Armani

Hi, I'm Giorgio Armani.

Il stile italiano

I don't think anything tops a pink italian vespa. 

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Il bellisimo fiume Adige

Michael Jackson and The Pigeon Man

Despite being a rather chic and suave northern italian city, Verona, since my arrival, has proved itself to boast some quite eccentric characters. One of the most bold is the striking Michael Jackson wannabe. Walking around with his well made-up face hiding shyly hiding behind his straggly dyed black hair, he sports the whole get-up: white suit, pointy shoes, trilby and to top it all off - a sparkly silver glove.

I would say he is more suited to 'Italy's Got Talent(?!)' than the Via Mazzini.

To second this, Verona also has a resident Pigeon Man who should probably audition for the part of the bird lady in 'Mary Poppins.' In true italian style, the beloved Pigeon Man has been seen (by the trusty stares of my flatmate and I) walking around in a silk 1980s purple suit clutching and caressing a (yep, you guessed it) pigeon. Nice.

I highly recommend trying to catch sight of these two Veronese treasures when visiting this remarkable city. It is well worth the jaw-drop.

Riquewihr, France

First night in Alsace

Just got back in from a lovely evening in Riquewihr, Alsace. Absolutely gorgeous place with lovely locals but apparenty everything seems to shut at 21.30?! Gorgeous medieval town though. Nothing seems to be newer than about 1700 - not complaining as the architecture is totally beautiful. More to the 'student' point though - the 'local' aperitif is a Cremant Alsace with a violette casis! Sounds slightly strange but I suppose it is just their local take on a kir. Tastes amazing though and is a beautiful violette colour (no surprises there). So, after about two aperitifs we headed to a lovely restaurant to try out the Alsace speciality 'flambee' which lived up to it's reputation of being totally delicious. Two and a half carafs later... We naturally decided it would be a great idea to try the local 'digestif' - as if the local 'aperitifs' AND Riesling weren't enough.. All I need to say is that if I had had another 'framboise schnapps' it would most definitely have contributed to my downfall.. And a 7am start tomorrow to take me to Verona definitely would not be taking place..!

Journey Down!

Just arrived in the beautiful Alsace, about ten miles away from the German boarder in a small town called Riquewihr (no idea how on earth you pronounce that!) The air is literally saturated with the smell of vines so will probably get drunk just walking to a restaurant tonight - start as you mean to go on. Have driving through four countries today (get me - what a jetsetter) - UK (obvs), France, Belgium, Luxembourg and, of course, France again. Absolutely stunning place and tomorrow is going to get even better - driving through the Swiss and Italian alps isn't exactely your average day at uni! Will hopefully load some photos up of this town tonight (if the dodgy free wifi in this hotel permits! Medieval walls evidently weren't made to be kind to modern wifi systems..!) Bon soir! :)