Ciao, alla prossima….

Best macchiato in town in the company of the Maestro.

Definitely not Euston!! Much more civilised. With @katyashman.bsky.social I Venti Erranti

Any other bassoonists have no fingerprints when going through EES???? “International Man and Woman of Mystery” aka The Wandering Winds!! Stuck for an hour in Bologna passport control, need a good Spritz now……

Just an observation, più mosso is completely different to Animato….. just saying.

Edward Contra is purring!!

Glass of vino rosso and a bowl of Miles’ Ragu, yum!

As the Northern Hemisphere emerges through the darkest nights of winter, with bright full moons, glittering stars and Northern Lights, the season of #Imbolc is here 🌱 It is a time that will not be rushed, and I share the warmth and hope from the embers of the winter hearth with you 🕯️🤍

Welcome to🌟Sonorosa🌟connecting you to nature, ancient British Lore & the Wheel of the Year. As Winter Solstice approaches in the N Hemisphere, I invite you to share in this short sound healing meditation celebrating the deep quiet & peace of the longest night 🌑 youtu.be/NW1a0dYAbcs

It feels wrong that an MP can get elected on one platform and then just... swap? 🤷‍♀️ I’ve signed this to demand a by-election when MPs cross the floor. Let's make sure our votes actually count. Add your name: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/re...

💕 We’re sharing the love this weekend & giving you a short, free guidl by The Wandering Winds! @guidltours.bsky.social is a free app that hosts audio tours by brilliant creators about fascinating places, and it’s the perfect way to explore on the go, or from the comfort of your sofa... ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

💕 We've a beautiful collection of #Welsh love spoons at home in N Wales! We wanted to share a pic ahead of a new & 💕FREE💕 @guidltours.bsky.social release this weekend from me & @milesbsn.bsky.social 💌 A Love Letter To St Dwynwen 💌 is out soon & in time to celebrate her here in Cymru on 25th Jan!

“In tiefen keller……” almost!😅

Edward is in the building!! First time since 2013 for this slice of Ralph at sea!! #TheViewFromTheContraSeat

The Government is planning to send King Charles to the US to celebrate with Trump. Giving him a royal visit right now sends a terrible message that his behaviour is acceptable. We can stop this if enough of us speak up. Will you add your name to the petition? you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ca...

Sometimes people will step out of the light into your photo at just the right moment 😎 #Photography #BlackAndWhite #Venice #Venezia #StreetPhotography #Architecture #LightAndShadow #EastCoastKin #ClassicMono #SanGiorgioMaggiore

Sloe gin tonight from our Anglesey sloes 💫 Note the pine cone as a size reference for the glasses - they aren’t full sized wine glasses(honestly!?)! 👀

Each year now we watch from afar, Buon Capodanno all our Venice friends.

Latest Wandering….

Wandering Winds tradition, although m’colleague taking the pics has been watching a bit too much Grand Tour/Top Gear!! (it’s Cocktails - upper woodwinds eh??)

Nadolig Llawen, Buon Natale, Christmas greetings from us to all our friends near and far! @guidltours.bsky.social @markofclubs.bsky.social @pgjonesvenice.bsky.social @caroline-venezia.bsky.social @davidhewson.com @mmt-williams.bsky.social @katyashman.bsky.social @rickturner.bsky.social

A gentle reminder if you've received an invoice from a Freelancer/Self employed person which is due before Christmas. Be a love, and pay it today.

In honour of a birthday (inspired by both Basego on Via Garibaldi and an Hon Consul) we present Katy’s Birthday Chicchetti….. @pgjonesvenice.bsky.social @caroline-venezia.bsky.social Ciao from Cymru

#ViewFromTheBassoonSeat time!! Rhyl and the WCO!

One of those ugh moments! especially when it’s unexpected and you have brought your Contra/2nd “head” and reeds. But we play on. (The f#\g# combo needs some tlc on Willy!)

And for tonight the #ViewFromTheBassoonSeat although it’s Edward’s gig Willy has been requested…

Venice Noir the extended version is now available. www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7gi...

And here is #TheViewFromTheContrabassoonSeat waiting for “that” d-flat later @frasercontra.bsky.social

As usual Venezia to St Pancras by train all perfect. Euston a sh***r of s**t and Avanti West Ciast couldn’t organise a p*** up in a brewery… well done

Never thought I would say give me Paris, Milan or Venice over the city of my birth, but yes please.

When in Paris ……

Very bracing mountain air in Modane this morning. Crew change means a delightful break in the journey.

Dawn follows the speeding train…. always put me in mind of: “Open are the double doors of the horizon Unlocked are its bolts..”

Discover a Venice beyond the usual postcards. Food tours and personalised consultations for a visit that feels real, relaxed, and entirely yours. Send me a message and let us plan your Venice story. 📧 [email protected] 🌐 www.monicacesarato.com #Venice

A long day and journey begins. But what a place to begin it from…..

A Government of cowards. Rather than tackle inequality - they've gone for pensioners, disabled people and now it's people fleeing war and persecution. They can't get away with this. Join.greenparty.org.uk

Ian Rankin receiving the 2025 Venice Noir award, a Murano glass dagger. A festival in fab historic settings that combines autumnal Venice, books and crime (plus advice on murder methods) - plan ahead to be here for next year's edition #VeniceNoir

VENICE The #venicenoir2025 cocktail is unveiled, created @ Il Palazzo Experimental Comprising: Scotch Whisky Cherry/Almond liqueur Red Beet Orange Absinthe Spicy Bitters #blueskybooks #booksky

That moment when you enter a cafe greet the staff and they complete your order for you without you saying anything else? Grazie mille

“Go placidly amid the noise and haste” ……when you know, you know…..

For all my fellow Bassoonists….

In 1858 Act 2 of Tristan und Isolde was completed just over the Canal Grande from here! #MusiciansWalkingTours #WanderingWinds

This morning a chap passed me clutching a forcula, this afternoon another passed me clutching a Ricordi full score Rigoletto! Only in Venice….

It’s Annuncio Mantovani 120 anniversario (Venetian born) and so here I am saying hello to another Maestro listening to J Strauss Jr from the house band drinking coffe at the bar

When visiting the Hon Consul it would be rude not to surely?? #VeniceNoir

A favourite view. #VeniceNoir

When the story telling and surroundings are good the language doesn’t matter - Capitano Kirk e iI Signor Spock

Buongiorno Venezia

Unlike an illustrious predecessor in 1858 I do not plan to throw my hat from the train window as we cross the viaduct in to Venezia Santa Lucia! (If you don’t know the story it is R Wagner obvs, look out for I Venti Erranti future musings possibly on this very subject.)

Cue the music…..