We've arrived!

Passing the hours at KL airport

Why does everything taste more delicious in Italy?

Cheese, wine and good company under the Umbrian sun.

3 hour wait at Sydney airport + 8 hour flight to Kuala Lumpur + 4 hours in KL airport + 12 hour flight to Rome + 4 hours to collect car and connect with Liz arriving on later flight from Rome + 2 hour drive to Assisi + 30 mins shopping for basic supplies + 20 mins driving and WE ARRIVED AT EREMO PARADISO AT LAST!  It's as beautiful as we remembered.  We've enjoyed seeing Vicki, Graeme and Liz quickly fall for the enchantment of this place.  Lunching on cheeses, bread, salami and cherry tomatoes under the grapevines was a great introduction to Italy.

I received sad news during the journey here however.  My sister called not long before we boarded in Sydney to let me know our elderly mother's condition had deteriorated, and when I arrived in KL, she rang to let me know mum had passed away that afternoon.  I was in a dilemma to know what to do, but decided that mum would have wanted me to continue my holiday.  My beautiful family have supported me in this.  They have kept me informed about the arrangements - the funeral will be in Monday - and we'll gather to scatter mum's ashes when I return.  We're all glad for mum's sake that she's gone. Life held little joy for her anymore.

Our first full day in Umbria was interesting.  Poor Liz had been suffereing from a raging sore throat for several days and needed to see a doctor, so she and I spent the morning at Assisi 'ospedale' (hospital) - we were very impressed by their efficiency and care.  She's now hoping the antibiotics kick in quickly.  Meanwhile Jan picked up some fresh fruit and vegies at the Saturday morning Assisi market while Vicki and Graeme started exploring Assisi.  There was much to-ing and fro-ing as we met up at different points. The usual weekend crowds didn't detract at all from Assisi's charms.  Graeme cooked up delicious meatballs and spaghetti and we were soon in bed.  (It's now 5.40am - I'm not yet back into a normal sleep pattern...)

Today we're heading for Arezzo and the spectacle of their 'palio', a medieval jousting event involving the whole town.  We're expecting lots of beautiful costumes and impressive knights on horses with their helmet bearers walking alongside. 

Off to bed now. Ciao.