Today I was up early to fly out to Italy for a 50th Birthday Party for Antonietta. Antonietta and I have been friends since we were both 16 years old. She is my oldest friend and more like a Sister than just a friend. Her Sister Marilina had organised a 50th party for her at Tre Ciuffi Hotel in Laigueglia and my attendance was to be a surprise. So in order to make sure it remained a surprise I arranged it so that I wouldn’t arrive until early evening on the day of the party (today). Her actual birthday is on 3 November.
I asked Gretchen to come along with me as I really wanted her to see this very special place that is like a second home to me and to meet my “Italian Family”. We flew into Genoa, got a bus to the train station and then a taxi from Alassio station to Laigueglia. When we walked into the Tre Ciuffi Garden it was clear from Antonietta’s joyful and tearful reaction that it had been a genuine surprise...and thankfully a welcome one.
So this evening there were about 40 guests sitting down together to celebrate with Antonietta . Presents were opened and Antonietta and I were both presented with a beautiful TShirt that had a photo of the 2 of us on it on the front and “50 today” on the back. Gretchen and I bought her a Silver broad bangle from The Lanes in Brighton plus a personalised bottle of champagne. It was such a lovely occasion with good company, great food and wine and lots of laughter. Another very special memory to add to the Laigueglia archive!
For the next couple of days Gretchen and I spent quality time with the family, visiting Alassio, spending lazy morning breakfasts at the beach cafe and even venturing into the sea for a swim. The weather for this time of year was absolutely beautiful and the weekend party had naturally coincided with an Italian holiday weekend so Laigueglia was busy and lively. The beach looked so different with all the cabins and deck chairs cleared away from the sand. It meant that the whole beach was open to the public and you could sit and swim wherever you wanted for a change. It was a beautiful few days.
No comments:
Post a Comment