Italy Guide: Episode 1 – Does Italy Exist?

“The name of Italy has magic in its very syllables.” Mary Shelly Let’s start with the obvious, Italy does not exist. Yes, yes, I know you can find it on a map, and I have a passport issued by the Repubblica Italiana and even the dictionary has a definition for it. The Collins dictionary states:

The Isle of Wight and the lost trousers

A catalogue of disasters on a simple weekend break and a symphony of “lost”….from lost trousers (while I was wearing them), lost reservations, lost the car, parking fines, lost camera battery, and obviously Maria got lost in Canary Wharf which is what kicked it all off….

Foxhill Manor and then there were none

A retreat into utter escapism, dubious footwear and a near miss on unintentional nudism

The Cotswolds (A green escape from the city)

A cocktail of sheep, dry stone walls, “singing” and forests with trees. The magic of the Cotswolds (if you are able to pronounce it) awaits.

A few days in heaven – Nizwa

A few days on the edge of heaven, relaxing with precarious yoga (a new practice soon to be the rage).

Time to say: “Arrivederci Muscat”

Onwards and literally upwards…to the mountains we go (cars can’t fly).

Muscat – unsurprisingly stunning

Muscat, frankincense, spices, the hijab and a tight spot.

Food at the Shangri-La Al Husn

A food induced near death experience…….

The Shangri-La Al Husn

The relaxation of a blissful beach and a near drowning.