Well, today, we go to Mantova to the Festivaletteratura. We have been going for about 5 years now and every year it gets easier as we understand more each time.
Last year I played chess with Boris Spasky. This year I shall be in a subbuteo tournament. As I have not played since I was about 11, and I wasn’t any good at it then, I expect I shall be out quite quickly, but it will still be fun, I hope.
I have not studied the brochure as to whom we shall go and see but I can do that tonight, after we land, or tomorrow whilst we are having breakfast.
Mantova is a beautiful city. I don’t think I would want to live there but it is great for a visit. We last went about 2 weeks ago when S & the kids were over. I thought it would be nice for S to go as she had never come with the rest of the Festival staff as the kids always start school this week. Not only did we have a fantastic lunch but we also saw some things that we have never seen, like the main Palazzo, as, when the festival is on it is always too busy.
But the wonderful thing about going to this festival is that we truly relax. Walking round the town, sitting at bars in the sunshine (although the weather forecast, this year, is not so good) and eating the fine food that Mantova has to offer.
I will, as last year, try to give updates during the time we are there.
The dogs will, as usual, be in kennels. This is Dino’s first time, of course, so we shall see how it goes. Still, they are to be kennelled together, so it should be fine.
At least now, after my visit to the dentist this morning, I shall be able to eat. I have not eaten since Sunday night so it will make a nice change to be able to enjoy my food!!!!
I can’t wait – for all of it!
Interesting the fact that you often go to Mantova’s Festivaletteratura. And it seems you’re getting more and more into the Mediterranean lifestyle and pace lol … “the wonderful thing … is that we truly relax …. sitting at bars in the sunshine … and eating the fine food.â€Â
I was in Mantova as a military when I was 25. Beautiful town, though a bit provincial. Plus the weather during winter is awful there, too much fog (like all over Pianura Padana) to the point you see nothing within 3 meters. But they say fog now has gone …. amazing. Ciao
Hi MoR,
Yes, I think we are more into the Mediterranean lifestyle. I think that the amount of sunshine and fine weather make a huge difference as to how you feel and what you do. We had some good weather and were able to do exactly the things I like. Of course, I ate far too much……..
I am sure, with it being surrounded by lakes, there would be a lot of fog. We shall know if it is true, possibly, this year as our friend is pregnant and we have promised to visit her during the winter and after the baby is born. I will let you know.
And, yes, outside the Festival period, it is quite provincial. During the Festival, with writers and visitors from around Italy and the world, it seems less so.
Yes Andy, I think the nice weather makes a lot of difference as far as approach to life, mood, pace etc. For example, years ago I was so surprised when I met a few Australian people who appeared to me very British (compared to Americans, for example) but their behaviour was so relaxed, loosened (in a good way), don’t know how to phrase it. Even their language was more similar to British English but … kind of loosened. Interesting.
PS
I can’t imagine how Mediterranean you would become, lol, if you lived in a more Southern Italian location, like Rome or Bari (where the weather is much sweeter than in Milan). And yes, I’d love to know if fog is still eating up Mantova in winter time.
All the best
Yes, I know what you mean. Loosened is quite a good way of saying it.
Yes, but I really love Milan!!!
I’ll try and give you an update on the fog.
Cheers
Yeah, I like that term “loosened” too. Most certainly suits the Australian English! This said, I do have family there.
Well, I like it too. Didn’t know it was an exact way of putting it. So I’d say Romans are a bit loosened compared to people in Milan lol. But my dream would be to live an even more loosened life as they do in tropical weathers, although I have decided to stay here.
I admire your great writer Stevenson who, at the apex of his fame, went to some far away tropical place and died there (of yellow fever? maybe). Do not have time to check where he actually finished his life. Btw Andy, he’s the right man for you pirate post lol.
Ciao to all
Yes, he probably is the most famous of the writers of pirate things. lol. Thanks for comments, guys.