The Enchanted April

My Folio edition of The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim is one of my favourite books and one that I read every year.  À la Vera, I have friends who are aghast at this choice.  It is not the world's finest literature but, as Vera is committed to truth, von Arnim was committed to happiness, finding it and reveling in it.   

The story takes place in a small rented medieval castle on the shores of the Mediterranean in Italy in April, where four women become unlikely friends under the influence of sunshine, exuberant gardens and freedom.  Yes, and good food cooked by servants.

And, because my tenants were moving out in April and I could move in, I anticipated an enchanted April of my own.  And so far it's proving to be.

Strange sights from my front garden - cement being poured into a lavish renovation on Wentworth Street.

huge park run every Saturday (but not for me)

As I was walking back from the shop the other day, a chap wearing a life jacket jogged past...  Obviously not a climate change denier, and I hope he votes wisely this Saturday.

more strange behaviour

Last Saturday I finally found the market - not on the boardwalk but on the walking track around Kangaroo Bay.

It was early morning and too early for food but I shall return another Saturday more prepared.  The fresh vegies looked wonderful but it's tricky when you only want small quantities and they're pre-bundled.

I walked back to the boardwalk to see if Hooked, the floating cafe, was open.  It was, but it was still too early to eat.  I'm keen to try their calamari souvlaki but the place is never open when I'm hungry.  Above you can see the rather smart vertical wall at the back of the Waterfront Hotel, formerly the Clarence Hotel.

Next to Hooked is the ferry terminal

which seems well patronised on a Saturday.  I have caught it on a week day - when it only runs commuter times - and it was well used then, 

and a little more glamorous than in the 1980s.

I can catch a bus to be in Hobart in less than 30 minutes.  I have subscribed to 5 Van Diemen's Band Tuesday Lunchtime Concerts.

Last week's was received by thunderous applause in line with Stefan Cassomenos' playing.  Perhaps the repertoire demanded it but he was a bit thumpy for me.  I also don't understand why somebody would wear a suit and then stop playing to wipe off sweat.

Today's offering suited me perfectly.  I was a little wary because the quartet call themselves Croissants and Whiskey which seems to me designed to say 'aren't we cool for a baroque ensemble'. 

Turns out that's exactly what they are:  intricate, soothing new music played on  baroque instruments.  That instrument on the far right looking like a wooden giraffe, is a recorder.

Back in Bellerive we are brimming with bandicoots, cyclists, dogs and dog walkers and learner drivers, and I am in heaven with my local Salamanca Fresh supermarket.  It sells Welsh Lady products from Pwllheli, and I've never seen these before:

They also sell more humble foods.

Perhaps an enchanting servant could bring me a glass of wine?

Thank you.