Category Archives: Italy

An Afternoon in Milano

Posted on May 3, 2024 by Helga

Friday Dear Elsie Today was the day we spent the afternoon in Milan. We started off by catching a bus from Arona to Malpensa Airport, Milan. We arrived at the airport and checked into the Moxy which is a 3 … Continue reading →

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Rainiest of Days

Posted on May 2, 2024 by Helga

Thursday Dear Elsie It’s crazy that 1 week ago today we left Cape Town for Italy. We expected our trip to have many days of wet weather. It has rained, but nothing like the rain we have had today. It’s … Continue reading →

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750 Year Old Castle

Posted on May 1, 2024 by Helga

Wednesday Dear Elsie Today was the day we visited a 750 year old castle. When we arrived in Arona, one of the buildings that dominated the view was the Castle at the neighbouring town of Angera. Yesterday, when we arrived … Continue reading →

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Going to Zermatt, Switzerland

Posted on April 30, 2024 by Helga

Tuesday Dear Elsie It is the strangest thing that we arrived in Italy on Friday and today is only Tuesday. It feels we have been here for much longer than the 4 nights we have slept under Italian sky. We … Continue reading →

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Stresa and Isola Bella

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Helga

Monday Dear Elsie Today the sun shone, so we were quickly out and about to enjoy the pleasure of some Italian spring. We took a ferry from Arona to a town 16km further along the lake, called Stresa. It’s always … Continue reading →

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Shopping Where the Locals Shop

Posted on April 28, 2024 by Helga

Sunday Dear Elsie Today was the day I got over my shyness and went confidently into an all-Italian, no-English speaking coffee shop and boldly asked for 2 cappuccino and 2 croissants. I didn’t even ask the price. It had been … Continue reading →

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Trolley-Car, Castle, Ginormous Statue and a Park Walk

Posted on April 27, 2024 by Helga

Saturday Dear Elsie Today was the first full day in Arona and we made good use of it. We had two main things to do today. One was to get to TIM which is the cell phone shop to buy … Continue reading →

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Flying Ethiopian Airlines & Arriving in Italy

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Helga

Friday  Dear Elsie Today was the day we arrived safely in Italy and, after leaving home at 11.30am yesterday morning, we arrived at our holiday apartment just after 9.30am today! It’s probably the quickest we’ve ever got to Italy & … Continue reading →

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At Cape Town Airport

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Helga

Thursday Dear Elsie Today is the day we hop on a plane and fly to Italy. We split our luggage between a roller bag and a backpack. It makes carrying it easier. Julian dropped us at the airport and we … Continue reading →

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Teddy Ready

Posted on April 24, 2024 by Helga

Wednesday Dear Elsie Today was the day I took off so we could get fully ready for our holiday. It was such a good idea. The day began very gloomy…fancourt slate kind of day…all grey from sea to sky. Mid … Continue reading →

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Venice!

Posted on November 15, 2022 by Helga

Tuesday.. Dear Elsie Today was the day we arrived in Venice but there were a few tense moments! We woke up in Milan, had breakfast and then I chilled while Mike went and collected Julian. Then we wondered around Milan … Continue reading →

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Milan!

Posted on November 14, 2022 by Helga

Monday Dearest Elsie Today was the day we all arrived in Milan. We got up early in Varenna and went to the local coffee shop for cappuccino and then went for a last walk around this beautiful little village. Surely, … Continue reading →

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Walking and Varenna Botanical Gardens

Posted on November 12, 2022 by Helga

Saturday Dear Elsie Today was the day we went walking! We walked up a very steep stairway to what we hoped was going to be the monastery but it was closed. We did find some other fun places though and … Continue reading →

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Teddy Goes to Switzerland

Posted on November 11, 2022 by Helga

Friday Dear Elsie Today was the day that Teddy went to Switzerland! We were very sad that Granpa couldn’t come with us. He stayed behind to get better. We caught the Bernina Express which is a big red train that … Continue reading →

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A Rough Night

Posted on November 10, 2022 by Helga

Thursday Dear Elsie Some days are harder than others. I’m sure you have found that too. Some days you have a rough day and last night was a rough night for Granpa. He coughed so much and then eventually fell … Continue reading →

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