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,…

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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…

I decided to turn my hand to something different,

I decided to turn my hand to something different, during this lockdown.
Having completed a number of projects recently such as the Truck for Max, Medieval Village the Lisbon Tram, I came across a world of miniature model kits.
The finished marketing results looked less achievable when first opening the cardboard box that the kit comes in. #craftkits #minihouses #modelmaking #Robotime #Rolife

I have to admit that this pandemic is wearing me d

I have to admit that this pandemic is wearing me down....
I actually didn’t put this roll-on under my arms .. but what I did was memorable!
#antipersperant #deepheat #Dovemensantiperspirant #rollonantipersperant
Find out the whole story at www.fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/Wordpress/a-really-surprising-reaction-from-a-roll-on-antiperspirant

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?
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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!
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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/

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