Arrivederci Mill Hill Broadway Hello Chabeuil Blues: Tuesday, May 1st!

A man must be excessively stupid, as well as uncharitable, who believes there is no virtue but on his own side. -Joseph Addison, essayist and poet (1 May 1672-1719)

Up at 5:22 am, long before my alarm was to go off at 6:15 am. Just a few things to pack, quick shower and then I was ready to go. Madcap had very kindly offered to drop me at the MHB station at 7:30 am so that I would be at King's Cross/St Pancras in plenty of time to check-in at Eurostar and meet Andre in the Waiting Area, inside, before we board the train. We knew we would both be in the same car although not sitting together. Gorgeous sunny morning although a bit of a nip in the air. Still a very promising start to the Chunnel journey!

Sleepy Penny came downstairs at just before 7:30 am to say goodbye. Had loaded her car, (Mike’s is in the garage for a few minor repairs), by the time she was in the kitchen and after I thanked her for the simply wonderful stay and their ever generous hospitality, we kissed and hugged and kissed and hugged and then waved goodbye. Madcap dropped me at Mill Hill Broadway Station,  carring my pannier rack up the stairs to the ticket barrier, while I lugged my large bag.  Quick embrace and a handshake and more thanks and he was off.

This was the last time I was going to use my BritRail pass and it has never been punched! Had I been staying for a month it seems I would have been able to ride for at least four more journeys, probably more, given the fact that once I show it staff wave me through the barrier or allow me to continue riding. Only had to wait a few minutes for the train and as it only made one stop before King’s Cross, (West Hampstead Thames Link), I was in the Eurostar line-up, in St Pancras, by just after 8:00 am. 

Had to be issued another ticket as there was some change to train but that didn’t take but a moment and I was going through security. Didn’t even set off alarm when I walked through scanner so I soon had all my possessions back and was looking for Café Nero where Rosemary suggested Andre and I might meet. When I asked a staff member where it might be he said it was no longer there, replaced by a Prêt à Manger outlet. [Jamie and I had enjoyed a sandwich and java at one in South Kensington, where we met up, briefly, yesterday, as it was just across from tube station and I was most pleasantly surprised at how good the food and coffee were.] Anyway, I found a seat close to it and presumed I’d see Andre at some point.

Only had a tangerine for breakfast so I took out a couple of the sandwiches I’d made the night before and had just finished them when I saw Andre making his way through the waiting area. Waved to him and we greeted one another. Pleasant young woman sitting beside me said she would move so he sat down beside me. He wanted a coffee so I watched the bags until he returned and then he did the same when I went to the bathroom. Once back, we chatted for a few minutes and then it was time to board. Although we were in the same carriage we had seats at opposite ends of the car. Young man sitting beside me was from Sicily but has been working as a doorman at the Four Seasons for past two years. Had a pleasant conversation with him for first part of journey. He was going to Paris for the weekend and was staying at the Four Seasons, (George V, I think he said, near L'Arc de Triomphe), for nothing, a pretty nice perk! If I’d been staying in Paris I might have invited myself along!

No Wifi so couldn’t digitate but was sleepy anyway so dozed quite nicely and only woke up when we were about 50 minutes from Paris. Walked back to where our baggage was placed and had a drink of the fuzzy water that I’d put in one of my panniers. Chatted with Andre for a bit and then returned to my seat to pack up the few things I had there. Said goodbye to my seat mate and then Andre and I waited in the luggage area as it was jam-packed before we even boarded and our large bags were in the aisle, a long with quite few others. This way we were first to disembark and leave the way clear for other passengers.

Andre has done this trip many, many times before so he knows where he is going. We had to take the RER, (Réseau Express Régional), from where we were, Gare du Nord, to Gare de Lyon, to board the TGV, (Train à Grande Vitesse, "high-speed train", operated by the SNCF, Société nationale des chemins de fer français, "National society of French railways" or "French National Railway Corporation"), there, bound for Valence. He gave me a metro ticket for this leg and after negotiating a number of escalators and ticket barriers we were on Platform 44. Train was  thirteen minutes late and really crowded but we were at Gare de Lyon with about twenty minutes to spare. Said goodbye to him at his carriage, 8, as my EurRail pass entitles me to travel First Class.

Clambered on board the first carriage, so designated, and found a seat. Didn’t settle in as I wasn’t sure if I might have been sitting in a reserved spot. As it turned out, there were a number of other empty seats so even if I had had to move I would have been fine. Anyway, nobody appeared although another chap took the window seat. I wanted the aisle anyway so I was happy. Train left right on time, 2:06 pm, I think, and so I knew I could stay where I was once doors closed. Still no Wifi. I appeared to be connected but none of the sites I invoked could be found. Don’t know if it is my system or the SNCF's but I wasn't overly fussed as I decided to use Word to capture my thoughts. Only a two hour ride to Valence so were to arrive about 4:16 pm. Train was right on time and friend and neighbor, Paul, collected us as few minutes after we in the waiting area.

Bit of drizzle when we walked to where the car was parked but nothing serious. I took quite careful note of the roads we took and was pleased to find that all of them had a small bike lane/shoulder so I'm hoping to go for a couple of jaunts once I have my bike serviced. Paul dropped us off at teh back of the house, next to the garage they had finished building when we were last here in October, 2013. I'm back in the Gite on the first floor so quite comfortable and didn't have to lug my bags up two flights of stairs. Andre turned on various things and while he was doing so I unpacked. Had to wait for their password while he was out inspecting the garden so I took a few shots of the house, garden and surrounding countryside while I waited for him to come inside.

When he did so we retrieved the two bottles of wine I had left there in 2013 and also took a look at my bike. Covered in five years worth of dust but until we take it down, [It has been hanging by the frame so even though the tires are flat I'm hoping they are still in good enough condition to at least go for a short ride tomorrow before we take it into Valence to see about a servicing. Left a pump, helmet and shoes here, as well as some other bits and pieces of cycling gear, so I'm all set! Andre will prepare pasta for dinner and I plan to suggest we pick up something for the next few days while in Valance, or wherever else he deems best. Not sure how long I'll be here but as soon as my bike is ready I need to take off for Switzerland if I'm going to see any of the people I'd like to visit. 
 

Have already missed Max and Monica as they are off to Spain on May 4th and I won't be in Bern until the 5th at the earliest. Fiona will be ther so I'm planning to see her. She even invited me to stay but I'll play it by ear as I've already made tentative arrangements, if I arrive in time, with a number of other friends. 

Must away as I hear Andre calling from upstairs. I think he wants me to open a bottle of wine! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Arrivederci Sleepy-head Penny although Madcap was wide awake! Andre at Eurostar; Hard to take a shot from a train hurtling along at 284 kph! Didn't capture that speed as train had slowed a trifle by the time I was able to take a shot. House and grounds in Chabeuil. Not sure when Andre will take cover off the pool. Some of the house, (three stories), and grounds at Chabeuil. Don't know when Andre will remove pool cover. He just turned on the heat as it is quite chilly so probably not for some time yet. Hi Kids! Trust everyone is well. Fondestos, Love and Cheers, Dad/Patrizzio!
 

Lying in bed at Joanne’s she will drive me to the airport later. Enjoy France. Had a great weekend here. Time to go to Manitoba and dry out. Thanks for putting your share into joint acct. I only have garden expenses. Can we do expenses in July? Lunch with Noreen tomorrow. Hugs C Hello Duhlink! I gather you might well be in Winnipeg by now. Much love to the gang there. Glad you had such a good visit with Elaine. Sorry to hear about JT's back. Is she better? How was Glasgow's party? Fine about account settling-up. Too, too bad about not contributing to worthy charity. You and Rosita are great disappointments in this regard. At least you both answered while rest pretended not to receive appeal!

Andre prepared a wonderful dinner this evening. He offered his own olives from the tree just outside Gite. They were terrific. Did a pasta with a frozen pesto sauce he had made from his own basil, as well as a green salad. The 2011 Gravas, 14.5%, last of two bottles left in 2013, was superb. After we had polished that off, Andre raided Rosemary's cache for a 2009 Chateau Giscours Margaux, Bordeaux, 13%, a gift from her Dublin gig, worth about £80, so don't tell her! To tell the  truth it was prety damn good but I preferred the Gravas as it had far more fruit. Anyway, a very, very pleasant evening.

Tomorrow we'll take my bike into local store to see what can be done there and if timing doesn't work, then to Valence where there are more and larger shops. Must away as my eyelids are starting to droop. Hope weather cooperates in Falcon. Hello and fond regards to Noreen. Much love to you, my Favourite, Favourite Wife! Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Dinner this evening!            Hi Patrizzio! Welcome to Europe. So, your summer adventure has already started. Plan your arrival to Brno to by there on Sunday, May 13th morning. You can stay in the same hotel that is booked for the tour. I have been keeping a couple of reservations for a while. I was just going to cancel those additional reservations. If you want a room, let me know for which night you would like to stay there. There is no other man who would share a room with you for Moravia. You will have a single room. See you soon. Katarina 
 

Hi Katarina! Trust you are well. Thanks for welcome. I'm in Chabeuil now. Arrived about 4:45 pm. Very good connections all the way so trip went smoothly. Looking at train schedules from Bern to Brno I believe I can take a night train on Friday, May 11th to arrive in Brno at 9:28 am, Saturday, May 12th. If you could reserve a room for me at the hotel we will be staying at for that night, Saturday, May 12th, I would appreciate it. This way I'll be ready to join tour on Sunday morning. With respect to payment, I gather I will have to make up the difference between a single and a double for tour in Moravia. That is fine but if it is alright with you could I give you that difference when I arrive?  Or do I just pay the hotel? I trust this will be acceptable as you will remember that I have already paid you the full amount for both tours, albeit based on double occupancy and making a transfer here might be more complicated than at home. Anyway, let me know what you think and I'll plan accordingly. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Mimi Mimenheimer and Her Minders! Trust you were not both exhausted after my early morning departure. Once again, I don't know how to thank you enough for making my stay as comfortable and as pleasant and as interesting as it was. Your boundless generosity and friendship knows no bounds and I had so much fun each and every time we spent time together, not to mention all the wonderful food and drink and chauffeur service, that I have to pinch myself for leaving! Again, thank you for allowing me to insist myself into your busy lives for as long as I did and making me feel so welcome at each and every step of the way. Words fail but I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

As I presume you suspect and, no doubt applaud, I'm in Chabeuil now. Hope your weather improves. Lady Dar is off to Winnipeg for two weeks to visit Rosie-the-Riveter, her mother! She had a great time in Vancouver by all accounts. Much love to you, my Darling Penny and to my favourite Driver, Madcap! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! 

You are probably on your way to France today. We returned home yesterday having spent a very nice time in Amsterdam. We saw Alan and Loretta off on their across Europe river cruise and spent another day there before returning home. Very quick and easy on the Eurostar even with a change of train in Brussels. We didn't realise that Friday was the annual Kings Day celebrations. The city was packed and a sea of orange but it was fun watching all the street events going on. I think there must have been many a sore head on Saturday! Your Bedruthan Steps pictures are very nice and the only flora mix up you had was the flower you named as Heather which was in fact Sea Thrift!
 

First Tulip 🌷

Alan and Loretta are travelling with some other Canadian friends but separating after the two week river trip. Their friends will be spending another five weeks travelling and Alan and Loretta will spend a week in Hungary and then return home. We are back to the chores!I hope the rest of your trip goes to plan and enjoy! Cheers Derek Photo Loretta and Gayle getting into the Kings Day spirit! Loretta trying to fix Alan's backpack Lunch across from Rembrandt's house (1606) [Love it!! Spring in Canada is the best!]

Hello Indentured Servants of Sydney House! Trust you are both well. How did Spuddy fare while you were away? Friend of Penny, my host, was back from Amsterdam on Monday. Joan, [She and a friend stayed at Harbour Terrace a few years ago, in The Annexe, while we were away and Chloë was flat-sitting.], said she had a wonderful time at the Tulip Festival.  
 

Yes, I am now Freeloading in France! Not sure if you need to take a short course in Attaching Pictures for Dummies, Derek, but the snaps did not appear, just an empty icon! Perhaps you should take over the simpler household chores and leave correspondence to ever savvy Gayle! Delighted your trip went well. Thanks for good wishes. Fond Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi again, Master Gardener! Thought I'd send along snap Chloë sent. Our own Tulip Festival in Penticton! Bulbs are from Dusty's garden, back in Manitoba, given to us about three years ago. In planter along south side of front yard. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Teetotal Street, St Ives, UK

Photo: Matt Brown

In Calgary waiting to take off. Easy first leg. JT drove me to airport. Your dinner sounds great. More soon, Luv Lady Dar At Pam’s going to Noreen’s for lunch tomorrow then George and Mom will pick me up around 2. Hugs Mom Have a great time xoxo

Dear lovely people in the book club. It is with a heavy heart that I am not going to be able to attend the book club - at least for the summer months. My wedding numbers have increased and my pulpit supply, plus continuing education for re-licensing are eating into any possible reading time that I might have. I also am hoping to work one day at a local winery so reading just isn't in the cards at the moment. Perhaps when the fall comes I might be able to resume reading, but Musaic is singing with the symphony in November plus doing their own Christmas concert, so I can't even promise that. It has been fun, I hope to rejoin you, but for now. ......... LOL Judi

Dear Lovely People In The Book Club: I feel as Judi does. Unfortunately this summer will be one with lots of Out of Town and Country Company. And……….I also volunteer at our local Hospital Thrift Store. About mid-September I will have more time to read again. I will see some of you during the Summer Months. Enjoy the warm weather and Reading. And send me emails…………to keep in touch. Cheereo and Lots of Hugs. To All. 😊😊😊 Dear Lovely People Exiting the Book Club and Lovely, albeit Lonely People Still In! In spite of defections, trust everyone is well. I'm sure you will be pleased to know that I'm alive and well and Freeloading in France! Fondestos and Cheers to one and all, Patrizzio! 

Hi O Susana! Trust you are well. I'm sure you will be pleased to know that my Britrail and EurRail passes both worked well. Thanks again for tip about Flight Centre. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! PS: Album below chronicles my time in Stanwick with Nicolina and Paddy! Pictures chronicle Eurostar to Valence, then where friends, Rosemary and Andre, live in Chabeuil, a tiny, picturesque village. This is where I left my bike in 2013.  Boules pitch. At the moment, sand is a bit too wet yet so it would be great if it dries out before I leave as I'd love a game, being the Lawn Toss Champion of Upper Kits, Granville Island and now Penticton, that I was and currently am!!!

South Kensington Sir James Blues: Monday, April 30th!

I learn that ten percent of all the world's species are parasitic insects. It is hard to believe. What if you were an inventor, and you made ten percent of your inventions in such a way that they could only work by harnessing, disfiguring, or totally destroying the other ninety percent? -Annie Dillard, author (b. 30 Apr 1945) 

Had a brief chat with Mike this morning just before he left for work at 7:30 am this morning. Said it was back to the heavy jacket as very strong winds and heavy rains are forecast for most of the day, [weather warnings in some areas], and I apologized for bringing the Arctic blasts and temperatures from Canada! 

He chuckled as he headed out the door but I will have to dress reasonably warmly myself as I'm heading into London later this morning to meet Jamie for a hello/goodbye visit before he makes for a rehearsal for an amateur musical production, [Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat], he is singing in, a month or so from now. Penny had a fire in the living room last night as it really was chilly yesterday as well. Didn't rain but wind was cutting. Only 6º C, all day, with wind out of the NNW at 32 kph so I'm glad I'm not biking!

Hello to my Favourite Stanwickians! Thank you both, from the very bottom of my heart, for such a marvellous, marvellous weekend. Your generosity knows no limits and it was more than wonderful to see and stay in your your lovely, lovely home and meet Marilyn over the course of a Michelin Five Star meal! The narrow boat outing was the topping on the Panna Cotta but the visits to Althorp and the pubs were close behind. Thank you, as well, for driving me to Beford. Trip to Luton went quickly and I caught a train with ten minutes to spare. 

Again, to see you both and spend such a truly companionable time together was such a gift. Only wish that Lady Dar had been able to share this as well. Next time! I trust your pregnancy continues to go well, Nicolena and we look forward to hearing how Pattrizzio Junior takes good care of you! Fond regards to Marilyn. Take care of each other. Stay well. Fondest of Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Wow, she is a gem. So you can't even stay there though  no one is in town?
She never impressed me. What a narcissistic thing to write...better plans, so sorry to leave you in the lurch 96 hours upon arrival Lol Hi Tinsel Town: Don't be so quick to condemn! 

Great to hear from you, Patrick😊 l'm so glad that you are enjoying your trip! l'm doing well, l've just had a wonderful evening with my son, David. He is such a gift in my life, l must say l will be back from my trip on the evening of 11th. lf you are still in Switzerland - l'd love to see you and you are absolutly welcome to stay with me or at Stefan's. l promise this time l'll be around. LOL! l'll give you my cell number for just in case Enjoy your trip through Europe - and hope to see you soon😊 love, Nao Sorry, still not impressed...but I know you'll be fine regardless.

Have had a great couple of days in Vancouver. Friday had supper with Catherine near their penthouse. Saturday morning had a good breakfast with Elaine and a good catch-up. Then went to Granville Island to meet up with couple whom I’m marrying May 26. Then downtown for some shopping and to meet up with Agneta, Phil and Dianne at restaurant above Lonsdale Quay. Took seabus over. After dinner back to Phil’s for a glass of wine. As others had to get home before dark, got the Seabus back at 9 and then cabbed to Matt’s 70th birthday party of cake and champagne. Got a lift back to Elaine’s and was in bed by 1am.

Up next morning by 9 some more visiting with Elaine and her cousin who is visiting from Winnipeg. Then Robyn picked me up for 11 am service at St. Paul’s. After service went to Trinity-Grace United soulful brunch in a pub. Topic was Anger.
 
Then Robyn dropped me off at Harbour Terrace and I got settled in at Joanne’s then walk over to Granville Island to buy wine and snacks for book club
Tonight at Catherine’s it is my turn to do food etc. Sarge cooked a lovely dinner when Joanne and I went down around 5. Steve and Kathleen are renting Joanne’s place for June and July when Joanne goes to Italy where her son in law is playing baseball. Joanne still asleep. She has hurt her back and in pain. Plan to walk up to Broadway and poke around. Talked to Pam last night didn’t realize
That she and Greg were here in Vancouver. Will have gluten free muffins Elaine made me for breakfast. Sorry no cash here to help you Patrick. But lots of love to all, Cora Lee 

Hello My Darling! I'm more than pleased to receive such an extended message from you. It reminds me of the letters you once wrote when I was at UBC and you were still in Winnipeg! I never imagined I'd see the like again. No never matter, Life is grand as I trust is yours. Must away as I have to pack as well as make sandwiches for tomorrow's Eurostar to Valence with Andre. All my love, Dad/Patrizzio! Pics: From today! Piccadilly and Jamie at South Kensington; Inca and Mad Max with cartoon he drew at school; Mary, neighbour, with gang! At the end of a fabulous dinner, courtesy of Madcap, tonight!
 

Pat, so good hearing from you and knowing you well in GB. No worries with timetable. You just call, when you know more. I'll be off for Italy from 9th or 10th till 13th May. Otherwise home and keen on meeting you! All the best*Fiona
Hello my Darling Fiona! Thank you for being so flexible. Given everyone's busy schedule I might just be staying in your "guest room", if it still available, given that your parents and Famiglia Rothenbühler are so insensitivo to the needs of Canadian Freeloaders! I will certainly be in touch as soon as I know my own schedule. Thank you for being so hospitable, dearest Fiona! Stay well, Fiona. Fondestos and Cheers, Your Favourite, Host Father, Patrizzio! That‘s great! Just give me a call!

Dear Signe! It was more than a delight to chat with you after the wonderful organ recital by Ian Shaw and David Pearson. Thank you for informing me about the history of St Mary Abchurch and the ongoing activities of the Friends of the City Churches. I trust our paths will cross again in the not too, too, distant future. Until then, stay well. All the best. Cheer, Patrick Dunn, close friend of Jamie Gairdner. Pics: Organ Recital and grandson of my hosts, Maxl

Hello Darling Pénélope! Just a quick message to send along some of the snaps from earlier today with Anna and the fabulous dinner, courtesy of Madcap, tonight! Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Inca and Mad Max with cartoon he drew at school; Mary with gang! 

Hi Patrick, arriving late weekend of 15-17 June will work fine and also staying all week (after) as it suits you. Also the week before is perfectly fine, On Saturday 23rd we will probably participate in an Open Water swim in a river near Randers. In the evening og June 23rd it is midsummer feast, Sct. Hans, with bonfires on the beach. On June 24 I am on duty, and have to be at the hospital 0800-1400 hrs and on-call the rest of the day until next morning.  It now turns out, that Hans is not around Aarhus for the whole weekend June-15-17, probably he can drop by some of the following nights to say hello, though. 

  

Summed up: plan according to how your other contacts can receive you, I'll be around and work weekdays, but I might be able to take hours or days off , if I know your plans some time in advance. You are welcome to go and stay as it suits you. Have a safe travel to France!! XO Margareta

Hello Open Water Woman! Sorry to take so long to reply but life has been hectic, but very good, last few days. Lovely to hear from you and thanks for being so accommodating about my visit/stay. As I mentioned, I'm happy to be by myself when you are working, etc., so we''l just play things by ear.  

I'm currently working on arranging things with my friends in Switzerland and then I'll turn to Poland and the connections my friend, Janet, in Vancouver, very kindly provided me with. She retires this June but unfortunately, for me, I won't be able to attend the party. Lady Dar will try to go if weddings do not prevent her from so doing. When I have more of an idea about visits in Krakow and Warsaw I'll be able to tell you about a probable date for Denmark. I already know that a stay in Hamburg won't be possible so I hope you haven't made any changes to your schedule as I mentioned meeting there, earlier. Thanks again, Maggster! Fondestos to you, my Darling Dottore. Cheers, Patrizzio!

 

 
 

Narrow Boat Blues: Sunday, April 29th!

I don’t need time. What I need is a deadline. -Duke Ellington, jazz pianist, composer, and conductor (29 Apr 1899-1974) 

Is all ok en route to Luton? X How’s your trip? Hello The Sisterhood! Had a simply wonderful weekend with Nicolena and Paddy, [More details to follow!], but once home Penny and I drove over to Lisa's place and I saw both her boys, Flynn and Archie, as well as had a tour of the place. She and Dave have done a wonderful job renovating, particularly the attic, the most recent change. Wanted to send these snaps along before I head to bed as it has been a long, full day. Fondestos, Love and Cheers, Dad/Patrizzio!

Pics: Archie was asleep when we arrived; not Flynn! New bathroom and then bedroom in attic; back garden; stairs to attic; Lisa with her sleepy boy! Sleepy Mimi has been on the edge of the sofa for hours this evening, obviously loving the warmth of the cosy fire!

Dear Pat  So nice to hear from you. We are around this week and would love to see you. Do you know when exactly you‘ll be in Bern? Hope to see you soon, Nicole  Dear Nicolina! How terrific to hear from you! Not exactly sure, from your enigmatic messagio if you, or Famiglia Lymann will be around BUT I will not be in Bern much before May 6th, if that. I'm off to France, tomorrow, on Tuesday, May 1st.
 

At this stage I'm hoping that I will be in Bern in time to see close friends, Eveline and Heinz, before they leave for Berlin, on May 10th! If you and your family are around, around that time, I'd dearly look forward to connecting. Let me know and we'll plan accordingly! Again, I do hope we can connect. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Hike in Cornwall week ago Saturday, atop a Medieval pack-horse bridge; With Chloë's friend, Dave, on a work visa here in London, last Tuesday, outside a pub near King's Cross; Chiswick House last Thursday; Selfie there with hosts Penny and Mike; Outside The Royal Standard of England, 900 year old pub in Beaconsfield; Inside with Penny photographing me photographing Mike with our server, Eleni; My hosts in Stanwick, Nicolena  and Paddy, inside the Althorp Coaching Inn and then outside; At wonderful dinner, (lamb loin with Panna Cotta for dessert), prepared by Paddy that evening, with Marilyn, Paddy's mother who lives in Stanwick as well.

Our London/Istanbul trip itinerary: TRAVEL - May 2018, Monday, April 30 BA0084 to London departs 20:55, Tuesday, May 1 – arrive London Heathrow 14:15, May 1 – Queens Hotel. Portsmouth, Wednesday, May 2 – Portsmouth Thursday, May 3 – Holiday Inn Express, Crawley, Friday, May 4 – day trip to Brighton, Saturday, May 5 – Holiday Inn Express, Heathrow Terminal 5, Sunday, May 6 – BA0676 to Istanbul - departs 10:25, Heathrow Terminal 5 Arr. Istanbul 16:25 – Hilton Istanbul Bomonti, Monday, May 7 – I.A.S.L., Tuesday, May 8 – I.S.A.L., Wednesday, May 9 – I.A.S.L., 

Thursday, May 10 – I.A.S.L., Friday, May 11 – BA0677 to London, departs 17:25, Arr. London Heathrow 19:30, May 11 – London – Cartwright Gardens, Saturday, May 12 – London, Sunday, May 13 – London - Chartwell, Monday, May 14 – London – Merchant of Venice” at the Globe, Tuesday, May 15 – London, Wednesday, May 16 – BA0085 to Vancouver – departs 17:20, Heathrow Terminal 3

The Duke of Wellington Wellingborough Blues: Saturday, April 28th!

Flattery won't hurt you if you don't swallow it. -Kin Hubbard, humorist (1868-1930)

Stretch!

Hello Katarina! Trust you are well. Thank you for the list of hotels. At the moment I'm in London but will be off to France on Tuesday, May 1st, [Date has much to do with ongoing, revolving train strikes in France!], to Chabeuil, tiny village south of Lyon, where my bike has been waiting for me since 2013! 

From there I will go to Bern and then to Brno. Should I plan to arrive in Brno on Saturday, May 13th and if so, can I stay in the same hotel, (at my expense, of course), there that is booked for the tour? While I am sharing a room, in Poland, with Matt Garrey, I have not heard whether I have a shared or single room in Moravia. Please advise. Looking forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Dear Patrick I heard from Fiona that you plan to visit Europe this year, more prcisely Switzerland in May. Please let me know, what kind of plans you have concerning Berne. We would like to see you here in our place, there is enough wine ready to taste! 

Monica and me we are leaving may 4th for Cadaques, Spain, for two weeks for our holidays. Thursday, 3rd of may, I have to hold a discourse at a meeting in the evening. So we wonder, if you can make it before we leave. At any time, we wish you a very fine tour in France and Switzerland! Much love, cheers ! Max & Monica Dear Massimo, et al! How terrific to hear from you, Max! Thanks for the lovely picture of the two beautiful women and their escort! Unfortunately, for me, I will not be in Bern before you leave given our respective schedules. I'm off to France on Tuesday, May 1st. [Date has very much to do with ongoing, revolving train strikes in France!], in same Eurostar train car as friend, Andre, so pleased about that, of course. In addition to a flat in London, Rosemary and Andre also own a gorgeous home in Chabeuil, tiny village south of Lyon, where my bike has been waiting for me since 2013!
 

Once there I have to have some tune-up work done on my bike which I'm hoping will only take a day or so, but have no idea, as of this writing, when this can be accomplished. At the very earliest I might be able to leave on May 3rd but I sincerely doubt that this will be possible given arrangements that need to be made at bike shop. Initially I was planning to go directly to Chabeuil from Paris but Andre's plans changed when he had to go to Victoria to see his elderly mother. Due to severe ice storms in Eastern Canada I was not able to make my original connection to Paris so flew to London next day, April 17th to see friends in England until Andre returned. In fact he just flew to London this past Tuesday. At this stage I'm hoping that I will be in Bern in time to see Eveline and Heinz before they leave for Berlin!

I certainly regret, most deeply, not being able to visit with you and Monica as I was keenly hoping to do so, as with all of our dear, dear friends in Switzerland. You will simply have to give Fiona the key to your wine cellar and she can fill me in on all the details of her parents' lives while we enjoy your remarkable nose for exceptionally interesting varietals and vintages! 

[Have fun! X] Mike, my host, here in London, has very kindly offered to drive me, later today, to Stanwick, about 90 minutes north of where I am staying, to spend an over-nighter with Nicolena and Paddy, lovely young couple Lady Dar and I met in Costa Rica, this past January. We will meet at the local pub there, The Duke of Wellington, around noon and I will take a bus and then train back to Mill Hill Broadway on Sunday afternoon.

Again, thank you both for your generous invitation. Travel safely when in Spain and think about a visit to the Okanagan in the not too, too distant future. Stay well. Fondestos and Cheers to one and all, Patrizzio!

PS: Heinz and Fiona, I will be in touch as soon as I have a definite idea of when I will be able to leave for Bern. Should events conspire to prevent me from arriving before May 9th I will certainly let you, Heinz, know, as this may well figure into your departure for Germany. It trust that this will not be the case but enough disruptions have already happened so far, and I've only just started my trip, that I'm not taking anything for granted!

Pics: Hike in Cornwall week ago Saturday, atop a Medieval pack-horse bridge; With Chloë's friend, Dave, on a work visa here in London, last Tuesday, outside a pub near King's Cross; Chiswick House last Thursday; Selfie there with hosts Penny and Mike; Outside The Royal Standard of England, 900 year old pub in Beaconsfield; Inside with Penny photographing me photographing Mike with our server, Eleni; My hosts in Stanwick, Nicolena and Paddy, inside the Althorp Coaching Inn and then outside; At wonderful dinner, (lamb loin with Panna cotta for dessert), prepared by Paddy that evening, with Marilyn, Paddy's mother who lives in Stanwick as well.

Closed down  E mail until 19 May......so.......hope it warms up......Arv & Sandee Dear Sir Patrick. Thanks for your usual newsy letter and lovely photos. You are always so appreciative and that is great. We know Beaconsfield well and the pub where you all imbibed! Great to hear all going to plan and we look forward to your phone call on Sunday evening. About 8.30 to 9pm.A special service at a village church and houch after. Fondestos. Sir James and Lady Patricia. Hello Chesham! Trust you are both well, Lady Patrizzia and Sir James. Fondestos to you both, dear, dear friends. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Patrizzio, How is it going? We hope your travel karma has improved since the delays in Vancouver. Where are you now? Have you been on your bike yet?
We saw this article this morning and thought of you. We hope to get to Scotland and Islay in the near future. What about you? We have had a lovely warm stretch of sunny weather this week. April was very wet as you know. We planted peas, beans, arugula, asparagus, flowers, potatoes, kale, summer squash and more in the valley garden. 

We have a greenhouse that Amira and Ollie rebuilt over the course of several days. G and I washed the glass and they pieced it together. It is quite a feat! It used to be in G’s backyard in Vancouver. We are excited about planting tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, melons etc. when G returns. 

Yesterday George transplanted many seedlings Amira began in the greenhouse next to the house. He is off to Halifax tonight and will have almost a week in New Hampshire with Jake and Amira opening up the cabins at Dundee. I will meet G & Jake in Toronto on the 10th. We will celebrate Jake’s 30th birthday in his birthplace. G and I will stay with friends Kevin and Marie. From there we will go to London to visit my Mom and then G & Jake will begin their drive through the US to BC arriving in about 3 weeks from now. I will spend two weeks with my Mom and old friends.
 

We are looking forward to hearing your travel tales. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, company and food on your journey. Be safe and have lots of fun. Cheers, Whirlygig and Calamity xo Hello Green-thumbed Greenhouse People, aka Calamity and Whirlygig! Simply wonderful to hear from you. Trust you are both well. Very, very impressed with your garden endeavours. Host, Derek, in Cornwall, has a lovely greenhouse and his lemon trees, among many other vegetable and flower plantings, produce fabulous fruit. Hadn't realized that you were going to be traveling so extensively. Sounds absolutely wonderful. Happy Birthday to Jacob-Two-Two when the time comes and hello to Amira as well. Hope things go well with your Mom.

Thanks for forwarding The New York Times article. Coincidentally, friend, Colin, in Vancouver, had forwarded the same one but thanks for thinking of me and my dipsomania! I return to Vancouver on July 10th. Lady Dar is busy marrying people but will drive in for Vancouver Folk Fest that weekend. See you then! Fondestos to you both, my favourite Salish Sea Folk! Stay well. Take care of each other. Cheers, Patrizzio! Hello Pickleball Person!Trust you and The Great Ronaldo are both well. Fondestos to you both, Ski and Ronaldo. Cheers, Patrizzio!