HOTEL ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL ARISTON - Via Alessandro Manzoni, 30, 51016 Montecatini Terme

Yet again, we had a fabulous reunion, this time in Tuscany, Italy.   I hope you will enjoy some of the photos (see link below).

Arrivals into Montecatini  varied from Saturday to Monday – dinner at the hotel on the first night, and catch ups in the evening in a room especially organized for us to meet.  It was good catching up after 4 years, with Covid interrupting.  We have all turned 70 + in the meanwhile, so lots of stories.

This reunion was particularly difficult to organise as post covid, it was difficult to get a venue, and fixed costs.  So during the organization we have a fluctuation of rates and a change of hotel, and we did also have a drop in numbers. We were 15 of us including partners.  

Day 1 Monday 5th June

People arrived during the weekend and on Monday 5th June during the day.  Those of us that were in Montecatini during the weekend, took a train and visited Pistoia… beautiful little town.. we all met for dinner at the hotel in Montecatini, at our Hotel Ariston.

Day 2 Tuesday 6th June

We trooped to the station and caught a train to Florence Santa Maria Novella, met with a guide and had a tour of Florence.  In the afternoon, after lunch, we shopped a bit, and took a train back to Montecatini, dinner at a local garden restaurant.  It was good to see the sights of Florence.

We were in a real treat this evening.  Maureen Pinto wrote and produced a Shakespearean play, Anthony and Cleopatra, it was meant to be a tragedy, but it was more a tragedy/comedy… beautifully executed by all actors.. and so much fun. Costumes and executive producer was Tessa Antao – Narrator was Loreta Rodrigues. 

Day 3 Wednesday 7th June

We met our coach near the hotel and departed to Siena, which is just beautiful, lunch and wine tasting at Ristorante Agrituristico Il Ciliegio – such a treat, and a beautiful location.

We then visited San Gimignano, visiting the old medieval town with a guide.  I don’t have to tell you how beautiful these towns in Tuscany are.  Just driving to them and walking around, is just so beautiful and great soul food.

Back at the hotel, and out to dinner and meeting after dinner with music and dancing.

Day 4 Thursday 8th June 

We met the coach again, and visited Pisa, attempted to straighten the leaning tower, like everyone else!, lunch Osteria All’Ussero da Antonio, and then departed for the walled city of Lucca. Our guide was very humorous, competing Lucca with Pisa…. She was from Lucca.  Puccini was born in Lucca.  Handsome guy…  Back to hotel, and final dinner at a local garden restaurant.  Final meeting too, at the hotel and some sad goodbyes.

Day 5 Friday 9th June

Individual departures at varied times..

Our reunion was a fun one, it was so good to catch up with dedicated Class of 68ers who are keen to meet every 2 years or so, health and circumstances permitting.  We had so many special, funny stories to relate, but as you all know, what happens at the reunion, stays at the reunion!!

Thank you all who attended, and making it so special and thank you for your interest.

These were the attendees, 11 classmates and 4 partners.

    1. EVA FONSECA

    2. Mark Fonseca

    3. LORETA RODRIGUES

    4. BALDIP KHAN

    5. Arshad Khan

    6. PATRICK LOBO

    7. Tara Prajapati 

    8. PLINO MARTINS

    9. MICHAEL ANTAO

    10. Tessa Antao

    11. MAUREEN PINTO

    12. TREVOR ESTELITA

    13. CHRIS (Assumption) CONWAY

    14. BYRON COSTA FERNANDES

    15. JENNIFER FERNANDES

Click here for a Photo Slideshow of our June 2023 Tuscany Reunion