Germany, somewhere

...to be honest, and it's a bit shameful, I don't know where I am. I don't even know the name of the town, or the name of the hotel. I know we just flew to Berlin though. Long and hideous travel day and my back and neck are triple sore from luggage dragging.

Still, hot bath and a good book and a long sleep will, I hope, sort it all out.

Weather in England not so good I fear.

X

Florence

Think I might just have to have that cappuccino in Rivoire.

Last morning in Florence. Feeling a bit tired in the voice. Either coming down with something or I did some yelling in the vengeance aria yesterday. Fear the former... would prefer the latter as I have two days off now before I have to sing again.

Wish I had an ipad.

Florence

Great day in Florence. More old haunts ticked off. Went to Cambi again for dinner... very lovely.

Juditha Triumphans in Braunschweig... volcanic ash cloud permitting. Actually we will get there as if we can't fly I believe we're going by bus. Oh God.

Bought some nice presents for the children and visited the farmacia di Santa Maria Novella yesterday. Joy of joys!

Musically a good day. It's nice to be doing a new aria as well as the Vagaus stuff. Armate, face et anguibus went flaming fast today. I'm not sure I can actually sing it that fast!

Otherwise, all lovely and just like old times. After all, it feels as though I virtually lived here for a few years!

Florence

It's a reflection of my new status as semi-retired I suppose that I haven't written since February.

Here I am in Florence rehearsing Juditha. Wow, just like old times! In the meantime I've been to Poland for some other Vivaldi, but not much apart from some film and pop. Take That album and tour stuff, Harry Potter, Cristiada, Transformers 3, Kung Fu Panda and others.

Mostly though a calmer life. I've been playing lots of tennis and spending time at home and in Wales for proper holidays. I'm a bit gutted that I seem to have strained my shoulder. It's got two weeks to get better before the next tennis.

We're off to Braunschweig on Thursday, and then another performance at the Beaune Festival in France in July. (after the Maldives... tee hee hee!)

I'll try and take some good pics.