Mary has her Moment

On the 4th of September 2010 Christchurch in New Zealand had a nasty earthquake. The majestic Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament was closed. This was because it was deemed to need strengthening work. The second earthquake five months later was catastrophic. Here are 2 images from information boards outside the barbed wire fencing showing how… Read More Mary has her Moment

October 5, 2017October 5, 2017 apollard4 Comments

Camping in New Zealand

Treasure In the far far north of New Zealand there is a bay, a jewel of a bay with sunken treasure.At co-ordinates 34°58.50’S 173°56.10’E on the 2nd of December 1987 the Rainbow Warrior was scuttled to form a living memorial. For anyone old enough to remember the French nuclear testing in the pacific from 1966-1996 you… Read More Camping in New Zealand

April 29, 2016April 29, 2016 apollard1 Comment

A Poem about being in Italy called Banana Skins

In Italy I can be my future. In New Zealand I am my past until my youngest grows. In NZ I am a woman in a business jacket & smart shoes. A woman concerned with sales call rates & paying bills. A woman who fits her writing into gaps & in the end surrenders her… Read More A Poem about being in Italy called Banana Skins

April 20, 2016 apollard2 Comments

The Next Best Place to Italy

We have had a lovely last month in Auckland, New Zealand. The weather has been warm and sunny. I grew sweet little heirloom cherry tomatoes, lots of herbs and greens. The beach has been wonderful, especially midweek when the workers are working and the children are schooling and there’s hardly anyone here but me! I… Read More The Next Best Place to Italy

March 13, 2016March 13, 2016 apollard3 Comments

Italian Timelessness

My gorgeous husband bought me a very old book about Italy from the opportunity shop. I have had a bit of fun comparing pictures of some sites I visited against how they looked over 90 years ago. My beautiful book: ‘Wonders of Italy’. (Italy for the Tourist Series): The Monuments of Antiquity, the Churches, the… Read More Italian Timelessness

February 11, 2016March 13, 2016 apollard5 Comments

Life in Le Marche

I have a lovely friend here in New Zealand that has lived in Italy for over a decade. We first met in NZ but our second meeting was in Rome. She has kindly answered some questions about life in Italy. (Molte grazie la mia bella amica). Please see her blog: myhilltoptownitaly.wordpress.com What do the locals think… Read More Life in Le Marche

February 6, 2016October 23, 2016 apollard1 Comment

Cultural Differences

I am an introvert and traveled alone through southern Italy but met up with an Italian friend in Rome near the end of my stay. In the short time I was with him, I was overwhelmed by him, just by him being himself. I have since read an hilarious blog post on the reasons Italian men are… Read More Cultural Differences

February 4, 2016April 5, 2016 apollard10 Comments

Sweet Travel

with a passion for Italy.

Tag: New Zealand