Christmas 2023

Morocco ancient and modern 

We wanted to start the year with a holiday. Somewhere far from the cold, grey, wet days of winter in Bavaria. Somewhere in the sunshine. Somewhere neither of us had been before. Somewhere beyond the confines of Europe. With the able help of Abercrombie & Kent we found a wonderful solution, ten days touring in Morocco with our own guide, Abdul, and driver, Rashid.

We flew from Frankfurt on 10 January to Casablanca where we were whisked through the formalities of the airport to our waiting transport and speedily delivered to the first of many outstanding hotels. In the days that followed we made our way eastward through the broad and fertile coastal plains, turned south to pass through the Atlas Mountains into the Sahara desert, turned north again to cross the high Atlas, and on the way explored the historic cities of Rabat, Fez, Ouarzazate, and Marrakech and many small villages and towns. 

We were fascinated to observe how the traditional ways of life and craftsmanship were still practiced, and the extensive work to restore the historic centres of cities. Alongside this focus on the past, Morocco is also investing heavily in its infrastructure notably roads and telecommunications. It is boldly embracing advanced technology, such as the giant Noor solar power station with ambitions of becoming a major supplier of energy to Europe.

Of the many memorable experiences the highlight was the night we spent in a Bedouin style tented encampment in the desert. Just the two of us, our guide, Abdul, and the Bedouin staff.

It was magical. Do try this link, but be patient as it 48Mb.

Adventurous granddaughters and grandson

Returning to Würzburg we were enthralled by the adventures of Louise’s daughters, Elena and Giulia. They both took time out from their academic studies: Elena to go to South East Asia visiting the countries I had been to 12 years earlier, Giulia exploring South America. Their blogs kept us in touch with their travels with entertaining tales, and evocative photos and videos.

While my granddaughters were exploring the world, Paul’s younger son, Hector aged 12, was training for a trip to Nepal with his Scout troop. They set out in mid-October to spend 12 days trekking in the foothills of the Himalayas and all returned safely.

Three delightful young people exploring, learning, enjoying life 😊

Travels in Germany

We returned to Umbria in early March and spent two months catching up with our friends and carrying out DIY jobs to make Uschi’s new apartment into a comfortable home. In early May we set out northwards again, stopping overnight to explore Bassano del Grappa with Jonathan and Nina Punt, then on to Würzburg to celebrate the confirmation of Uschi’s eldest grandson, Moritz. From there we traveled on to Hamburg to celebrate the life of an actor friend .

It is many years since either of us visited the city and we took the opportunity to explore….

….the wonderful collection of paintings in the Kunsthalle

….the sweeping curves of the balcony in the baroque St Michael’s Church, and the magnificent Elbphilharmonic like a great ship berthed in the harbour

….and the generous hospitality of Marina Paccagnella who gave us a tour of the old city and by Martin Härter who took us all to dine at the excellent Fischereihalen restaurant on the edge if the harbour.

An anxious holiday in Puglia

We have become very fond of holidaying in Puglia so in early June we set off again to stay in a delightful villa near Ostuni.

Our return to MCdV coincided with the arrival of the first of our summer visitors. The annual ebb and flow of family and friends is one of the recurring pleasures of our lives here.

Italian poetry and a well in Bangladesh

Sale of Uschi’s Umbrian home

For the past 37 years Uschi’s has owned this charming farmhouse near Montefalco which she, her late husband, family, and friends used for holidays. Since we met we found maintaining two homes 35km apart was becoming onerous, and Uschi’s family did not want to inherit hers. So selling made sense. 

In Italy every sale has its unique challenges but with a good surveyor, and estate agent, and a cooperative notary every problem has a solution. Having found a delightful young couple and accepted their offer all was on schedule to complete the sale on 24 October; until we tested positive for covid the morning before! Ma, c’è sempre un’altra possibilità; in this case to arrive masked and gloved at the empty tables of a restaurant in the windy, but fortunately dry, main piazza of Montefalco. (The central image below is video, do try viewing it)

A new car and a return to Würzburg 

Now we are once again adapting to life in Würzburg and settling in for the winter.

Ukraine

Signing off