Every day is different, with moments of delight

 

 

 The paparazzi are everywhere, including Spello.

Bill, Gordon, Karen and Marg enjoyed a snack at our favourite cafe in Spello.

Delightful Gianni the handyman revarnishing the doors, windows and shutters. He used to be a TV program director.  It's hard to make a living in Italy.

 

 

A gelato a day keeps the doctor away.

 

So does a pizza!



 

Marlena di Blasi, author of a favourite book of ours 'A thousand days in Venice', was spotted chatting with her husband and friend in a cafe at Orvieto.

 

Italy, centre of the fashion world!

 

The duomo at Orvieto always takes our breath away.

 

We said a sad farewell to Karen, Bill and Gordon in the morning ...

 

... and then greeted Elinor, Mattie & David that afternoon, with nibblies on the terrace. The weather has been kind to us.

 

Birgitta's 50th birthday present from us - a fine Merino wool wrap from Goulburn, Australia. We enjoyed sharing her birthday at Livia's restaurant with a few of her friends.

 

Hey hey the gang's all here at Spello. From left: David, Mattie, Elinor, Jo and Greg, and Julie and Rob - again at our favourite garden terrace cafe.

 

How's this for a view? Spying through the foyer of a hotel in Spello.

 

Vespa: a common mode of transport

 

What (Italian and Australian) men do best. The blokes occupy themselves while the women shop.

(Someone give them a pack of cards...)

 

 

Sculpures are scattered around Spoleto. Mattie and David test out one of them. Mattie assures us the back wheel was bent before she sat on it.

 

 

We visited the antique and collectable markets at Spoleto.

 

Mr Grumpy's scores again! Great Umbrian food at a reasonable price, only 5 minutes down the road.

 

A Deruta classic. For music and ceramic lovers the world over.

 

Our neighbour's dog Luna spends quite a bit of time here. She's lapping up pats here from Mattie. Rob is somewhat bemused by the cheek of this Italian pooch!

 

We spent a lovely day in Montepulciano, a good day for the Italian economy.

 

Salute!

 

Marg was serenaded by owner Pier as she lazed on the couch at his Restorante Degli Archi at Montepulciano.

 

Can we ever tire of the views in Italy?

 

Sightseeing has been nicely interspersed with quiet moments at our paradise in Paradiso.

 

 

The old town of Cortona in Tuscany is charming and sensational views over the valley.

 

 

A short stop for coffee...

 

 

The end of another wonderful day in Italy.