Monday 2nd May

Woke up to remember that this decrepit old blogger had left out a few items from the previous day’s events.

Firstly, during our train journey from Venice to Trieste I was in the process of trying to delete missed and inadvertently called Craig not once but 3 times. Under normal circumstances this would have been sign of fatherly affection from across the world but unfortunately it was 3.00 am in Melbourne. A semi-comatose son had readily concurred with my observation that it was probably a bit early to be calling him and the conversation was one of the shortest ever from overseas!

I also managed to overlook the fact that on arrival in Trieste G and I had taken a stroll down the lovely Viale XX Settembre, close to the hotel and had enjoyed pasta and a drink at Madisons, a convivial bar/bistro.

Most of the above does not make for riveting reading but I didn’t wish to leave any info from my blog.

Monday a very fine day weather-wise so head off straight down to XX Settembre to indulge ourselves with gelato at Madisons. They are closed all day Monday so we check out a gelateria nearby where a truly miserable b. of a woman grudgingly serves us one scoop each of some very tasty gelato ( she appeared to be disdainful at the small value of our purchase.)

Embark on a walking tour of Trieste which turns out to be a very impressive city in a wonderful location. The Piazza dell’Unita dell’Italia is a magnificent area opening out on to the harbour front.

Next stop is the Castello di San Giusto, set high above the city and offering a glorious view of the city and the surrounding area. Unfortunately, it takes a very steep climb up steps to reach the castle but we comfortourselves with the thought that it is all good training for our Croatian cycle tour.

Back in town we enjoy a snack at another cafe on XX Settembre, explore more of the city centre and end the day dining at one of the many small restaurants just back from the waterfront and sharing a bottle of wine in a very short period of time.

After receiving a text from Ian Smith advising us of their ETA at the hotel in Trieste we hurry back to meet them, in a slightly tipsy state.

It’s great to see them again looking well if a little jet-lagged. They are keen to have a bite to eat so we go off to a pizza bar on the ever-popular XX Settembre.

Turn in early only for Cath to set off the alarm in her shower, not once but twice, thinking that it was a cord for the light. The alarm is designed for emergencies, mainly with old people in mind ,so at least it served the purpose for which it was installed!

Another Gail moment- I was complaining that she wanted to learn more Italian but would never respond to me when I tried to speak some Italian to her. She explained that she she was very happy for me to speak but I should not expect a response. Conclusion- I may as well talk to the bedroom wall or to a mirror as Gail kindly suggested as it will be just as productive.

Sunday 1st May 2011

10.00am flight with BA to Gatwick and after a few hours in a very comfortable BA lounge fly on to Venice, arriving in time to take a bus into Venice Mestre railway station and catch the 18.23 train to Trieste.
Flat,uninspiring country as we head east from Venice but as we approach Trieste  the landscape changes markedly with glimpses of snow-covered mountains near Cortino d'Ampezzo and a high escarpment to the north of the railway line.
Take a taxi to our hotel, House 5 in Via Giulia, and we are taken to the cleaners by our charisma-minus taxidriver who must be distantly related to Silvio Berlosconi. Both of us too tired and/or dumb to register that he charged us 11 euros when the meter showed 6!
Hotel in a very pleasant part of Trieste and spacious rooms very well appointed.
Go to bed happy in the knowledge that Man United have lost to Arsenal so will have something interesting to say to Smithy when he and Cath arrive the next day.
Other momentous news- Osama bin Laden has supposedly been killed in Pakistan by USA team and his body has been buried at sea. Will reserve our judgement until we are drip-fed more info by the USA.

Saturday 30th April

Say goodbye to Ian and Trina and Keith and Sue and spend the morning in Oban before catching the train back to Glasgow.
The journey back gives us an even better idea of the what a truly beautiful country Scotland is and what draws so many people to this part of the world, especially as they get closer to retirement or semi-retirement.
Bus to the airport to book into Holiday Inn Express Hotel. Not exactly 5 star but more than adequate and very convenient.
Another early night so we must by now have eaten into our sleep deficit!

Friday 29th April

Time to pack up and leave the Colonsay locals to their peace and quiet.
Morning spent downloading photographs and packing clothes etc before calling two of Ian and Trina's friends, John and Pauline to watch the Royal Wedding!
As always the Brits do pageantry superbly and the young couple look very happy as they embark on their life of papparazzi, luxury and no doubt all manner of stresses and strains.
My views on the monarchy are well known but from my vantage point on the sofa, shared with messieurs Wood and McMorrine it was good to see the country receiving such a lift from the happy, if anachronistic event.
Gail and I walk from Machrins to Scalasaig and trek to the monument up above the town, returning to enjoy a snack at The Pantry.
Final drinks at the hotel before boarding the ferry back to Oban at 7.35 pm.
Very sad to say goodbye to all the friends with whom we had shared a memorable week on the island, although with Doug and Jan, Rob and Sam and Lee and Karenna due to come to Aus later this year we will receive constant reminders of our misdemeanours during the previous 8 days!
Book into guesthouse Alltavona, situated along the seafront, together with Lee and Karenna, Ian and Trina and Keith and Sue.
First truly early night since arriving on Colonsay on 22nd April.

Thursday 28th April

After slightly cloudy start the day clears up once again.
Andrew and Jan Mac give us a lift to Colonsay House, home of the laird, and although the house and gardens are not officially open at the time we manage to enter through the' back door',so to speak and do our own mini tour while the Macs visit friends on the island.
Leaving Colonsay G and I take a very enjoyable walk back to Scalasaig via Beinn nan Gudairean. 360 degrees views as we reach the top of the climb.
Meet up again with Doug and Jan in Scalasaig so stop at the hotel for a few more drinks, in spite of the barman who lacks charisma, to say the least. Doug correctly springs to his defence by pointing out that the guy behind the bar is probably just frustated by the tight rein coming from the owner, namely the laird's wife. Sadly, the hotel is on a downward spiral at present and is failing to cash in on its undoubted potential.
Gavin at the Pantry is at present is the beneficiary of their decline.
We return to Machrins to assist Gavin and his helpers to dismantle the marquee and then more lazing about in the garden.
Usual superb meal prepared by Jan Mac, Jan Forson with some help from Gail on the sweets for our farewell Colonsay dinner. This is held for the first time in the dining room around the large round table and the 8 of us are joined by Ian and Christine Harding and David and Sarah,owners of the Balnahard Farm.
A very convivial end to the day again around the open fire and just for once a reasonably early night.

Wednesday 27th April

A bit of a lie-in on another beautiful day, albeit one with a very cold wind blowing.
Drive Kiloran Bay carpark with Andrew and Jan McMorrine and Stromer ,Ian and Trina's lovely gentle labrador and set off to walk to Balnahard Beach on north of the island. Unfortunately Stromer, after a long walk the day before, decides to down tools after a while and 'persuades' us that we should stop at the northern end of Kiloran Bay.
Eventually, we meet up with Ian and Trina on the beach after they have been to the jetty to see off Malcolm Chapman ( Lee's Father ) who had had to return to Yorkshire for work reasons.
Wine and snacks on the beach after which we walk up to Cill-a-Rubh, the house where Lee and Karenna are staying. The views from the house are truly superb and the visit affords us the opportunity to see some of Andrew's remarkable drawings of local identities.
Return home to relax over more drinks before great chilli con carne meal cooked by Doug and Jan.
Off to Colonsay Hotel for a Quiz Night which had been totally slanted towards the younger generation ( Karenna using her position as the new bride! ). Our team of geriatrics comes last with only 11.5 out of 50, not really surprising as we have never heard of the most of the rock bands featuring in the questions.
Late drinks around the table back at Machrins where we endeavour to solve all of the immigration problems of the world over still more alcohol.
In bed by 2.00 am leaving Andrew and a decidedly sleepy Doug to stay up for another 11/2 hours.  

Tuesday 26th April

A bitterly cold morning but up at 6.30 am to see off many guests including Jimmy and Janet Primrose,Donald and Helen Warden, Rita ( Trina's mum ), her sister Ingrid and her husband Paul.
9.30 trip to the island  of Islay on 2 motor boats, with 12 on each. 45 pounds per head including the boat trip, bus on Islay and guided tour of the Bowmore Distillery.
Very rushed lunch and then back on boat by 2.15 for trip back to Colonsay on a by now glorious day.
Some info for trivia nights- our boat uses 60 to 80 litres of fuel per hour whilst the lifeboat that passes us uses an amazing 430 litres per hour.
Islay a lovely island but far more developed than Colonsay which is in comparison is a real haven of tranquility. Little wonder that Ian, Trina and their friends keep coming back for more.
Late afternoon spent relaxing in the garden at Machrins which seems very quiet with only 8 of us left.