Gypsy Rose Creations
UPDATED 23rd January , 2008
Favourite City:
Venezia - Italy
Nov 2006 -
I fell in love with Venice when first I saw Mr & Mrs Dusman's gondola. It played music and had lights and I was very young. (Forgot today's tacky souvenirs - this was pre-70's and quality)My fascination grew, fueled by images and the impossibility of a city with streets of water.
Nonna in Venice
To be truthful, when I first visited Venice in 1994, I half expected the myth of a "floating city" to be just that. But when I walked out of the station to be flight of steps that lead down to the canal, not a doubt remained.
Since 1994, I have returned thrice, and the magic of; water lapping at door steps, surprises around each corner, discoveries inside each church and the freshness and liveliness of the market is just as strong each time.
Whilst I do like Piazza San Marco (early in the morning and late at night) what I enjoy most is wandering, exploring and discovering. Starting each day with no plans apart from a visit to the market to get the day's dinner. That joyous chore completed - a day of surprises.
Update; Jan 2008
I returned again to my favourite city in September 2007 for a couple of weeks. The city was warmer and more crowded than any of my earlier visits - from now on I'll only visit between October and mid-April. As always, the markets were magical and I dined well on the abundance of porcini and other fungi that were in season. The Clock Tower restoration was completed and I was able to take a guided tour of this amazing machine.Of course glass was on the agenda and I was privileged to visit the studios of two of the masters and also to purchase some glass working tools. I was also delighted to see some new and creative styles in the better of the studios and shops - especially some beautiful "Calcedonia" pieces.
Favourite Shop in Scotland:
The Highland Taxidermy Co.
The Old Smiddy, Ballinluig, PerthshireAlmost as good as seeing deer, owl and pheasants in the wild, this shop was an Aladdin's cave of old style museum exhibits.
NB This may not be your "cup-of-tea" but coming from generations who hunted to put food on the table whilst at the same time respecting and appreciating nature - this was a shop I loved.
For weeks I had been searching for somewhere to buy a deer antler - the single antlers here were still being cleaned - but i did get a small set of row antlers complete with skull and teeth!
Mr Fox immigrated to Australia!
Favourite Smugglers Village ;
Porthlevan, CornwallWhen I was planning our week in Cornwall I was looking for a village that evoked all that I had read about wild seas, smugglers and uniqueness of Cornwall. Porthlevan was almost out of the 18th century apart from fantastic accommodation and the local shops (stunning fresh seafood) - it was PERFECT.
Our cottage was the one to the right of the building with the clocktower - special thanks to Niche Retreats
Our view was stunning
© GypsyRoseCreations 2007, 2008