An interesting and thought provoking letter that deserves some consideration. Stephen Fry The odd quotation, thought or reference that’s too long for Twitter Open Letter to David Cameron and the IOC Dear Prime Minister, M Rogge, Lord Coe and Members of the International Olympic Committee, I write in the earnest hope that all those with a love of sport and the Olympic spirit will consider the stain on the Five Rings that occurred when the 1936 Berlin Olympics proceeded under the exultant aegis of a tyrant who had passed into law, two years earlier, an act which singled out for special persecution a minority whose only crime was the accident of their birth. In his case he banned Jews from academic tenure or public office, he made sure that the police turned a blind eye to any beatings, thefts or humiliations inflicted on them, he burned and banned books written by them. He claimed they “polluted” the purity and tradition of what it was to be German, that they were a threat to the state, to the children and the future of the Reich. He blamed them simultaneously for the mutually exclusive crimes of Communism and for the controlling of international capital and banks. He blamed them for ruining the culture with their liberalism and difference. The Olympic movement at that time paid precisely no attention to this evil and proceeded with the notorious Berlin Olympiad, which provided a stage for a gleeful Führer and only increased his status at home and abroad. It gave him confidence. All historians are agreed on that. What he did with that confidence we all know. Putin is eerily repeating this insane crime, only this time against LGBT Russians. Beatings, murders and humiliations are ignored by the police. Any defence or sane discussion of homosexuality is against the law. Any statement, for example, that Tchaikovsky was gay and that his art and life reflects this sexuality and are an inspiration to other gay artists would be punishable by imprisonment. It is simply not enough to say that gay Olympians may or may not be safe in their village. The IOC absolutely must take a firm stance on behalf of the shared humanity it is supposed to represent against the barbaric, fascist law that Putin has pushed through the Duma. Let us not forget that Olympic events used not only to be athletic, they used to include cultural competitions. Let us realise that in fact, sport is cultural. It does not exist in a bubble outside society or politics. The idea that sport and politics don’t connect is worse than disingenuous, worse than stupid. It is wickedly, wilfully wrong. Everyone knows politics interconnects with everything for “politics” is simply the Greek for “to do with the people”. An absolute ban on the Russian Winter Olympics of 2014 on Sochi is simply essential....
Read MoreWow,wow,Winery
Nice trip today with our new neighbors Kerry and Sam, we visited the magnificent Il Pollenza winery near Tolentino. The whole place is absolutely stunning, the buildings, the grounds and the interiors. We were treated to an ad hoc tour of the main house by a very kind tour guide even though we hadn’t pre booked. The estate which rises with lovely views of the Marches was purchased from the Antici Mattei princes more than twenty years ago by the owner Count Brachetti-Peretti. It included a beautiful sixteenth century building designed by Sangallo and 200 Hectares of land of which 60 are dedicated to vinyards. The ultra modern cellar is equipped with the very latest technology to produce a limited quantity of quality wines, the vats all bearing the family names are made in vitrified cement and stainless steel as requested by the great world famous winemaker Dr. Giacomo Tachis who first sensed the great potential of “il Pollenza”. Lying seven metres below ground the Barriccaia (barrel store) is perfectly situated for the ideal standard of preservation and wine aging. It can house up to two thousand barrels which could be either French or Slavonian Oak. Moving upstairs we were greeted by the wine tasting room, a name which does not do justice to the beautiful surroundings we had entered, from fine marble floors, elaborate furnishings to works of art, a stunning sight by anybodies standards. We completed the trip by visiting the attached shop where not only bottles of the IL Pollenza can be purchased but customers can have their own containers filled at extremely competitive prices. A most enjoyable and interesting visit, thanks to their kindness and...
Read MoreBikers = Earthquake ?
What a surprise we had last night ! we went to the Festa in Maesta (near Urbisaglia) expecting the usual fairly sedate musical entertainment, food and drinks and the local older generations tripping the light fantastic on the dancefloor. What we were confronted with was row upon row of Harley Davidsons, Ducati’s and Goldwings Etc. Etc. We must have got the date wrong because the “Bikers” were in town, hundreds and hundreds of them. All having a great time catching up on each others exploits, listening to the rock band and scoffing the foods of the night, which was mostly Maiale as the gathering appeared to be dedicated to Piglets, hence lots of people wearing pink piglet hats. I wouldn’t like to estimate how many bikes were there but it was certainly in the hundreds, and a great night was had by all and not a punch up or a drunk in sight……one has to wonder how many other countries could make a similar claim. Now for the strange part ! the very same night that all these roaring, rumbling bikes got back on the road an earthquake happens right on our doorstep in Le Marche ! Makes you wonder doesn’t it...
Read MoreInternational Variations
We welcomed another of our international workawayers this week, Branden from Canada and we learn’t yet another name for a strimmer. So now we have a “WEED WACKER” representing New Zealand and a “WHIPPER SNIPPER” representing Canada. No wonder nobody here understands what i am on about !
Read MoreUmbrian Wine
We had a wonderful Sunday lunch today as guests of Giselle and Mark who operate Gusto the Umbrian Wine Tours company. We had the chances to really appreciate the lovely and quite diverse Umbrian countryside, from lowland plains to mountain forests and lakes to valleys abundant with Olive trees, Grape Vines and Sunflowers. Quite different from Le Marche yet only a stones throw away. Also of course the very excellent Umbrian wines. Get in touch if you fancy a tour, www.gustowinetours.com or call +39 338 3298691 Mark...
Read MoreHare Krishna
Something different last night, a Tibetan Dinner. A charitable dinner cooked by a group of Tibetan monks who have fled from persecution and ended up in Smerillo, very well attended, we ate a rice dish followed by vegetable and meat dumplings and if you could handle it a very hot sauce. Some interesting artwork and traditional crafts were also displayed and for sale, very good night enjoyed by all.
Read MoreAccommodation
For a luxurious self-catering holiday see The Hideaway website.For a peaceful bed and breakfast stay with a magnificent view have a look at Casale delle Rondini.
Why not combine a visit to your olive tree with a fantastic wine tour in Umbria?Explore the Gusto website.
List Italy is a comprehensive guide to services, businesses, properties and food in the Le Marche region of Italy.
More info on their website.
For some fantastic mosaic handcrafted art vist Ben Craven Mosaics.