Well done Doug - a great trip once again. Can't wait for the next one!😀

Thanks Doug for putting on this trip, and organising the accommodation and itinerary. You do deserve all the praise Doug, as you took away the major uncertainties and inherent stress and allowed us to get on with enjoying ourselves. We did so many different things with great people who all worked to create a great atmosphere. Looking forward to Sicily 2018.

Thank you Doug. It was a tremendous, fun-filled trip with a lovely OD group. Your flexible and sensitive leadership was a highlight as we immersed ourselves in the beauty of Italian culture. As for the history,I know you love my poetry D ...😀😈😀

A Beautiful Evil

gorging its jaws towards the sky,
wizened Vesuvius
ignites darkness
to raw, blazing riot

brimstone, brittle, grit and spittle
clumped down on cities
lively in their day, heady at night
now at Nature's mercy
as Hell's passion
rampaged through every square, drain and rat-hole
so fragile,
so mercilessly ravaged

crying children
cowering,
eyes shuttered,
spluttered,
crouched in the face
of boiling mud,
torrential in its plunder
ferocious in its abuse

as the revered gods stood by
and watched those people die

Just got back Dougie. You are a gem and did deserve the meal if only for having to put up with us boisterous lot talking over each other all the time! I have so enjoyed meeting everyone and sharing some beautiful moments and lots of fab weather. Thanks for the company guys 😀

Thanks to Doug for organising a great trip and to everyone else for their good company. What a fab week! 😀😀

Thanks very much Doug for all your efforts. A great trip.