As I write the girls are in a Gondola in Venice. My aunt has declared them “very elegant” and says they have a “frenetic timetable”. They are having a lovely time and Olivia can now say ‘che bello mare blu’ which will come in very useful. Or rather more useful than her father’s only phrase in German which is ‘the houses over there are covered with snow’. Especially if you live in Abu Dhabi.
Life in Abu Dhabi without the ‘ferals’ as the girls have been nicknamed by friends in England is extremely quiet. Leonardo always was an easy child. I find as long as you are willing to play cricket, tennis, catch or football with him he is perfectly happy with life. Yesterday I got slightly fed up with immitating Flintoff so recruited his friend Miranda to join us. This is a picture of them going to camp together this morning.
I am so happy the girls are having a nice time. I am less happy that I hear all their news second hand (my aunt no longer speaks to me because of my memoir Ciao Bella). But I am relieved that she has seen their elegant, rather than their feral, side…..
Copyright: Helena Frith Powell 2009
What displeased her about the memoir?
She didn’t like my portrayal of her. I was possibly too honest but thought I had counterbalanced that with the affection I feel for her and also humour. It would not have been as good a book watered down so in that sense I don’t regret it.
Hx
Hope your girls engoy every minute of their trip!
PS I absolutely love the picture!!
I’ve been waiting for the book from Amazon for a while now – for some reason there’s a delay. I’m looking forward to reading it.
Yes, I agree, fabulous picture!
I know what you mean about the house being quiet without them, I’m blogging about it tomorrow!