So here we are then, truly installed in Trieste (Via Sigmund Freud don’t ya know? That has to be the best address ever – depending on your past experiences, of course.) I have been putting off and putting off getting back to this blog (in the same way that my kids leave the best bits till last on their plates). Main reason – no reliable internet connection – I was waiting for the wonderful (heavy sarcasm) Telecom Italia to install our landline and internet yesterday but…they screwed up, we have to wait another week, so I’m writing here anyway, stumbling along with this little gadget conected to my laptop…
Blog…twitter…facebook…website. This is all such a challenge! How do you all keep up??? I can barely operate the remote on the telly!
So…kids started school yesterday…
the route to school
Success – so far….they are happy, relaxed, enthusiastic. For Fran a less daunting experience than starting at Acton High I think, even though we have moved country and language. I’ve just spent 82 Euros buying stationary for them both – notebooks, pencil cases, folders – all have to be a certain size, lines a certain width (depending on age), glue sticks, crayons, art paper. Then there are the brands that are ‘di moda’ – GURU and GEKO and Hello Kitty.
hmmm...anyone for tennis?
There’s a reason why Italians are organised, neat and tidy (and a bit anal) – they invest in it all from an early age.
Meanwhile I continue to build and unbuild the bookcases in my study in the basement. You will not believe the time I have wasted (or invested if you want to see it positively) in getting my books back in order. I have this modular system of beautiful hardwood units that Stef picked up 20 years ago from an auction room in Leamington Spa – and whenever we’ve moved I’ve had to invent a new configuration for them. Harder than you’d think. It involves a lot of maths, but more importantly, a lot of stretching and lifting and balancing shelving in precarious positions in limited spaces as I change my mind yet again….I think an espresso is in order before I embark on that this morning..
Last night I started an African drumming course. I am so happy! 18 years ago I did the most amazing African dance course here in Trieste down by the sea at the Hotel Europa as the sun set – and I’ve been looking for a class ever since. When we left Trieste last time I managed to find an African drum course in Leamington Spa – then we moved to Acton and even though London has everything I couldn’t find anything near enough. I’d still love to find an African dance class though – the best workout ever.
Letters from Trieste 