This is a collection of stories that spans a number of countries in Europe. Ranging from speed dating, trainspotting and first loves in England, there is also shopping, orchestral touring with tragedy and elation in Italy. "...The stories about Asolo are as enlightening as the characters that are described and if you know the place you'll smile even more..." Andrew Newing "...Everyone seems to have had a Vanessa in their lives and also to have known a Pippa. That is why these stories are so insightful..." Sarah Belham "...It's not every day you read about attending a dinner date with a transvestite, but this story shows a human side to the cliche that is both rare as well as charming." Michael Hunt "...Growing up in the 1970s must have been hard and the parallels with what we call our modern society are both fascinating and touching...Vanessa made me shed a tear..." Yul Ta'id