One Summer in Venice

One Summer in Venice

Nicky Pelegrino has written a wonderful book about a woman who visits Venice initially for a week’s holiday and decides to continue her stay in the city over the summer months.  The author brings the city of Venice to life with the whimsical characters Addolorata (Dolly) meets and also the atmosphere of the beautiful city by the sea which is built on a lagoon.

There is a Countess in a once imposing palace but which is now badly in need of maintenance and furnishings, an eccentric friend, Coco, who may influence Dolly in some respects regarding her outlook on life and the beautiful dog, Boris, whom Dolly takes for walks around this  fascinating city.  The reader actually sees another Venice altogether from the Venice of the tourists.

There is the wonderful architecture, the dancing in the moonlight and the setting sun by the magnificent churches which give an added appeal and also a beautiful glow to the city, the joie de vivre of the populace and the wonderful neighbourhood get togethers.  It is a unique insight into the beauty of Venice where the people gather for morning coffee and there are wonderful descriptions of the Venetian food, travel by gondola and magnificent celebrations and religious festivals of which Venice is renowned for with masques, balls and fireworks over the lagoon.

There is also romance in this story and also the story of Dolly’s other life in London.  Sometimes she appears to be caught between the two different lives (one in London and one in Venice) and she has to choose what is important for her.  Dolly also has an interesting list of happiness and every so often she will write on her list what makes her happy.

This is an inspsirational book and also one which is well recommended.  I have previously read a Nicky Pelegrino book which was also set in Italy.  This was “The Gypsy Tea Room” also published under the title of The House at Villa Rosa which I also enjoyed reading.

Wonderful St Malo!

Oh, to be in wonderful St Malo!

This is a magnificent walled city of fascinating landmarks and inspiring scenery.

In early June I enjoyed walking around the ramparts of this city in the early morning

 looking out over the views of the wide expanse of sea and sky which seemed

to greet the new day.

I loved the history, the folk lore and the sense of adventure which is to be found in the stories

which are told of the explorers, corsairs, merchants and traders who made the city a prosperous 

place.  

Two cruise ships could be seen in the harbour and also a brightly coloured pirate ship which 

was quite inspirational as it evoked a sense of the times of the pirates and corsairs who 

plied their trade on the Brittany coast so many years ago. 

I admired the architecture, the shops and brightly coloured buildings and the little streets with fascinating

outlooks towards the water.  Such is the street of Le Chat qui Danse with a plaque in the wall for 

this famous cat of history.

A statue of a sailor and corsair who was recognised and decorated by Napoleon

is Robert Surcouf, who unfortunately did not always agree with Napoleon on certain matters as for

example wishing for a terrace of coins which Napoleon did not approve.

There is a plaque for explorer, Jacques Cartier who left St Malo for Canada.

The stained glass windows of the Cathedral give an aura of beauty and peace. 

There were little coffee shops getting ready for the lunch time shoppers and workers and the

place had a friendly atmosphere.  

St Malo beckons again with its wonderful sense of history and enlightening stories of the past.