Cinque. Yes, five in a row. What a superb day! When I was a kid my father and grandfather would try and pick a trifecta at the races. Today I won a Ligurian coast jackpot and ticked off the Cinque Terre hike from my bucket list. Monterossa al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggorie. I’m … Continue reading A Ligurian jackpot!
The richness of poor man’s food
Last night my hosts in Roma wanted to make sure I finished my stay in the “eternal city” with two special Italian street foods – one, suppli, to farewell Roma and the other, farinata, to introduce me to where I find myself tonight, the stunning Ligurian coast. Both dishes could be historically described as “poor … Continue reading The richness of poor man’s food
Showing off in Rome
The humble tablecloth loves to show off in Italy. It's everywhere! Different colours, plains, checks and stripes, playing up to the summer crowds alfresco style, dressed simply and elegantly, covering tables on so many of Rome’s sampietrini pavements. The colourful cloths seem to sing in tune with the sights and smells of pastas, pizzas, tomato … Continue reading Showing off in Rome
The world at their door!
I had to smile as I listened to a group of children comparing travel notes getting off my Melbourne to Dubai flight this morning. “We’re going to London.” “My family is going Ireland.” “We’re going to an island in Greece.” “I’m going my cousin’s wedding in Spain.” Yep a group of seven Aussie kids from … Continue reading The world at their door!
A few more pages!
I’m sitting in Melbourne Airport. Winter has certainly been in the air today. All going to plan, by tomorrow night I will be in Roma, sitting on a Summer evening, alongside the Tiber, catching my breath, with a glass of vino, watching the sun go down on a city that traces its roots back an … Continue reading A few more pages!
Celebrating a special place!
I popped in this week to see it for one last time. I heard this special place was about to be demolished. It would be great to get one last photo sitting in the mighty Merewether Municipal Pavilion. But I was too late. The humble structure was no more, but the memories still run deep. … Continue reading Celebrating a special place!
Happy birthday Arlington Amos!
Happy birthday Arlington Amos Pilgrim! Beautiful boy, your Mum says that from the first moment she saw you she knew you looked like your Dad. Now sorry son, there is not a lot I can do about that! People tell me regularly you look like me, so let’s assume [particularly on your birthday] that they … Continue reading Happy birthday Arlington Amos!
A resilient life!
There were 50 descriptive word cards on a table and it was a long-term colleague's turn to pick one card he associated with me. I scan the cards. No, he won’t choose “handsome” or “athletic”. Maybe “intelligent” or “humorous”. Hopefully “humble” or “passionate” makes his shortlist. Surely “unbearable” or "pretentious" won't cross his mind. In … Continue reading A resilient life!
The perspective lens
Well, I come to the end of a birthday that I wasn't expecting to spend at home unwell. I had plans for today and tonight, but I've needed to stay home in my PJs, popping my panadol and even having my "old man" afternoon nap. Yes I've had my little moments of grumbling, but it … Continue reading The perspective lens
Dear Mr Morrison and Mr Shorten
19 May 2019 Dear Mr Morrison, Congratulations on the Coalition’s victory and your election as our Prime Minister. I will be praying for you as you form your new Government and get back to the work of leading our nation. I pray that you know God’s strength, wisdom and peace as you prepare for the … Continue reading Dear Mr Morrison and Mr Shorten
apilgrimpens 