THE VIEW FROM A LAKE

It's been a good long while since I have blogged about anything except my own fiction. And -- okay -- there has been quite a bit to talk about in that regard. But I sometimes do do other things than write. I even manage to snag the occasional vacation. And Louise and I are just back from ten days in the Italian Alps, beside Lake Garda. It was scorching hot. The food ranged from pretty good to utterly fantastic. The views were amazing, and this has to count as the first time that either of us have regularly swum in a freshwater lake.

But -- using local transport and the excellent bus boats -- we managed to visit a good few other towns as well than Desenzano (the one that we were staying in).

Here's the tiny but beautiful Garda:

Here is Sirmione, out on a long peninsula that juts into the lake:

One of the favorite towns we visited was Bardolino, home of the world famous wine of the same name. A charming, airy place with very much a Venetian feel to its architecture.

Another quite small town here, but very historic, Lazise:

And last but not least, we spent a great afternoon in the famous and very beautiful city of Verona:

Hope that you enjoyed these photos. Until next time, ciao!

THE MALTESE FALCON? NO, BUT THERE ARE DUCKS

Valetta

Valetta Bay

Entrance to Mdina

St. Paul's Grotto, Rabat

Several of our friends down the years have recommended Malta as a place to spend some chill-out time. So last month -- as a little winter break -- Louise and I decided to give it a try, and found ourselves on a beautiful and very friendly island full of history and magic. We were only there for three days, but managed to pack plenty in, visiting the walled part of the capital, Valetta, the 'Silent City' of Mdina -- one time home to the Knights of St. John -- Rabat with its catacombs and underground chapels, and the gorgeous resort of St. Julian's (above). A great time was had, in other words, and we're determined to go back. Oh, and in the place where we were staying, just across from our hotel, there was a tiny village that has been built especially for the local ducks. Don't ask me whose idea it was or how it got there. It's just there, that's all. I like that.

"Someone's snapping photos of us. Do you reckon it's Sam Spade?"