Italy | Fifty Four and Counting

Cefalú, Sicily – One of Italy’s crown jewels

CefalùfiftyfourandcountingAugust 14, 2019

Wherever I go, no matter where I am, I try to understand the character, charm and people of a city, all of which makes it unique. Even my own city that I love, Manchester, has these characteristics. So when we recently stayed in Cefalù we had the opportunity to feel the pulse of the town,…

Continue Reading

Alberi del ParadisofiftyfourandcountingAugust 8, 2019

Alberi del Paradiso, Cefalù – A hidden gem in the crown of Sicily

We were drawn to Sicily for a wedding and took the opportunity to head to Cefalù for a few days break.…

CountriesfiftyfourandcountingJuly 16, 2019

Trattoria Carppacio, Palmero, Sicily – Great food and value considering its location

5 mins from our hotel we came across a delightful, quaint restaurant located down a side alley. Honestly, I thought the…

CountriesfiftyfourandcountingJuly 15, 2019

Federico II Central Palace Hotel, Palermo, Sicily – a central location with a minimalist twist

Sicily, it’s a place that is not readily on my radar and a location that makes me think about Mafia, pasta…

When Compensation isn’t Compensation! #deliverie

When Compensation isn’t Compensation!
#deliveries #myHermes
I recently had a need to send a parcel and so decided to use MyHermes. I've used them in the past and to be honest never had an issue with their service. On this occasion, due to the lockdown and social distancing I opted for the pickup from my home for an additional 60p rather than the drop off service I've previously used. The following day, Wednesday, I left the package on top of my dustbin as I had instructed, if out, this where the parcel could be found. We're living in very difficult times, I understand this and so was not totally surprised that no one collected by the end of the day. After all I could understand the drivers are probably overloaded. So the following morning, Thursday I again put the parcel out, but once again it was not collected. So Friday morning, I eventually tracked down a number to call MyHermes. After an hour holding on, I was answered by an assistant. "My parcel was not been collected as planned on Wednesday" I said. "Yes that's right" said the customer service agent "The drivers are not collecting from homes. We should put something on the website!" "Oh!…
Link: https://fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/wordpress/when-compensation-isnt-compensation/

2020 Global Pandemic, is this really happening? Th

2020 Global Pandemic, is this really happening? Thank Goodness for the NHS!
#Coronavirus #CoVid-19 #Health #healthemergency #NHS #Politics
Panic buying, people die-ing, the army on standby, schools and shops closed, self-isolation, hardship and all because of a virus disease that we can’t see. These are unprecedented times. A period like we have never known in our lifetime. So how do we get through all of this? To start with you stay calm and follow government advice. But other than this all we can do is sit this out, keep well and accept that we are all in this together for the long haul. Whilst we’re keeping our act together, attempting to avoid the daily increasing death count, our NHS subject themselves to the dangers of a highly contagious and invisible disease. This week the people of the United Kingdom stood at their front doors and applauded the frontline Hero’s .. those who together protect us from this virus. Our NHS is part of our defence. Fighting a battle like no other. Stay safe.
Link: https://fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/wordpress/2020-global-pandemic-is-this-really-happening-thank-goodness-for-the-nhs/

Lockdown! – Boris calls time!Perhaps an alternat

Lockdown! – Boris calls time!Perhaps an alternative approach?
#
After a softening up of the British people and one final sunny Mothers day, the Prime Minister has finally brought down the curtain and started a very long interval. It's definitely not something we are used to. But I have a view regarding the approach the government has taken. I wonder if others would agree if this would work. What would have been so terrible if the country froze stock markets, stopped businesses from issuing invoices, prevent payment of purchase invoices. No one to receive wages or any bills, no taxes, nothing. No rent to be paid, no rates, mortgages, gas or electric bills. Instead issue every person with essential weekly food vouchers that have a total value of say £90 a week that can only be delivered. This way no one starves, no one profits, and no one is forced to pay any bills. I’m sure there is a flaw in my thinking but what do I know!
Link: https://fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/wordpress/lockdown-boris-calls-timeperhaps-an-alternative-approach/

I amsterdam city card – Amazingly convenient and

I amsterdam city card – Amazingly convenient and great value!
#
We planned a four day leisure weekend in Amsterdam in part because we'd not been to the Netherlands and because a friend was celebrating her 60th birthday and a group of us also planned to be there. The weather forecast left a great deal of uncertainty, apart from an assurance that it would include cold, wet and windy conditions. So we wrapped up warm and set off in our own car to once again use the efficient Meet & Greet service at Manchester Airports Terminal 1. Sadly, after boarding our EasyJet flight, we had to disembark for a later departure as our plane was 'broke' according to the Captain! (Read more about it here) With only a one hour flight we didn't waste much of the day by our delayed departure and on arriving at Schiphol Airport, our train journey to the centre was around 15 minutes using the NS Sprinter. On arrival at Central Station, we collected our 72 hours I amsterdam travel/access cards (€105 each) from a really friendly bunch of people along with maps and guides. Their shop is located within the station. They offer a whole range of travel cards and have an excellent website full…
Link: https://fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/wordpress/i-amsterdam-city-card-amazingly-convenient-and-great-value/

The Amsterdam Museum, Amsterdam – 1000 years of

The Amsterdam Museum, Amsterdam – 1000 years of history in one place
#Amsterdam #Iamsterdamcitycard #museum #TheAmsterdamMuseum
Our final museum stop before heading back to our hotel to collect suitcases was in a former orphanage and now the Amsterdam Museum. It was our chance to use the I amsterdam city card one last time and meant we saved a further 15 euros each. It tells the story of a 1000-year-old trading city that has a special relationship with water and a strong focus on entrepreneurship, creativity, citizenship and free-thinking. In the monumental Amsterdam Museum building, we discovered the story of Amsterdam through a large number of masterpieces, such as an aerial map from the Middle Ages and Breitner's The Dam. It was great to see, read about, hear and experience how the city has developed over hundreds of years. Amsterdam DNA The Amsterdam DNA presentation offers a captivating, one-hour overview of the history of Amsterdam on the basis of interactive images, sounds, movement and specially selected objects. Find out more about The Amsterdam Museum here When we finished at the museum we popped into the Magna Plaza shopping centre for a final browse before finishing our busy weekend in Amsterdam.
Link: https://fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/wordpress/the-amsterdam-museum-amsterdam-1000-years-of-history-in-one-place/

Isolation or Useful Time? #cooking #Coronavirus #C

Isolation or Useful Time?
#cooking #Coronavirus #CoVid-19 #hobbies #isolation #modelmaking #Pandemic #usefultime #writing
With so many people isolated in their homes during the global pandemic, many will start to go stir crazy. But this may be the time and opportunity to get all the things done in the home that you've never had the chance to do. We all put off until tomorrow what we could and should do today. So here are a few suggestions of my own for filling the useful time that's been forced on us. Try sorting out all your house papers, documents, bills, etc. Get rid of documents over 7 years old and if you're like me, consider digitising and organising your data digitally in folders. You'll find you gain space in your home too.Take up a hobby that you've not had time to do in the past for instance;paintingmodel makingwoodworkcookerygardeningreadingwritinglearn to play an instrumentTry playing games with your friends and family online. Or have a game if there are just two of you.Keep the social contact going through apps like Facetime, Facebook Messenger Video, Zoom, Skype, House Party, and others.Sort our wardrobes, clear out the old clothes that you've not worn for years .. you're not likely to wear them in the future if they're your second…
Link: https://fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/wordpress/isolation-or-useful-time/

Mothers Day – But not as we know it! #Coronaviru

Mothers Day – But not as we know it!
#Coronavirus #CoVid-19 #featured #Health #healthemergency #lovedones #mothersday #virus
Such a special day for Mums everywhere today. It's a time when children and grandchildren all over the world tell their mothers and grandmothers how much they love them, how much they care about them. Often with a kiss and cuddle. But not this year. For the first time, I won't be able to tell my mum how much I love her, be able to cuddle her, take her flowers or take her a gift because sadly she passed away a few months ago and it would have been her 91st birthday in three days' time too. For the first time that anyone can remember the simple tactile act of love to mothers, mums, granny, grandmas or mama is denied because of a global pandemic. A disease, so contagious that the very act of love could kill someone. But as I went for a walk today I saw how one grandma will feel the love from her grandchildren. So to all the mums out there, know that despite the lack of a kiss and a cuddle your children and grandchildren love you.
Link: https://fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/wordpress/mothers-day-but-not-as-we-know-it/

CoViD-19 – Mental Health Issues #Coronavirus #Co

CoViD-19 – Mental Health Issues
#Coronavirus #CoVid-19 #mentalheath #virus
It's not surprising, nor an understatement, to say that during this global pandemic none of us is quite sure how this will end. Life as we know it has been abruptly brought to a standstill. Uncertainty is setting in for all of us, the wealthy, the poor, the haves and have nots. But whilst many of us change our normal habits, all around me there are people panic buying, losing their livelihoods and savings/investments tumbling uncontrollably down a very long mountain. Pension plans are disrupted, anticipated income now uncertain in business and job insecurity unfolding on a mass scale. The government is taking unprecedented steps to help businesses and people with grants and paying towards wages where staff might otherwise be laid off. Business rates removed for a year, taxes deferred.. total and utter carnage for the future of the UK. Whilst all of this is going on, the mental health of individuals that can't, don't, or even if they can, generally cope under pressure are starting to suffer. It's the worry that they won't be able to buy food, toilet rolls or pay bills. Its the worry of contracting CoViD-19, getting ill themselves or their loved ones and the…
Link: https://fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/wordpress/covid-19-mental-health-issues/

The Willet-Holthuysen Museum, Amsterdam – A cana

The Willet-Holthuysen Museum, Amsterdam – A canal-side home frozen in time
#Amsterdam #Iamsterdamcitycard #museum #MuseumWillet-Holthuysen
The Willet-Holthuysen Museum was left by Sandrina Louisa Geertruyda Holthuysen in her will in 1895 to the city of Amsterdam. Visiting this canalside home gives you a wonderful insight of how Abraham Willet and his rich wife Sandrina Louisa Geertruyda Holthuysen lived. We visited this unique and interesting home using our I amsterdam city cards, saving us €12.50 each. On arrival we left our bags and coats in lockers and took our english audio guides with us whilst looking around this magnificent house. This unique home is well worth a visit and you can get more details here.
Link: https://fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/wordpress/the-willet-holthuysen-museum-amsterdam-a-canal-side-home-frozen-in-time/

STOP Panic Buying – SIMPLE, If you can’t carry

STOP Panic Buying – SIMPLE, If you can’t carry it, you can’t buy it!
#Coronavirus #CoVid-19 #healthemergency #Pandemic #panicbuying #UK
Panic buying is a primitive instinct. It's a survival thing that we all do. If we see something is about to run out we grab it whilst we still can. So let's start or join an already growing voice that says this behaviour is ridiculous. Let's show that the only way to stop this panic and scavaging mentality is to restrict the way people can buy. If you're buying online, let's limit everyone's purchases to a maximum value or maximum numbers of an item or basket items.
Link: https://fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/wordpress/stop-panic-buying-simple-if-you-cant-carry-it-you-cant-buy-it/

Dutch Verzets Resistance Museum, Amsterdam – Eve

Dutch Verzets Resistance Museum, Amsterdam – Everyone should visit this moving record of history
#Amsterdam #DutchResistanceMuseum #Iamsterdamcitycard #museum
On our final day in Amsterdam, the weather was damp, cold and miserable, but this didn't stop us using our I amsterdam city cards. So we jumped on the tram and headed across town to the Dutch Verzets Resistance Museum. Our cards gave us free entry saving us the €12 each. This is an amazing historical record of how, why and when the Dutch resisted the Germans during World War II. The museum presents, newspapers, documents and compelling evidence of the Dutch resisting the Nazis despite surrendering to them after just 5 days. This museum is about the response of the civil Dutch population to the occupation by the dictatorial, racist Nazi-regime and it should definitely be on your go to list when you're next in this city. You can find out more about the Versetsmuseum here.
Link: https://fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/wordpress/dutch-verzets-resistance-museum-amsterdam-everyone-should-visit-this-moving-record-of-history/

The Avocado Show, Amsterdam – Probably the Fresh

The Avocado Show, Amsterdam – Probably the Freshest & Healthiest Meal I have ever had!
#Amsterdam #food #freshingredients #goodfood #goodvalue #greatfood #healthyfood #restaurant #theavocadoshow
Prior to the global shutdown, Amsterdam's culinary scene was buzzing with great restaurants, bars and coffee shops, but there was one place on our recent weekend trip that we had heard really good things about. The Avocado Show sounded unconventional, the very name implying something different, and we weren't disappointed. We had to book and that alone suggested this was a popular venue. The menu is really simple and uncomplicated. So we ordered a portion of Sweety Fries, Mama Mango and Salamango. All I can say is that Mama Mango was the most refreshing meal I have ever had. They are located on the edge of the canal, hardly a surprise for this city. This is a great place and one that I wouldn’t hesitate visiting again. You can read more about The Avocado Show here.
Link: https://fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/wordpress/the-avocado-show-amsterdam-probably-the-freshest-healthiest-meal-i-have-ever-had/

De Bakkerswinkel, Amsterdam – Afternoon Tea but

De Bakkerswinkel, Amsterdam – Afternoon Tea but not as we know it!
#Amsterdam #coffeeshop #DeBakkerswinkel #dutchafternoontea
After a really pleasant Lovers Canal Cruise we walked across town to De Bakkerswinkel where afternoon tea had been organised by our friend Mo to celebrate her birthday. This is an establishment that offers a homely feel and traditional feel of home cooked food. Never have I experienced a catering establishment like this. On arrival we were seated upstairs. Two long tables at 90 degrees to each other. As we had all pre ordered we were asked to sit in groups according to our food orders. Strange, but we all obliged. Then we were offered orange juice. Followed shortly by what type of milk we would like. I agreed to try a glass of oat milk. Then we were offered a hot drink, I chose mint tea with honey, whilst others chose fruits of forest with honey, cappuccino and other various hot drinks. All this before being offered any food. Our first course was a carrot and parsnip soup .. I think. Some warm hard crusty buns were served with fillings such as spinach. In the UK when you order afternoon tea you tend to find that catering establishments cater one of everything to each guest. Here they provided a…
Link: https://fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/wordpress/de-bakkerswinkel-amsterdam-afternoon-tea-but-not-as-we-know-it/

Pandemic – Now Social Distancing #Coronavirus #C

Pandemic – Now Social Distancing
#Coronavirus #CoVid-19 #Health #Pandemic
As I write, different arguments theories and worries grow all around us about the pandemic. A new disease that mankind has not known before and to which no cure exists presently introduces worries about our personal health and financial security. Tonight our Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that everyone should avoid unnecessary contact, should work from home if they can, avoid travel or going to pubs, restaurants or events. On top of this, over 70's to self isolate. Family I just want to keep my family safe and well, as I am sure we all do. Government tells us not to panic buy, there is plenty of stock and yet the media shows us supermarkets with long queues and empty shelves. In my local supermarket, there were no empty shelves apart from the pasta. I think keeping a rolling stock of two weeks supplies at home will give time to look for items in short supply. Perhaps keeping a tank of fuel and some cash to hand is probably sensible too. But this contagious virus, whilst it may not be my ultimate demise, could easily infect and kill someone else. Talk of self isolation is not a problem to me…
Link: https://fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/wordpress/pandemic-now-social-distancing/

Lovers Canal Cruise, Amsterdam – See ‘Venice o

Lovers Canal Cruise, Amsterdam – See ‘Venice of the North’ through this glass ceiling boat
#Amsterdam #canaltour #Iamsterdamcitycard #loverscanaltours
Wondering around Amsterdam, either by foot, public transport or even bicycle allows you to enjoy this culture rich, bustling city. You really get to see and feel the life of this amazing city, but Amsterdam is carved up by man made canals. So we decided to join a canal cruise tour with friends on one of the many glass boats operated by Lovers. We had audio guide that helped identify notable locations, architecture and historical facts. If nothing else the tour is an eye opener that allows you views that show just how impressive the waterways are. If you’re ever in Amsterdam don’t forget Lovers Canal Tours, they show you a perspective that you’d otherwise miss. Our I amsterdam city cards saved us €16 each as the tour was free with our city cards. If you’d like to know more about Lovers Canal Tours click here.
Link: https://fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/wordpress/lovers-canal-cruise-amsterdam-see-venice-of-the-north-through-this-glass-ceiling-boat/

Pllek, Amsterdam – OMG! I was not expecting this

Pllek, Amsterdam – OMG! I was not expecting this in a shipping container
#Amsterdam #goodfood #greatatmosphere #Pllek #Pllekvenue
The main purpose of our trip to Amsterdam was to join friends to help celebrate a 60th birthday. Our good friend Mo had made plans for the Saturday night that involved us all meeting at Amsterdam Central Station. From here we walked to the ferry terminal which offers free ferries to amongst other locations NDSM. We walked along a covered road with beautiful tiled walls. NSDM is a former shipyard on the banks of the River IJ in Amsterdam Noord. We had no idea where we were going .. our host just said that we were looking for Pllek when we disembarked. There was little to see as it was dark, however we followed directions given by Google Maps. Finally we arrived at a stack of shipping containers... clearly we were at the right location, but apart from the sign there were just open container doors to guide us. As we entered the container we were presented with low lighting, graffiti walls and plastic screened sheets as doors. Our friend Mo had chosen well! This was a real surprise venue. It had great atmosphere and character. The music was provided by the in house DJ and the place was absolutely…
Link: https://fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/wordpress/pllek-amsterdam-omg-i-was-not-expecting-this-in-a-shipping-container/

Royal Coster Diamonds – There’s a lot more to

Royal Coster Diamonds – There’s a lot more to a diamond that meets the eye
#Amsterdam #diamonds #museum #RoyalCosterDiamonds
After visiting the Rijksmuseum, before jumping on the tram we decided to visit the Royal Coster Diamonds Museum and workshop. This is a working jewellers where diamond are polished and creations are made. Their claim to fame is that they have created a diamond called the 201 with 201 facets more than any other diamond. This gives it more sparkle. What I found interesting was the large volume of different shapes available and the varying types of diamonds, categories and clarities that adds to their value. We were accompanied around the work shop by a knowledgable guide who explained what the staff were doing and showed us tools and techniques. Clearly this is quite a skill and requires a steady hand to build facets out of rocks that turn to beautiful diamonds. As suspected we led through a number of corridors with exhibits and ended up at the start of a showroom where surprise surprise, jewellery can be purchased. Working your way through a maze leads you eventually to the cheapest items and the door. Its a free access visit and i recommend it to you as it was interesting. You can read more about Royal Coster Diamond here
Link: https://fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/wordpress/royal-coster-diamonds-theres-a-lot-more-to-a-diamond-that-meets-the-eye/

Latest Coronavirus News #Coronavirus #CoVid-19 #He

Latest Coronavirus News
#Coronavirus #CoVid-19 #Health #virus
The latest from the UK government advises self isolation if you have a new cough or fever for 7 days. Additionally the Chief Scientific Officer says we can't stop this but we can delay the peaks in the health system. He added that 60% of the population needs to get Covid 19 in order to create a heard immunity. But will that work? I'm not a scientist, but listening to reactions around the globe especially from the media appears to be creating mass panic buying of pasta and toilet rolls. Businesses will inevitably fail, the virus will be around for a long time and lifestyle choices will no longer be as they were. But as I see this, panicking doesn't sort the problems ahead. Taking the steps that the UK government have taken appear sensible, however I sense that restrictions on purchases, travelling and leisure will be around for sometime. Reassuring my immediate family is my priority right now. If you have to work from home, get regular breaks, work from a separate room without distractions and keep in touch with your colleagues.
Link: https://fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/wordpress/latest-coronavirus-news/

Load More... Follow on Instagram