SOCIAL NIGHTMARE
Having just spent the best part of an hour rolling around in the dust, I spied. I snuck out of the gym class last and hovered around the cars to check out where the rest of the gym ladies were going. Some got into their cars, others waited for a larger group to congregate, then eventually filed out together towards the large car park below the walls. Only a couple of mature ladies made their way up inside the walls of the old town, so tonight, I conclude, that out of the 25 people that come to the class, only 3 live up here… I might have to join a crochet class after all!
Saturday, February 25, 2006
FROM BIRDS TO CATS
Unaware that bird flu was slowly spreading to cats in the north of the continent, we spent quite a bit of time spying out the fattest felines, in Cortona, Montepulciano, Arezzo and Perugia. It has to be said that Sabine and I found it hard to distract Zoe from the lack of flowers (no colours = ugly, in mind of 3.5 year old) but the relics of St Donatus, Bishop of Arezzo, did the trick “Father Christmas,” she squealed delighted…
Thankfully, in Montepulciano we found refuge from the cold in Caffe Poliziano where we got confirmation that giving the child chocolate would result in me having to run up and down all the way back to the car park to try and get some energy out of her and wipe myself out!
Arezzo we entered from the back passage, so to speak, via Porta San Biagio. In Chiesa San Domenico we were awe struck by Cimabue’s cross. Our next cultural stop-over was the Cathedral, then the Chiesa di San Francesco where we gauped at Piero della Francesca’s Leggenda della Vera Croce - amazing stuff.
On Saturday, after many sun dances that we never managed to get quite right, we headed off to Pozzuolo to meet Zoe’s new fiancé, then to Perugia for gelato!
Piglet and Zoe admire the flowers in front of La Grotta.
Clouds looming in Cortona.
The girls in Arezzo.
The car they will get married in.
La pietra rosa di...
Unaware that bird flu was slowly spreading to cats in the north of the continent, we spent quite a bit of time spying out the fattest felines, in Cortona, Montepulciano, Arezzo and Perugia. It has to be said that Sabine and I found it hard to distract Zoe from the lack of flowers (no colours = ugly, in mind of 3.5 year old) but the relics of St Donatus, Bishop of Arezzo, did the trick “Father Christmas,” she squealed delighted…
Thankfully, in Montepulciano we found refuge from the cold in Caffe Poliziano where we got confirmation that giving the child chocolate would result in me having to run up and down all the way back to the car park to try and get some energy out of her and wipe myself out!
Arezzo we entered from the back passage, so to speak, via Porta San Biagio. In Chiesa San Domenico we were awe struck by Cimabue’s cross. Our next cultural stop-over was the Cathedral, then the Chiesa di San Francesco where we gauped at Piero della Francesca’s Leggenda della Vera Croce - amazing stuff.
On Saturday, after many sun dances that we never managed to get quite right, we headed off to Pozzuolo to meet Zoe’s new fiancé, then to Perugia for gelato!
Piglet and Zoe admire the flowers in front of La Grotta.
Clouds looming in Cortona.
The girls in Arezzo.
The car they will get married in.
La pietra rosa di...
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
IN A TIME WARP
As in BC and AD, I now live in a world of BT and AT, (gosh, hope this misinterpretation of C – Christ and D – Domini (Anno Domini Nostri Iesu Christi) into T for Trip will not spark rage amongst the religious communities… would hate to think that someone is getting trampled because of me. Anyhow, the point here was not to go on endlessly about the pros and cons of cartoons and Gods (and the stupidity of Italian politicians), but to state that having just moved past the One Year Back mark, I feel like things revolve around travelling. I have just checked what we were up to on 21 of Feb 2004. Incidentally, we were climbing volcanoes in Pucon, Chile, then in 2005, it was skiing in Switzerland, whilst now, in 2006, it's simply sitting on the top of a medieval hill wondering what the hell next…
On top of the world in 2004 - Pucon, Chile.
As in BC and AD, I now live in a world of BT and AT, (gosh, hope this misinterpretation of C – Christ and D – Domini (Anno Domini Nostri Iesu Christi) into T for Trip will not spark rage amongst the religious communities… would hate to think that someone is getting trampled because of me. Anyhow, the point here was not to go on endlessly about the pros and cons of cartoons and Gods (and the stupidity of Italian politicians), but to state that having just moved past the One Year Back mark, I feel like things revolve around travelling. I have just checked what we were up to on 21 of Feb 2004. Incidentally, we were climbing volcanoes in Pucon, Chile, then in 2005, it was skiing in Switzerland, whilst now, in 2006, it's simply sitting on the top of a medieval hill wondering what the hell next…
On top of the world in 2004 - Pucon, Chile.
Monday, February 20, 2006
BAWLING AND CHEWING
Somehow, albeit very little sleep and even less patience, I managed not to storm out of the charity lunch we went to today. It was ironic that we were there to support hungry children and that the fundraising efforts were based on us stuffing our faces – using plastic and paper (cutting down trees and relying on fuel). Interesting dilemma, which, given my state of numbness, did not quite register, my main concern being the horrendous noise levels generated by the huge crowd encased in the small room.
The day was saved by "8 Femmes" a strange French movie with lots of great Actrices!
Huit Femmes
Somehow, albeit very little sleep and even less patience, I managed not to storm out of the charity lunch we went to today. It was ironic that we were there to support hungry children and that the fundraising efforts were based on us stuffing our faces – using plastic and paper (cutting down trees and relying on fuel). Interesting dilemma, which, given my state of numbness, did not quite register, my main concern being the horrendous noise levels generated by the huge crowd encased in the small room.
The day was saved by "8 Femmes" a strange French movie with lots of great Actrices!
Huit Femmes
Sunday, February 19, 2006
SERIES OF
At half past three and several past the one drink limit, Albano was asking me what came after 3, 5, 9, 11 – turns out he did statistics at uni… now, did I ask him what a synapse is? Ok, easy when clear-headed. Conclusion: in the disco, just dance and avoid conversations at any time past 3 am. That said, Saturday was a great night. Three birthday parties rolled into one, and me picking up the two most ugly blokes in the whole of Umbria. Not quite an ego boost. That said, I was two up on anyone else, so there!
At half past three and several past the one drink limit, Albano was asking me what came after 3, 5, 9, 11 – turns out he did statistics at uni… now, did I ask him what a synapse is? Ok, easy when clear-headed. Conclusion: in the disco, just dance and avoid conversations at any time past 3 am. That said, Saturday was a great night. Three birthday parties rolled into one, and me picking up the two most ugly blokes in the whole of Umbria. Not quite an ego boost. That said, I was two up on anyone else, so there!
Friday, February 17, 2006
BELLA ROMA
Thank goodness for the capital! I love going there on mini-breaks like the one I went on today. Lunch with Idoya, sitting on Piazza Augusto Imperatore, in the sunshine, with no coat on, yes, mid Feb, followed by coffee with my favourite Romans at River Café in front of the Ministry. Clomping round the deserted corridors of Foreign Affairs – “it’s Friday” explained it all… - joining Jo, Sophie and Alex for drinks in Trastevere. Dashing off to the Vittoriano to watch Ethiopians do back flips before checking out the exhibition (the purpose of the visit), taking in the views from the roof of the building before having dinner in a lovely restaurant somewhere near Piazza Navona. The lot rounded off by boogying at 37 Via dei Serpenti!
Thank goodness for the capital! I love going there on mini-breaks like the one I went on today. Lunch with Idoya, sitting on Piazza Augusto Imperatore, in the sunshine, with no coat on, yes, mid Feb, followed by coffee with my favourite Romans at River Café in front of the Ministry. Clomping round the deserted corridors of Foreign Affairs – “it’s Friday” explained it all… - joining Jo, Sophie and Alex for drinks in Trastevere. Dashing off to the Vittoriano to watch Ethiopians do back flips before checking out the exhibition (the purpose of the visit), taking in the views from the roof of the building before having dinner in a lovely restaurant somewhere near Piazza Navona. The lot rounded off by boogying at 37 Via dei Serpenti!
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
COUNTDOWN INTERRUPTED
I love dinner parties, when friends come over and spend lots of time sitting around chatting. What I don’t like, is when guests turn up early… There is truth in “works well under pressure” and it definitely applies to me. The last 15 minutes before the stated invitation time is when I get most done. Zoom round making sure all is clean and I have not forgotten the toilet brush inside the loo, take the sausage rolls out of the oven, ensure the sauces are in the right bowls, check the drinks are in the fridge and the ice cubes are set – so, when the guests arrive early, it is chaos… all the rings are on, the shopping bags are all over the floor, the candles are not lit, the apero table is nowhere near ready, the main meal is far from on track. HAPPY SAN VALENTINO all the same! Last night, I excelled in the art of zen, pretending all was as it should and sending people out of the kitchen clutching food and drink ;-)
Last night, everyone was asked to bring a small gift and a poem, here are the some of the ones that were exchanged:
“Ma l’amore che cos’e’?
E’ bravo chi lo sa spiegare…
Ma l’amore cosa fa?
Puo’ fare tutto ma non del male…”
In un giorno dove tutto rischia di essere scontate e banale…
Noi con il nostro semplice modo di stare insieme…
Trasformiamo il banale in “speciale”
Buon San Valentino
Federica
Ogni volta che lo appenderete
Ogni volta che lo guarderete
Sempre a me penserete!
Non saro’ ne bello ne brutto,
Ma sono sempre meglio di un tagliere di prosciutto
Accompagnato con un bel bicchier di vino,
Vi auguro un buon San Valentino!
Federico
Soffrire per amore,
Sentire un gran dolore
Sperare di trovare
Un nuovo alveare.
Siano felici gli innamorati
Che si sono gia incontrati
E festeggiano per benino
La sera di San Valentino
Cristian
Acqua e Vino
Burro e Salvia
Nutella e Ricotta
Una stella appesa ad un filo
Amore e Odio
Acqua e Fuoco
Avarizia e Generosità
Una luna piena rossa solo per te
Un occhio illuminato
Un fiore toccato
San Valentino innamorato
Olivia
Reading poems.
The boys, a salami and a capocollo.
Squashed?
Results.
I love dinner parties, when friends come over and spend lots of time sitting around chatting. What I don’t like, is when guests turn up early… There is truth in “works well under pressure” and it definitely applies to me. The last 15 minutes before the stated invitation time is when I get most done. Zoom round making sure all is clean and I have not forgotten the toilet brush inside the loo, take the sausage rolls out of the oven, ensure the sauces are in the right bowls, check the drinks are in the fridge and the ice cubes are set – so, when the guests arrive early, it is chaos… all the rings are on, the shopping bags are all over the floor, the candles are not lit, the apero table is nowhere near ready, the main meal is far from on track. HAPPY SAN VALENTINO all the same! Last night, I excelled in the art of zen, pretending all was as it should and sending people out of the kitchen clutching food and drink ;-)
Last night, everyone was asked to bring a small gift and a poem, here are the some of the ones that were exchanged:
“Ma l’amore che cos’e’?
E’ bravo chi lo sa spiegare…
Ma l’amore cosa fa?
Puo’ fare tutto ma non del male…”
In un giorno dove tutto rischia di essere scontate e banale…
Noi con il nostro semplice modo di stare insieme…
Trasformiamo il banale in “speciale”
Buon San Valentino
Federica
Ogni volta che lo appenderete
Ogni volta che lo guarderete
Sempre a me penserete!
Non saro’ ne bello ne brutto,
Ma sono sempre meglio di un tagliere di prosciutto
Accompagnato con un bel bicchier di vino,
Vi auguro un buon San Valentino!
Federico
Soffrire per amore,
Sentire un gran dolore
Sperare di trovare
Un nuovo alveare.
Siano felici gli innamorati
Che si sono gia incontrati
E festeggiano per benino
La sera di San Valentino
Cristian
Acqua e Vino
Burro e Salvia
Nutella e Ricotta
Una stella appesa ad un filo
Amore e Odio
Acqua e Fuoco
Avarizia e Generosità
Una luna piena rossa solo per te
Un occhio illuminato
Un fiore toccato
San Valentino innamorato
Olivia
Reading poems.
The boys, a salami and a capocollo.
Squashed?
Results.
Monday, February 13, 2006
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Because being sensitive to beauty is not innate, many places have been ruined by horrible constructions. One such area is right next to the old family house of Ferdinando. A medium plot of land has had so many villas crammed onto it that it has lost all its appeal. Ferdinando could have done the same and sold his fields for a large sum of money, instead he chose to restore the house himself and keep most of the land around. He even refused to sell his ancient olive trees that he was being offered 1500 euro for (which is more than what most people make in a month over here). Thank goodness there are a few people like him around!
Ferdinando, his shaddow and one of the very old olive tree that he refused to sell.
In the olden days, you sat inside the fireplace and used the plate holder to eat your meal on!
Because being sensitive to beauty is not innate, many places have been ruined by horrible constructions. One such area is right next to the old family house of Ferdinando. A medium plot of land has had so many villas crammed onto it that it has lost all its appeal. Ferdinando could have done the same and sold his fields for a large sum of money, instead he chose to restore the house himself and keep most of the land around. He even refused to sell his ancient olive trees that he was being offered 1500 euro for (which is more than what most people make in a month over here). Thank goodness there are a few people like him around!
Ferdinando, his shaddow and one of the very old olive tree that he refused to sell.
In the olden days, you sat inside the fireplace and used the plate holder to eat your meal on!
Sunday, February 12, 2006
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION
Proactiveness was one of my resolutions. Ok, it’s not a word, but I put all my resolve into seizing every opportunity to integrate in this village. Having decided that one year in Cortona could not pass without me knowing more locals, I launched myself into a crusade to join every single gym class available. Unfortunately they turned out to be mostly for the over 60s… Undeterred by my first class (led by a male teacher – a replacement thank goodness – who could not stop giggling at me being there with a bunch of grannies doing stretching exercises and ending up being colder at the end than at the beginning of the class), I joined the second “elite” group in the smaller more expensive gym. It is still ok to run for 30 minutes up the hill before actually doing the class as the energy required is minimal, but at least now I know a few more faces (most of which do not actually live here at all…). Although this endeavour could be classed a failure, I am sticking to my resolution. Happy new year to you too, even if it is February!
Proactiveness was one of my resolutions. Ok, it’s not a word, but I put all my resolve into seizing every opportunity to integrate in this village. Having decided that one year in Cortona could not pass without me knowing more locals, I launched myself into a crusade to join every single gym class available. Unfortunately they turned out to be mostly for the over 60s… Undeterred by my first class (led by a male teacher – a replacement thank goodness – who could not stop giggling at me being there with a bunch of grannies doing stretching exercises and ending up being colder at the end than at the beginning of the class), I joined the second “elite” group in the smaller more expensive gym. It is still ok to run for 30 minutes up the hill before actually doing the class as the energy required is minimal, but at least now I know a few more faces (most of which do not actually live here at all…). Although this endeavour could be classed a failure, I am sticking to my resolution. Happy new year to you too, even if it is February!
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
WANT A HOUSE?
If you were wondering where to invest next and fancied purchasing property in the heart of Italy, I would recommend you visit the new Trasimeno Invest website. It is not yet totally finished but you can check out the Villa Romitorio to get an idea!
If you were wondering where to invest next and fancied purchasing property in the heart of Italy, I would recommend you visit the new Trasimeno Invest website. It is not yet totally finished but you can check out the Villa Romitorio to get an idea!
Friday, February 03, 2006
LOST AND FOUND
Suffering from terrible stomach cramps, Paola was rushed to hospital with suspected appendicitis. When she got to the best, biggest and newest clinic in Perugia, they decided that was not the problem. Emptied out and thoroughly cleaned, she was examined, prodded and sniffed by a variety of doctors, one of which found a lump. A lump, a cyst, three centimetres across. At this stage, Paola expected tests to figure out what the offending ping pong ball was and where it was located precisely. Instead she got lots of antibiotics and painkillers, eventually to be dismissed with a recommendation to go private to figure out what was wrong with her… nice to know that staying in hospital for nearly a week was totally pointless. Unsure if the cyst was gynaecological or intestinal, she booked appointments with the best specialists in both fields. After worrying herself sick, the date of the appointment with the gynaecologist finally arrived. Bracing herself for the worst, she entered the practice. Within 15 minutes, the doctor had defined that the cyst was in fact one of her ovaries…
Suffering from terrible stomach cramps, Paola was rushed to hospital with suspected appendicitis. When she got to the best, biggest and newest clinic in Perugia, they decided that was not the problem. Emptied out and thoroughly cleaned, she was examined, prodded and sniffed by a variety of doctors, one of which found a lump. A lump, a cyst, three centimetres across. At this stage, Paola expected tests to figure out what the offending ping pong ball was and where it was located precisely. Instead she got lots of antibiotics and painkillers, eventually to be dismissed with a recommendation to go private to figure out what was wrong with her… nice to know that staying in hospital for nearly a week was totally pointless. Unsure if the cyst was gynaecological or intestinal, she booked appointments with the best specialists in both fields. After worrying herself sick, the date of the appointment with the gynaecologist finally arrived. Bracing herself for the worst, she entered the practice. Within 15 minutes, the doctor had defined that the cyst was in fact one of her ovaries…