Adventuresome!

 For many years,  Andy and I would visit the Tuscan village of Castagneto Carducci in September to celebrate my birthday. Andy used to say it saved him thinking of what to buy me as a present! He just took me to a place we both loved to visit.

Our visits began by travelling to different places in Italy until we found a view that was unforgettable... one to enjoy every minute of the day, from dawn until dusk.

So this year I gave myself the present of returning to this special place and hosting various family members in La Casina, a very rustic, typically Italian establishment that offered various apartments to accommodate my visitors.

Residence La Casina

There was Grainne, my close friend who travelled out with me; Maggie, Andy's cousin from Canada and her husband Mark. 

Maggie, Eileen and Mark

Then Grainne went back to Scotland and Gordon, Rosie and Murphy came with Kenneth and Natalie.

Santa Lucia

 So many happy mealtimes, in so many wonderful locations. 

Yes, we were able to include mealtimes at the beach. Santa Lucia is a particular favourite of mine. I had spent many a birthday meal in this seafood restaurant usually for dinner so it was good to enjoy a lunchtime menu...

However this time we made new memories for my birthday dinner and found an osteria, Sambastiano, a new establishment in the village that looked after the extended crowd of us very well

 

 

 

 

 

Sambastiano

Then it was time for Maggie and Mark to travel onwards to Lucca and Andy's brother Robin and sister Chris joined us for a few days.

There was much to-ing and fro-ing involving Pisa airport and various apartments were used. 

I settled into Casa Melograno by the pool side which became the hub for many celebratory meals... and drinks. 

 The view from my patio was something to drink in, especially when enjoing an Italian breakfast.

 

... or enjoying a splendid Italian sunset.

 and yes there was a big focus on meal times and celebrations as it was not just my birthday to celebrate but also Gordon's. 

His was a pizza night... with enormous pizzas. 

Much fun was had and every day there was something to enjoy.

However it was adventuresome, as I entitled this edition!

My arrival in Italy came with chest pain as I descended from the plane and thank goodness Grainne was travelling with me as she looked after me so well on that first day.

Then I became unwell and it was surmised that I had eaten a dodgy prawn as I was the only one who was unwell and the only one who had eaten the prawn. It was an unwelcome,  welcome to Italy that had not been on my itinerary!

So Grainne, grazie mille for being there. I have no idea how I would have managed without you...

After this inauspicious start, things began to look up and the following is a compilation of a few photos, reflecting what my September 2024 birthday celebration has been all about...

 

I think these photos will show why this place was so special to Andy and myself.

Thank you all, for making my birthday month such an unforgettable one. These new precious memories will be stored away for future recollection. Every photo taken is a precious memory of our recent time together. 

Grazie mille...

p.s. I also experienced a torrential flood, that was seemingly, the worst weather since 1968! Fortunately Kenneth and Natalie were still staying with me and they got to share the experience of Casa Melograno being flooded. Thank goodness it wasn't when Grainne was there. Or I don't think she would ever speak to me again!