We have enjoyed their fun quotes on the window as we walk by each day.

Tuesday 13th October - Rotterdam

Woke up to drizzle and dark at 7am. Rolled over and waited until the Barista cafe opened at 8:00 to find some breakfast. Thought it would be great with Australian double shot flat white but agh! -they have UHT milk here just like France 🙁. Great granola bowl though and David enjoyed his Barista morning platter.

With rain jackets on, we headed to the cube houses and market in central Rotterdam. The houses are like a tree house with narrow steep stairs and lots of light. Designed for couples but you wouldn’t want to be dragging groceries up very often!

The day cleared up and Cathy had a wander after her session at the hotel gym, but David was catching up on sleep after his epic 36 hours travel in the last few days. Dinner at the food hall downstairs included some yummy satay and other Indonesian dishes washed down with South African Sav blanc.

Monday 12th October - Perugia to Rotterdam

My final day in Perugia was spent walking up to the old town, exploring the national gallery, the cathedral and the chocolate shops. I thought the cherubs in this painting were very cheeky - perhaps they had been drinking the communion wine!

Eurochocolat is an annual competition. I didn’t realise that Baci chocolates were a product of Perugia. The gelatarias didn’t open until midday so I couldn’t have a final Italian gelati for the trip but I did stop for coffee and a filled croissant.

Patrizia has looked after me so well and I have had a wonderful stay in Umbria. Very excited to hear David's voice just before I boarded my flight to Rotterdam to see him again. Trying out Transavia airline for the first time too.

Sunday 11th October - Cathy in Italy whilst David leaves Australia

David launched on his trip from Bright to Rotterdam today.

Cathy slept so deeply after our late night that it was a struggle to wake at 7:00 am when the alarm went off to prepare to go hiking. After a leisurely breakfast and helping Patrizia sort out a couple of things, I looked at the foggy morning and put my rainjacket in the backpack ready for my hike with Silvia(Patrizia's neighbour) from Spello to Collepino Castle. It was dull as we left Perugia but brightened up as we neared Spello to commence our walk. Within 10 minutes, the jacket was off and I was reaching for my hat. Forgot sunscreen so borrowed from Silvia. We hiked 5.5km through olive groves and trees up to Collopino. It followed a Roman aqueduct. It was a gentle gradient until the final km which felt like we were going up at 30%. Mountain ebikers passed us going up and down the path too. To make it a loop, we walked up to a monastic hermitage then across and down a gravel road back to the car. In all, we walked 12 km, had a short break for coffee at Collopino and then returned to Perugia for lunch with Patrizia. After a couple of glasses of wine at lunch, I sat on the balcony and relaxed in the sun.

I had hoped to chat to David during his stopover in Singapore but that coincided with when we had to leave again so we missed out. It was a family day with Patrizia taking flowers to her parent's grave, then we went out to see Rita and Paulo at their house atop the village overlooking fields and a gorgoeus terraced garden. The table and curtains on the front verandah looked fresh from a magazine of a Tuscan villa.

An annual family gathering at the village Castello included polenta, Torta and Tortola santo vin. The polenta is set out on a long wooden tray then topped with bolognese and parmesan. Yummy. Torta with proschutto was like a ham sandwich without the butter or chutney. We were tired so left as soon as we got the cake you are supposed to dip in sweet wine. Not really my cup of tea except for the polenta.

Home in bed and trying to decide what to do for my final day in Perugia. It has been such fun. Meanwhile David is undertaking his 36 hour door to door epic journey to meet me.

Saturday 10th October - Perugia and Assisi

Jolene packed up to head off on her own adventure whilst Patrizia and I decided to visit the local Perugia market. I thought it might just be a quick wander around as I didn’t need anything. But we found nice Italian clothes marked down to very affordable prices. Suddenly we were both buying clothes we liked. Jeans with sparkles, a navy wrap that I am sure I will need on the cruise- along with a navy jumper with pretty sleeves. Patrizia was looking at down jackets to take to Nepal. All of a sudden, an orange one in my size said “Buy me!” We did buy fresh porchetta in a panini for lunch and some other italian foods before we headed home.

St Francis of Assisi died 800 years ago but is fondly remembered for his vow of povery, charity and chastity. After a visit to Assisi to visit the old town and see the church of San Francesco and basilica, we dropped in to see Rosita at her clothes shop. Whilst they chatted in Italian, I looked at the lovely quality clothes. I had to buy a beautiful soft leather jacket as a birthday present to myself. I don’t often get into a shopping mood, but Patrizia and I had a fabulous time today and I'm delighted with my purchases.

The night was topped off with dinner at Bottega de Vino near the Piazza in Perugia. A fun night with Patrizia's cousins, the french girls and a couple of husbands - Paulo and Stefano. A late night but the piazza was buzzing and full of people still at 11:30 as we headed home.

Friday 9th October - exploring Umbria

Day3 was further exploration of surrounding parts of Umbria as we tried to find the villas on the shortlist Jolene had made up. It was a pretty drive from Perugia through forests and fields but too many drivers calling directions led to some tense moments!! Eventually we drove to Passo Gosparini which had a restaurant with delightful view of the Lago Trasimeno. Bruschetta and veal steaks done 3 ways were perfect choices. They were delivered to the table by a robotic dumb waiter. Unfortunately the local cat decided we should feed it also and became a pest at our table. It was not to be shooed away. We gladly moved on to have a gelati by the lake in Passignano.

Jolene had decided to rent a car so we dropped her off at the Perugia airport to collect that whilst we headed home for a rest. By 4:30 Patrizia took me out again to finally explore the old town. It dates back to the 11-12th century and is built on a steep hill with walls and 3 gates. We headed up and down stairs and escalators to see old ruins beneath the fabulous views from the top.

After an Aperol spritz at the bar in the piazza that George used to like, we met Patrizia’s cousins Rita, Patrizia and Valentina with a friend Chantelle. We sat on the steps at a bar watching the light change over the old town at sunset. More drinks and food were consumed as we laughed and they chatted in Italian with smatterings of French and English to help Chantelle and myself keep up. Finally home to bed where I feel like I am over my jet lag and finally able to look forward to dinner tomorrow night with the same group.

Thursday 8th October - Perugia, Spoleto, Norcia and Castelluccio

We made an early start to collect Jolene from near Spoleto where she has been staying in a villa with the others from Bright. Google maps takes us up a gravel road and we eventually find them. We begin an adventure exploring places where Jolene might take her foodies tour next year.

Tasted salami and truffle paste in Norcia. This town is still being rebuilt after an earthquake in October 2016. Loved the quaint shops that were open.

On to Castellucio where I would have loved to have a bike to ride up and down the long steady climb that looked about 5-6%. Smooth roads and few cars would have made it perfect if I had a bike. We drove down into the valley where paragliders seemed to be learning and practicing ground handling skills. In other seasons, the valley is known for its colourful fields of flowers. Again, it is being rebuilt after the earthquake so it wasn’t terribly inviting but we had lentil soup, various forms of sheep and polenta with a delicious meat sauce. We came home via Callestrada where Patrizia grew up. After a wrong turn had us heading up a potholed driveway to a villa, we found the correct road and saw the village square, church and homes of various friends. One was Daniela and Giuseppe’s so it was fitting that Daniela dropped in for a visit on her way home from work that evening. She is currently a secretary and journalist but has also studied archeology.

Tuesday 6th October - Leaving Melbourne for Perugia in Italy

Deposited at Tullamarine airport's new drop off zone, we didn't expect to end up on the Channel 9 news!

After 3 flights and a bus to Perugia, Cathy was collected by Marilena and taken to Patrizia's. Staying awake to overcome jet-lag so I go for a walk down to Ponte Rio and back up again. Nice views but no footpath.

Always Remember (or is it Never Forget)

Sunday 2nd August 2026 - Rome

Today the barista knew I was Australian. I think his "G'Day Mate" was intentionally bad. His coffee art wasn't bad though...

Saturday 1st August 2026 - Rome

It's early and it's already hot. We decide to walk a local market to see what's available.

Friday 31st July 2026 - Leaving Hotel Meldoia del Bosco

Everything about the hotel was top class except Cathy thought the hair dryer was a toy. Her hair dryer in Bright is modelled on a retired 747 Jet Engine. It even wakes me up.

We joined the Spritz Club.

Thursday 30th July 2026 - The Famous Sellaronda (anti-clockwise)

Cathy headed off early (still very hot out there) to do the Sellaronda in reverse from Monday.

Cathy on top of Passo Sella

Tuesday 28th July 2026 - Pedaru and Ziplines

David had a day off the bike. Cathy did a ride with Sabine and Garun to Pedaru.

Monday 27th July 2026 - The Famous Sellaronda (clockwise)

An early start to try and beat the heat. Unfortunately, Sabine's gears went into crash mode, and David got a flat rear tire.

Fixing a puncture is NOT faster on an eBike

Friday 31st July 2026 - Moving Day to Rome

Well, we almost didn't leave. On Monday, we asked the hotel to book us a transfer to Balzano to catch our train to Rome. No problem. The booking came through. A request for payment. A receipt arrived. All good.

On the day, a no show. 15 minutes late, I ask the hotel to check with the taxi company. Ahhhh, we had booked for 31.08.2026!!!! I didn't notice, neither did anyone else.

The taxi company sent someone. It's 88km, expected travel time 1h50m. Fortunately, it all ran smoothly from there. Five hour train trip to Rome. Our hotel transfer arrived promptly. It was a relief to get there with all our luggage.