London is undoubtedly the busiest and most complex city I have ever visited. I am glad I got to spend some time there but a second future visit is in order. These are some things I learned. I am usually so good about investigating new places; I did not do my usual work and it … More Lessons Learned from London
Our first trip to London, what an eye-opener! This is undoubtedly the busiest city I have ever visited and that includes New York and Rome. Cars, buses, and bicycles speed through the narrow streets of this city that easily blends the old with the new. We began our day with a walk across London Tower … More Tower, Thames, and Time Piece, Oh, My!
One of the nice things about where we live in Italy is its closeness to many different areas. Mike has been to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, a beautiful town in Bavaria, several times but never has had time to be a tourist. So we decided a road trip was in order. The area is surrounded by mountains, … More A Road Trip: Destination Bavaria
This is the fourth summer we have spent at our modest home in Umbertide. By this time little rituals have sprung forth. At the Wednesday market, we chose from the various multi-colored petunias and geraniums deciding on the perfect ones to sit outside in the window boxes located on each floor of the building. This … More The Fourth Time’s a Charm!
I have wanted to visit France since my two years of French instruction in high school. Being Italian though, Italy came first. This summer I finally was able to travel through this beautiful country. Whereas Italy takes you back to the Romans, France seems to have settled on the middle ages. Rolling hills and farmland … More Impressions of France
Today is a holiday in Italy. It is the day that commemorates Italy becoming a republic. Somewhat like our Fourth of July. In Umbertide they celebrate with a dog show. No, it is not Westminster. The dogs and there were many of them are family pets, most of the indistinguishable breeds. Italians are just as … More June 2nd
After a challenging and most stressful year, we arrived much too tired in our home away from home in Italy. The house has not changed and we welcomed the serenity it offers. After a couple of hours of restorative sleep, our first thought was of food. Laura, a neighbor, has a wonderful restaurant a block … More Welcome to Summer, Italian Style
We received an invitation to an art show about 45 minutes north of Umbertide. The exhibition was located in a palazzo (palace) in the center of the historic district. It is only open to the public once a year, so in addition to seeing paintings, we were able to glimpse a little bit of an … More Another Saturday Night in Umbria
Across the street from our house in Umbertide is a piazza. It is an excellent place to walk to see people enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine. Recently I discovered the area is actually made up of two piazzas. The second one looks like a parking lot but upon inspection, this seemingly common … More Piazza April 25th
I am a list maker. I can’t get through my day-to-day life without them, experiencing an exquisite thrill as I check off each to-do. I am making progress. Therefore despite the fact that there is no time to do nothing, beauty abounds, and the culture encourages the art of enjoying the moment, I am somewhat … More Learning to Relax