The Start

"You may have the universe if I may have Italy." Giuseppe Verdi

This year we're going to Italy. Again. Surprise! Once more Ursula will be studying Italian for a fortnight. Tony has declined. More intense this year; 4 hours instruction each day. Too long for Tony to put up with being the dunce of the class. He will most probably be able to amuse himself.
Packing was enlivened by having to fit in cycling helmet, shorts, water bottle, lunch box. Yes, we have booked a 'Barge and Bike' tour. It's ok, we are experienced. We did a 'Cycling for Softies' tour in France not long ago. 1994! And a more challenging cycling tour in Provence in 1998. What could possibly go wrong?Read more