The least Italian-like Italian city I have ever been to. A run along the sea to the Lanterna Bagno Marino ‘La Lanterna‘ lido, also known as ‘El Pedocìn’ (meaning little louse or mussels), but not for a swim. Spring has only just arrived, and this segregated swimming place can wait for the summer. Still, I … More Notes from Trieste
Happy New Year.
My son offered me a coffee this morning; he likes to make it strong. I accepted, knowing what I might be letting myself in for. Half-way down my mugful, I realised that it was stronger than strong. I carried on drinking, wondering if this was a sensible thing to do. I drank down to the … More Coffee Strength
It’s our last breakfast in Algodonales, Spain, Summer 2018. We sit on red plastic chairs at a small pavement café and find that our table has a mind of its own. We wedge napkins under its thin metal legs to correct the wobble, and enjoy brief seconds of success before someone rests an elbow and … More Trust in time
Occupying prime position on one side of the roundabout, about which all traffic to Thermisia village comes and goes, is the café-bar. It takes the unofficial, unassuming, low-lying role of the watchtower. Neatly aligned chairs occupy the narrow strip of pavement, where men sit with matching glasses of ouzo and water. Friends buzz up on … More The Bar
Christmas is nigh. A snug-lit festival in winter’s darkest month: steaming mince pies and red-nosed jumpers, clove-warm mulled wine and pigs in blankets. It’s a brimful of hygge on the 25th. All wrapped up with family and friends (whether you like them or not). But for as many as 1.4 million people in the UK … More Brimful of Hygge
In Spain, taking a coffee can be an enlightening half-hour. Especially if you’re going through a rough patch. “Confía en el tiempo, que suele dar dulces salidas a muchas amargas dificultades.” (Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra) “Trust in time; it usually gives sweet endings to many bitter challenges” Usually. Thanks, Miguel. Words of wisdom from the great … More Sugar Quotes
Snow run number 2, featuring my favourite Treeo. And a welcome pitstop at Otto’s coffee house. Before the snowball fight begins. I love them, but when will they go back to school? Schneelauf Nummer 1 here.
A drizzly-damp day brightened by a trip to The Tulip Tree. Coffee, lunch and quirky furniture. Cakes and muffins galore. And a shop with fresh produce just next door. I’m in a bit of a mood, it’s fair to say. Monday blues. Dull day doldrums. Weekend promise of Spring 🌞 🌷 denied 🌧😔. So it’s just as … More The Tulip Tree
I got to be a spy in Otto’s, but I pretended to be a fly on the wall. It was warm and steamy, there was yin, there was yang, and there was talk of vacuum-packed frankfurters. I ignored Trump and enjoyed brunch. And finally I sat in The Armchair. http://weareottos.com/the-blog/
Have Paprika, Will Travel 