Latest news with #Sorrento
Daily Mail
20 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
My dream Italian beach holiday turned into complete chaos - I was so overwhelmed by tourists I had to HIDE
A woman's dream Italian beach holiday turned into 'complete chaos' as she was left cramped next to other tourists. Regina Simmons, 38, headed on a ten-hour flight from Las Vegas to Positano, Italy last month. The mother-of-two expected to see 'calm' streets and great views that had been plastered all over social media. However, the American and her family were left disappointed when they arrived to the Italian popular destination, the Mirror reports. Regina, her husband Dan Simmons, 46, and their two teenage daughters were 'overwhelmed' by the vast amount of tourists. The family stayed at a hotel in Sorrento and visited Positano for a day trip. 'It was just bananas... We were overwhelmed by the amount of people. We had to look for a restaurant to hide in and make a game plan,' tourist Regina said. The chain restaurant owner recalled how busy the 'tight little streets' were in Positano. 'Half the people are going up and half are going down. It was complete chaos. Everyone was touching, shoulder to shoulder,' she explained. Regina was inspired to visit the area because of the 'beautiful' videos she had seen online. She expressed how Italy has become 'trendy' and many of her American friends are making the trip this year too. The tourist was also disappointed with how many things were written in English, after preparing for the trip by taking Italian lessons. She noted that there were 'Americans everywhere'. 'If it's trendy on social media, everyone wants to do what everyone else is doing, Myself included... Don't believe everything you see on social media,' Regina concluded. Earlier this month, Europe's most famous holiday hotspots were busier than ever. Images show swarms of holidaymakers packed shoulder-to-shoulder and forming huge queues waiting for trains and buses in some of the most beautiful destinations in Italy and Greece. In the Italian village of Varenna - famed for its tiny streets and colourful facades of houses - Brits have complained of crowds so dense they were barely able to reach down to take their phones out of their pockets. Disappointed sunseekers took to social media to share how their dream holiday didn't quite match reality and one woman visiting Positano, on Italy's Amalfi Coast, was left disappointed by her experience. She said: 'Social media lied. I've been dreaming of going to Positano on Italy's Amalfi Coast for years. 'And while it is definitely a very beautiful town, it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. I was expecting all of the stairs, but I wasn't expecting the magnitude of the crowds and the lineups. 'Positano has become a travel destination where you need to have every moment of your itinerary planned out in advance, and book reservations for pretty much everything. Otherwise, it will all be booked up before you even touch down in Italy.'
Irish Times
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Not wanting to be outdone by the Beckhams, I decided we should mark our anniversary
I was having an existential crisis. It happens. Possibly a little bit more regularly now as I clock up the years. And it's often triggered by life's milestones and challenges: children's birthdays, school summer holidays and the end of another academic year ; a child finishing school altogether; a Leaving Cert holiday and the tortured helplessness felt at home while himself is living his best life – and even remembering to wear factor 50 sunscreen, after all; watching the price of chocolate increase; the inability to find a pair of decent-fitting jeans in this post-skinny jeans era. Who am I? What am I doing with my life? How the hell did I get here? These are life's big questions that I ask of myself more frequently than I care to admit. READ MORE Anyway, the latest thing to trigger me was my 25th wedding anniversary. How can that possibly have come around already? I still feel 25, never mind 25 years married, though my right hip begs to differ. But silver wedding anniversaries? Well they're for old people, surely. And I refuse to get old. And how can it really be 25 years anyway, when I can still clearly smell the orange and lemons of Sorrento. We've never really been ones for marking wedding anniversaries. We were already parents by the time the first anniversary happened, so that trumped the – at the time, seemingly self-indulgent – idea of celebrations. After all, there was sleep deprivation to endure. And so beyond, on our 20th anniversary, mentioning in The Irish Times that he forgot our first one – because, you know, a wife with an axe to grind and a newspaper column is not for faint-hearted husbands – we've never really made a thing of it. [ Jen Hogan: It's our 20th wedding anniversary. I wonder will he remember Opens in new window ] But this time, I decided I wanted to make a thing of it. After all, the Beckhams, who share a wedding anniversary with us, never miss an opportunity to get the wedding album out on social media. So, not wanting to be outdone by someone who used to play for Manchester United, I decided we should buy some purple suits and head back to Rome and show the children where we got married, for the occasion. Alas, they appeared to be all out of matching purple suits that day I went to Dundrum Shopping Centre. And, it turned out we couldn't afford to go to Rome either, on account of having a ridiculous number of children. So we settled on Galway, which is more or less the same thing anyway, if you squint a little. I am not averse to using a bit of emotional blackmail when I need to. Judge me all you like, I'll probably just use it in a future column. And so, taking no chances in the quest to get all my children together to celebrate this momentous occasion, I lead with a 'more than anything I can possibly think of, for our 25th wedding anniversary, your dad and I would love to get a night away with the nine of us. All of us together again. Are you free next weekend?' text to the one who had the cheek to grow up, move out and leave me with all these boys. She said she was. Discussions ensued, between the siblings, over which child would bunk in with which child, largely determined by who was deemed to fart the most (or the least, depending on your perspective). The van was packed and the Hogans were off to Galway. All nine of us. Together again. Order was restored to my galaxy. [ The summer juggle: How to work while the kids are off Opens in new window ] We were staying at the Connacht, a family-friendly hotel whose claims of which are put to the test by my supersized brood (it passes, with flying colours). A swim was first on the agenda. 'You're coming too, aren't you Mum?,' the youngest asked, giving me no out. Ten minutes after everyone else had got into the pool, I joined them. Because that's how I roll. A woman smiled at me, and I smiled back, thinking to myself how friendly the natives were. Then she gave a gentle wave as I walked past. And I waved back, thinking again 'super friendly people'. 'You didn't know it was me, did you?,' the friendly woman said laughing, as the familiar dread of meeting someone out of context and not recognising them began to set in. I was going to have to come clean. Turns out it was just the curse of shortsightedness, and a world viewed stubbornly in soft focus. To the point I hadn't recognised my own daughter. The eyesight, at least, is consistent with 25 years ago. We swam, ate, played and laughed, and I even forgot this anniversary made me sound middle-aged. Because we were all together again, and everything made sense.
The Age
20-07-2025
- Politics
- The Age
Leave legal electric bike riders alone
Younger voting age I happened to be chatting with my mother and my daughter when the story about the UK lowering the voting age to 16 came up. I pointed out that my mother left school at 14 and started working full time (although she was unable to convince my 19-year-old daughter that 'typist' was a genuine job). My mother was married at 19, and had her first baby with her at her 21st birthday. Yes, she was 'worldly' and mature and experienced at a young age. My daughter still lives at home with her mum and dad at 19 years of age, which is in no way uncommon. She won't finish her schooling (at university) before she turns 21, and probably won't be in full-time work until a few years after that. Again, that's not uncommon. Clearly, kids 'grow up' much later in life now than they did two generations ago. This should be a factor in rejecting the move to allowing 16 year olds to vote. Geoffrey McNaughton, Glen Huntly Proceed with caution The Greens who are wanting the vote for 16-year-old Australians, believing, perhaps mistakenly, that these young people would be more likely to support their cause, should remember that, unlike the UK, we have compulsory voting. Certainly, many 16 year olds can articulate their socio-political opinions and would be worthy contributors to national debates. But many would no doubt rely on the example of parental voting patterns and information (false or true) from social media for their views. Indeed, many less mature children may indeed simply add to the informal vote. Kay Moulton, Surrey Hills Educate, then vote Following the UK example, considering if 16 year olds should have the vote in Australia is worthy of discussion. However, there needs to be some thought as to how young voters can be enabled to make informed choices. Most of the students I taught over a 40-year span in the secondary setting were very vague about Australian politics and the mechanics of the parliamentary system. This year, volunteering for an MP during the election campaign, I was surprised at the number of voters who also had a limited understanding of the workings of the electoral system. Although the secondary curriculum is very overcrowded, perhaps there is merit in introducing a short and tightly structured unit on Australian politics for senior students. The more voters know about how government functions in Australia will make our democracy even more robust. Louise Edwards, Sorrento Reading choice Interesting to reflect on the 'expert views' of your contributors to the 'debate' about the value of reading to children. One certainly must acknowledge the pressures on parents, be that financial or competing choices, and peer pressure amongst many such considerations. However, ultimately we all make choices and perhaps these are not always well considered. Do I go and watch the latest episode of a favourite series or talk to my kids or read them a story? Not always an easy choice, but it is a choice with consequences? Charles Griss, Balwyn Call this democratic? What other democracy gives one category of people two votes each while another category of people, get one vote as is the case in City of Melbourne council elections? Another Jess Kennett legacy apparently. This needs to be urgently addressed (″ Reece moots electoral reform for Melbourne ″, 19/7). Jenny Macmillan, Clifton Hill Infants at risk The guilt, grief and anger described by Wendy Syfret (Opinion, 19/7) as she was forced to leave her crying baby in childcare due to the financial necessity to work, is echoed daily in childcare centres across this land. The choices of parents are now greatly diminished, narrowed by the cost of housing and justified in the name of productivity. Babies need secure and consistent care by people they know and trust. Being exposed to multiple staff in a childcare system driven by profit and riddled with staff recruitment and retention problems, puts infants at serious risk of emotional abuse, with potentially long-term harm. We have known this for a long time – it was why we closed babies' homes in the 1970s. In addition to all the measures needed to make childcare safe for very young children, let us think broadly about the solutions. Housing affordability, extending paid parental leave, increasing work flexibility for fathers as well as mothers, means-tested family benefits in lieu of childcare subsidies for parents who prefer to be at home with their infants – all these should be high on the government's agenda. Emeritus Professor Dorothy Scott, Australian Centre for Child Protection, Adelaide, SA Plastics in the stream I thought I had a fair grasp of plastic recycling in Australia and was fairly confident that I was doing the right thing, but the article ″ The plastic that contaminates our recycling stream ″ July 19, was a depressing eye-opener. What will it take to achieve nationwide, clear and consistent labelling that is both legible and specific to local recycling capabilities, along with mandatory extended producer responsibility? The onus is on government, manufacturers and consumers alike to effect the positive change so desperately needed. Vikki O'Neill, Ashburton ICYDK about RPET I am curious if any other conscientious, well-intentioned, would-be recyclers who read the article 'The plastic that contaminates our recycling stream″ now feel even more confused than they were before. Opaque PET? Is that a plastic milk carton? RPET? Does that mean any recycled plastic is a pointless nuisance if included in your recycling bin? We try our best, and yet again I feel we are Sisyphus dwarfed by the growing mountain of rubbish and plastic we generate. If the governments and councils cannot get their act together to help us understand how to do things better, perhaps The Age could enlighten us all by running a short series investigating all the common things Victorian households recycle (or mistakenly try to recycle). Sam Bouchier, Kyneton Solar panel regret I have just received notice of upcoming increases in my electricity rates. All have gone up except the solar feed-in tariff which has gone from 4.5 cents (a pittance) to 1.5 cents (an insult). If I bypass the meter I would be charged with theft, if they bypass reasonable compensation it is called 'business'. I regret ever having installed solar panels. My $8000 plus investment will never pay for itself and only serves to subsidise the electricity company. There is even a suggestion to pay us nothing or charge for feeding in solar. I consider that amounts to theft, taking something and selling (fencing) it to someone else. Floris Eringa, Hinnomunjie Lawless actions The renaissance of consciousness of MAGA members about the Epstein 'cover-up' by the Trump government should prompt cautionary introspection. The impunity enjoyed by those who partook of Epstein's paedophiliac activities is probably trivial in comparison to the risk posed by the lawless actions of ICE towards minors. The taking of children by ICE, combined with the staggering absence of accountability, must be enormously attractive to paedophiles, eyeing the opportunity to abuse infants without the intervention of the rule of law. It would be a blessing to humanity if the rise in consciousness currently being exhibited by MAGA members extended to the protection of children today. Martin Bell, Balgowlah, NSW AFL sell-out I paid to attend a socially relaxing night of AFL football, only to find that the main event was advertising. Even during the game, we were continually assaulted by flashing, running billboard lights so distracting that you could hardly watch the game. I had to retire to the bar and watch it on TV. Is it time government banned excess advertising at public events? We have always had limits on public TV. Greed is destroying our environment, our national sport and our social relaxation. They are selling its soul. Michael Yencken, Armadale AND ANOTHER THING Diplomacy Peter Hartcher's article ‴ Adolescent' nation coming of age ″ (19/7), reflects Australia's movement away from the time-honoured ″all the way with L.B.J.″ to a more practical policy, ″on our way the Albo way″. Jim McLeod, Sale One has to hope and pray that Albanese's bromance with Xi isn't a modern version of Pig Iron Bob. Tom Stafford, Wheelers Hill Trump The political tyrant Trump suing the media tyrant Murdoch will be an interesting spectator sport. George Djoneff, Mitcham Donald Trump is to sue Rupert Murdoch for $15 billion. Rupert, 'Reap what you sow'. Enjoy. Rod Eldridge, Derrinallum Trump in one word:'Tariffiying'. Barry Greer, Balnarring Furthermore Re ' Think you're getting old?' (20/7). I must be getting old. It reports 'don't say the word ridiculous in front of your adult children'. That sounds ridiculous to me. Robin Jensen, Castlemaine As a teacher of more than 35 years, I have no more concern about lowering the voting age for students as I do in allowing some of the parents to continue to vote. Craig Jory, Albury, NSW Seriously, is anyone surprised about anything to do with Mark Latham? And to think he was once an option for prime minister. Lol. Michael Carver, Hawthorn East
Daily Mail
19-07-2025
- Daily Mail
West Coast Eagles premiership winner admits to assaulting mother of his child
Former West Coast Eagles midfielder Michael Braun has admitted to slapping his ex-partner during an argument in October 2023. The incident occurred in Sorrento, where Braun struck the mother of his child with an open hand. Appearing in a Perth court, the 47-year-old pleaded guilty to one charge of aggravated assault. His lawyer described the incident as a one-off and said Braun was remorseful and accepted full responsibility. The court fined him $1200, with $800 to be paid directly to his former partner. Braun was also granted a spent conviction, meaning the offence will not appear on his criminal record. Michael Braun played 228 AFL games for the West Coast Eagles between 1997 and 2008. Braun was a key part of the Eagles' 2006 premiership team, playing a crucial role in the grand final win over Sydney. He won West Coast's best and fairest award in 2003 and was widely respected for his leadership. After retiring, Braun remained involved in football through coaching and media roles. It comes after the former Eagles premiership winner previously shared a heartfelt tribute following the sudden death of premiership teammate Adam Hunter. Hunter, aged 43, was found unresponsive at a home in Bunbury, south of Perth, earlier this year and could not be revived. WA Police confirmed the death was not suspicious. In a tribute posted to Instagram, Braun shared a series of personal photos with Hunter, captioning one, ' picture sums him up… just a jovial bloke. RIP 'HUNTS' #39.' The photos included images from functions, team events, and casual moments that captured Hunter's light-hearted personality. Braun also posted a photo from a recent reunion at The Wembley Hotel, where past Eagles players gathered to honour their late teammate.
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Society couple joined by famous friends as they wed in epic two-day extravaganza in Italy
Socialite Natalie Kelly and her fiance Josh have tied the knot in a two-day extravaganza in Italy. The couple said 'I do' surrounded by their famous friends and closest family in Sorrento on Monday. Natalie, a marketing manager at Macquarie Telecom, looked glamorous in a detailed off-the-shoulder gown as she exchanged vows with her groom in an outdoor ceremony. The couple then partied the night away with their loved ones at an incredible venue overlooking the ocean. Celebrations for the wedding began on Sunday when they hosted a 'welcome drinks' for their guests. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The party then continued the following day with the couple getting married in a romantic ceremony. Bachelor star Anna Heinrich and her husband Tim Robards were in attendance. Anna looked glamorous in a $1099 dress by Rebecca Vallance as she celebrated her friend Natalie's wedding. Tim looked dapper for the occasion in a black tuxedo, white buttoned shirt, bow tie and a pair of shiny black shoes. 'Che matrimonio incredibile! One of the most incredible weddings I've been too. So much love @missnataliekelly The most stunning bride,' Anna wrote. The couple were also joined by Nadia Adelstein and her partner Alex Toohey as well as Anna's sister Andrea. They partied with their friends at the incredible venue after witnessing the couple tie the knot in an romantic ceremony. Before arriving in Sorrento, Anna and Tim enjoyed a loved-up holiday in Puglia in the country's southwest. The picture-perfect locale also provided the backdrop for the couple's lavish 2018 nuptials. Anna and Tim tied the knot at the Masseria Potenti hotel, among the olive groves and vineyards of the Puglian countryside, five years after falling in love on The Bachelor. The bride looked absolutely breathtaking in her couture Steven Khalil dress while being walked down the aisle by her father, Les Heinrich. Tim proposed to Anna with a '$173,000' ring in May 2017 while on holiday in the Kimberley, Western Australia. The lovebirds first met in 2013 during the first season of The Bachelor Australia. After saying 'I do', the couple welcomed their first child, daughter Elle, in November, 2020, and their second child, daughter Ruby, in March, 2024. Anna revealed in 2024 that she has no plans to have a third child after her life-threatening birth complications with baby daughter Ruby. After delivering her second child, she was rushed to emergency surgery when she faced sudden and severe postpartum bleeding. Anna told Daily Mail Australia she 'appreciates life more' since the harrowing experience, and has no plans to have a third child in the future. 'I'm lucky to have always wanted two children. So I definitely don't want any more children. I'm really done at two, but I definitely think it would scare people,' she said. 'Even when I was speaking with my obstetrician, he was like, "Okay, probably no more children for you, Anna."' 'It was quite traumatic at the time, but at the same time it puts life in perspective,' she continued. 'It puts your family and everything in perspective and how lucky you are to be here and have two amazing kids and a partner. I appreciate life more coming out of that.'
