It’s trashy really.
Just so you understand. I was going to post the one thing and then I remembered the other. And then I thought of ‘killing two birds with one stone’. Even as I thought it I thought how trashy and tasteless it was. Ah well, one can’t be perfect all the time, even if I am bloody close.
So, there I am, Sunday, walking to the car to get it ready for our departure. The sun is hot, especially on my shirt which, in turn touches my T-shirt which, in turn touches my skin which is burnt and, therefore, slightly sore. It comes of going to the beach and staying in the sun for about 3 hours without sun-cream (because F had forgotten to bring any and I’ve never bought any for about 35 years and I find it slightly daunting given that there is factor this and factor that and oil and cream and so much choice that I really don’t know what I want (or need) and, anyway, it’s all in Italian).
So we both got burnt a bit – even if the sun was behind cloud some of the time. So we bought sun-cream that evening – but it was already too late.
So, as I say, I’m walking to the car and on the high wall above the car I see a bird I’ve never seen before (that is, I’ve seen pictures in books, so I knew what it was, I’ve just never seen one in real life, so to speak), half hopping, half flying along the top of the wall, its beak full of something, moving away from me but not so fast as if the nest is very nearby but not wanting me to know where it is.
I’m still a country boy at heart, I guess. I still get pleasure from seeing wild birds and animals. So I introduce you to the Hoopoe:
That evening we are eating at Liù and in walked some ‘famous’ people. I say famous meaning that F told me they were famous TV stars. Famous meaning they had been on Isola di Famosa which is a lot like I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here – i.e. full of ‘D’-list celebrities who need all the fame they can get to boost a new or failed career. I half-recognised the one. Then he said that the other woman was Victoria. Now Victoria I do know. She’s a London-born TV presenter. She speaks (so I am told) perfect Italian. I thought she had a Mancunian accent but perhaps I am mistaken.
She’s quite funny. I quite like her. And, F then told me that she lives round the corner from me. Who knew? I’m sure, given another few encounters, we would become firm friends 
And so, here she is:
Hi Andy – great post, with pictures!!
First, that bird is amazing. I never heard of a Hoopoe. Strange looking for sure. And Victoria? She is lovely and looks to be great fun.
Now, about the sun, sunburn, and no sun screen. What? Protect yourselves. That’s the mother in me coming out.
Love to you
Gail
peace…..
Hi Gail,
Yes, strange but pretty and I was pleased to see one at last. They didn’t come as far north as where I used to live.
She is funny and, I think, good fun. I was joking about us becoming good friends since she is a big Italian TV star and I just live round the corner from her. Still, stranger things have happened in my life
I know. F stayed under the umbrella all the time and still got burnt! I guess any damage I have will have been done when I was a kid – when it was the thing to have sunburn. Now, of course, it seems shocking. Then it seemed fine. Still, we have sunscreen now, so it’s OK.
I really like her too.
She is nice and funny.
ps. she is British-Italian (her mom is from the UK while her dad is Italian if I’m not wrong…. which explains why she speaks like me).
Yes, I heard it was something like that. So, although she was born in London, she probably spent most of her time here, I guess. Anyway, if we ever make friends, I’m sure I’ll let you know