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Hello, Elle!
I think your imagination is running away with you!
My daughter-in-law has always had a hankering to visit Venice.
That's the reason they went.
They arrived a half an hour ago.
Just had a text. Not heard about the water transport, yet.

Hi, Rusty!
Ah yes, I do remember now.......you had said that your daughter-in -law had a yen to see Venice.....
I am glad they arrived safely.
But there is nothing wrong with a bit of romance , Rusty...
"Love makes the World go round" and all that jazz!
I like to think nice "romantic" thoughts , sometimes!
I wonder how BB is getting on with the Sports Club facilities offered by his school this second half term week.......I am expecting a (telephone) report from him any time soon!
It has been a lovely day here, but exceedingly cold.

Chris, sorry about delay in replying - I was starting to prepare
dinner when you posted yesterday.

I just had a look at photographs of Villa d'Este on computer - it does
look very attractive - incredible ' water displays' of which I presume
some are natural, and others man-made? or is it all natural?

It seems to be set in a rather hilly surrounding!

Do you still go regularly to Italy then?

Hi pigale
The fountains (of which there are hundreds) are all man-made, but gravity-driven - the site is quite sloping, as you spotted.

We haven't been abroad at all this year - first time for ages that we've not been to Italy. It's all been too uncertain, and there are environmental issues with flying too (and I hate airports!)

Hi again Chris,

I agree about airports! A lot of wasted time spent there.
Unfortunately, things are still rather uncertain......

Do you know when the fountains were created? is it of a
contempory time or did the Romans have something to do with
it? They had such an advanced civilisation!

It's 16th century (cinquecento), pigale

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_d%27Este

There is an enormous Roman site at Tivoli - the Villa Adrianna (Hadrian's villa). When he was caeser, the empire was run from it. A lot still hasn't been excavated.

A very interesting article Chris, thank you.

I wish I could see the Villa for myself, but I doubt that will ever happen!

"Caesar" of course - I thought "caeser" didn't look right!

I hope you do get there, pigale. As I said, one of the places that is at least as good as its reputation.

Hi, Rusty!
I am just home!
It has been somewhat of a busy day for me.
I took the dog out early this morning as usual......then came home, changed out of my dog walking gear, and, when more respectably clad, went off to meet a friend for shopping and lunch.
We had a great time.... a good chat and a delicious lunch!
How are the travellers doing?
Have you heard from them?
I hope Venice is living up to your daughter- in -law's expectations?



Hello, Pigale!
There are many places where I haven't been.....
I should like to do a tour of all the famous Art Galleries in different countries...
If only one could be "wafted" there (on a magic carpet?) and didn't have to suffer excruciating delays at airports and such like...
And I hate flying , any way!
But one can dream!



Hello, Chris!
And speaking of Italy.....
My book "The Villa in Italy" has arrived ...it was awaiting me this afternoon, when I got home!
I shall read it when I have finished the book that I am currently reading....
I shall report back in due course!

Good evening, Elle!
Been a fine day here.
Just awaiting the arrival of my granddaughters.
That's a good day out you had.
Good to catch up with old pals.
I have had a couple of WhatsApp texts from my son regarding Venice.
Reading between the lines, I suspect he'd rather be in Florida!
But I may be wrong!
Think they saw the leaning Tower of Burano, I had not heard of it, and he said it takes a while to get to anywhere by boat.
I have not heard what my daughter-in-law thinks of it.
Last heard from her when they were at Edinburgh Airport.