Natalie & Chris' Wedding

February the 1st was a very special day for us...the day our oldest daughter Natalie married Chris. The wedding was to take place in Auckland, New Zealand, where Natalie still lives. So a week before the big day we flew over, with Liana and DJ following on a few days later from England.
It was a big family affair as it was the first time in many years that I was together with all my family and the first time all of the cousins on my side of the family were together, which was very special.
The wedding and ceremony took place at Mantells in a beautiful old mediterranean villa, it really felt as if we were in a part of Italy.
It was a lovely intimate wedding with about 60 family and friends, Natalie looked stunning and I couldn't stop crying as she walked in with Domenico. Liana was one of her bridesmaids who looked equally gorgeous, as well as DJ who looked very handsome as the groomsman....a very proud moment. Loads more photos are on their website www.amadio.co.nz.

Nice, South of France

Well here I am back again....it has been a while with a lot happening since my last entry in August.
I've been meaning to update for some time but never seem to get the fingers and brain moving in unison.
The end of last year saw us moving to Nice in the South of France, where we are still hoping to settle...work permitting.

NICE

OLD NICETHE PORT

Our life has done a full circle. 28 years ago before children, Domenico and I both lived and worked on the Riviera for several years before heading to New Zealand. Now the children have all left home to do their own thing we decided to head back there.
We are currently going through the dilemma of 'where is home' as we have been travelling so much and although Domenico would continue to keep moving, I would really like to find a place I can call home and keep coming back to.
We still have our house in Le Marche which is still for sale and I do love it there, but not for work. I didn't realise until leaving Italy how much 'in grained' it had become even with all of its faults and I really start to miss certain things,most importantly the friendliness of the Italians,the fresh produce and the simple way of cooking.
It is for this reason we are currently looking for an apartment in Menton, still in France but only a walk away from Italy...for when I am in need of a quick Italian fix.
I am also thinking of changing the name of my blog, as it is not really an 'Italian Journal' any more,but will see how things go in the next few weeks.