Tuesday 4 June 2013

The Petawawa Diaries; Tuesday, June 4th

In the face of suffering, one has no right to turn away, not to see. -Elie Wiesel, writer, Nobel laureate (b. 1928) 


Pat/George, Anybody riding tomorrow? Ray Ray, Sorry, looks like I am not riding tomorrow. Enjoy, G

Hi Robo Man! If I'm able to ride I can only go after 1:00pm as we are picking up Corinne's sister, Patti, and brother-in-law, Gavin, at YVR tomorrow around noon. They might be interested in a jaunt around SP but it will depend on how they feel, I assume. They are coming from China. 


For my part, I managed 110.2 K over 5:16:44, AVG 20.8 KPH, MAX 55.5 KPH with six PPH loops. First circuit was on the Seawall, just below start of hill as there was some tree work going on and road was closed. Since I couldn't touch the ground I opted for Siwash Rock instead! Lovely, lovely day so distance seemed to almost whiz by.

I gather Whirlygig is out but if you are interested in an afternoon outing, give me a shout tomorrow morning and we can set a time/meeting place. Cheers, Patrizzio!



Finally! A decent restaurant has opened a block from my front door...Sofi...and it is a Greek place!!

Thank you for life lessons. Cheers Moe


Hello all, Ruined in Italy Well, we’re here!!   Landed in Rome on Wednesday, and caught a shuttle bus to our hotel, where we had a much needed clean-up before heading out in search of food and drink.  After sustenance and a nice Chianti, it was time for bed.

Thursday – Took a bus to the Termini station and caught the train to Paestum.  Had to change in Naples, and finally arrived in Paestum.  Hotel info on internet site said hotel was 3 km from the station – but didn’t mention that was as the crow flies.  No sidewalks here, so you would be dragging your suitcases down the middle of the busy road.  We took a cab. Hotel is very nice, and is close to the beach.  After settling in, we went for a walk towards the town, but were diverted by an enticing path to the beach.  Walked back along the beach until we came to a creek (yes, we had crossed a bridge on the way).  Either all the way back, or ford the stream, so off came the shoes.  After continuing down the beach for a ways, we decided that we must have reached as far as our hotel, so we headed inland.  Actually, we had gone way past our hotel.  As we walked back along the road, we came to the place where we should have turned off.  Went in to see it, and also found a pizza place and a store.  Bought mortadella, provolone, bread, and wine, and went back to the hotel.  Had a picnic on our balcony, and were treated to a great fireworks display next door – I think it was for a wedding.  The fireworks lasted for over 20 minutes, and were quite spectacular.  Great way to finish a day.

Friday – Walked to the ruins.  At least 5km., plus another 2 or 3 km walking around the site. Three largely intact Greek temples – one pre-dating the Parthenon.  Plus Roman ruins, such as houses, baths, a forum, etc.  Price of admission also included the archeological museum, where most of the delicate objects from the site were displayed.  Walked back to the hotel, freshened up, and went for a pizza at the place on the beach.  I love the 4 cheese pizza here – it includes parmesan and gorgonzola.  Two pizzas plus wine – 20 euros.   Not bad.  Another wedding on at the hotel, and more fireworks – not as spectacular as last night’s, but OK.


Saturday – Travel day.  Had breakfast, then packed up and took a cab to the train station.  Caught the train to Salerno, where we had to switch to one for Naples.  From Naples, we caught the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento, and from there the shuttle bus to the hotel.  La Solera is as nice as we remember it, complete with complimentary bottle of wine.  We eat in the dining room that night, as we are rather late due to many transfers en-route, and won’t make it into town before most everything is closed.

Sunday  -  After a leisurely breakfast (fantastic buffet spread), we take the shuttle into town, and wander around the old part.  Too many shops, all of which Jo-Anne has to visit.  We eventually make our way down to the harbour, and rather than take the hundreds of stairs back up (Sorrento is perched on a cliff), take the elevator.  Then it was back to one of the stores that sold provisions so we could stock up before returning to the hotel.  Back at the hotel, we put on our gear and headed to the pool for a quick dip – damn quick, as the water was very cold!!  Went back to the room and had a balcony picnic overlooking the Bay of Naples – Mortadella! Parmesan! And of course, vino rosso – a Barolo.  Great way to finish the day.


Monday – Another travel day – this time to Rome. -Colin
Glad to hear the 27th works. Looking forward to it. Saw Lynn L. last night with Anne Piternick and we had a good chat. Not sure how a soul as simple as I could be thought to have "tricked' a man as worldly and street smart as you in such a thing as a silent auction. Remember the rug is a Worhol design. I think you got it for less than I paid in a previous WF silent auction for another Warhol rug with ladies purses on it. Joan didn't like it but has gotten over it. I think yours is nicer. Want to trade?  See you on Thurs at the WF launch at Dockside? Cheers....Paul

 Dear Four Sheets ( your Snuneymuxw name has now been shortened by me due to my curt nature): It was, indeed, a genuine pleasure to host such an affable group of gentlemen. Natalia and I, too, had a good time. For sure, more time was needed to explore the area: Piper's Lagoon, Neck Point Park, Westwood Lake, etc. One day...




That being said, too bad we had to read such a trite novel that stole me away from finishing the deck staining! Best, Kurt 


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