It has barely sunk in, that the Queen has died. Thankyou Ma'am for your dedication, your kindness, your humour and your wisdom. Thank you for being there all my life and bringing an air of stability and continuity, and an ethic of service.
It has seemed incongruous to return from an evening meal in Verona which is very much in party mode tonight, to read the sad news. I knew things were serious before I went out, but never expected it all to happen so fast. I guess we are all
in a state of shock.
Last night was one of those magic nights for me. After dinner I walked to the Castelvechio again, but this time crossed the river on the lovely pedestrian bridge. It was good to get a good view of the river. The moon was shining,
and there was a gentle breeze. Lovely after the heat of the day. I continued to wander up to Piazza Erbe, and as I go there on a corner, was a beautiful girl in a floaty green dress, playing the violin while her young tenor boyfriend sang Nessus Dorma. It
was a magic moment. She then played her violin solo, passionately and beautifully, before packing up and leaving. So wonderful to hear this music on this warm night.
Today we took a taxi to the Arsenale because Alexa and Keith had
been to a farmer's market here before. There weren't that many stalls,but there was wonderful fresh fruit and veg on sale, and we found a lady selling delicious goats cheese, of which we bought tome. We had a drink outside and then tried to get a taxi back.My
first attempt to phone didn't work,but finally one came. But he deposited us a long way from the hotel. Poor Alexa manfully managed the walk with multiple rests, and the two of them fell upon the local cafe to the hotel for a beer and a sorbet to help them
to recover.
I went out for another walk while they rested. Over the bridge this time and along the river and back through the Piazza. Here the thump of bass was going on as rehearsals for the music awards show were underway. I was
so glad Keith had found us a quiet square for our evening meal. The marinaded trout and fennel was delicious!