For those that were concerned about our safety in Arguata, we did make it home alive, well according to Tony I was the only one worried. He said we were perfectly safe however I've learnt that if he says everything is fine I should be worried! We got back to Genova at about 10pm and then had some dinner at a pizza restaurant just below our hotel. If you think that we are eating a lot of pizza, you're right. If you haven't had pizza in Italy you'll know why when you do. Lucy was jumping around like a frog on steroids throughout the train trip back and it didn't matter what I said she would not sit down! It seems her batteries ran out just after finishing her pizza. Typically, she had just enough energy to eat and then, despite being asked several times if she was tired, we just caught her chin from landing in the remainder of her pizza as her eyelids drooped in total exhaustion!
We were back to negotiating trains this morning, this time inland to the world famous town of a Monza. Monza is famous, of course, for the Formula 1 Grand Prix that was, in fact, held here last weekend. We had held back our travels to here because the hotel prices had gone from €69 a night to about €500 a night for that weekend.
We have an FGI purpose here and that is to visit my aunty and uncle and cousin. We meet at Monza station with some emotion and then make our way to the hotel. For those that remember my Mum, my Zia Lisa looks at lot like her! After settling in at the hotel, we head to their place on foot as they do not live far away. We spend the afternoon entranced in conversation about the last 18 years and, in particular, talking about the passing of mum and dad but especially mum. There are many moments of sadness and many moments spent reflecting about the life events that we have not been able to share because of distance.
Tomorrow we head deep into the fashion capital of the world; Milan, for what Johanna calls "retail therapy". Will fill you in on the damage in the next post!