Arezzo, Deruta and Orvieto

Men in tights, ladies in long dresses and knights with big helmets, that's how I would describe Arezzo. The weather was perfect and the sight colourful and spectacular as the medieval procession passed by us. What a great way for Vicki & Graeme to get taste of Italy.

Marg was our driver this time (we all want to drive our 'limo', a flash new Renault Scenic) and succeeded in taking us over the mountains coming home thanks to Minnie (alias our GPS). Poor Lizzie was just not up to coming but has seen hundreds of photos and videos all 4 of us took.     

On Monday we arrived at ceramics-capital Deruta shortly before lunch. This was good as we started spending money the moment we stepped foot in the first shop in the old town. Some shopkeepers remembered us fondly from previous visits, and we could see them rubbing their hands in glee as we mentioned 8 more weeks and guests.  We had lunch at our favourite cafe and ordered our favourite goats cheese salad with nuts ('nats' in the English menu) as a starter. Memories flooded back and all those who come will be taken there to get a taste bud fix!

We spent so much time in the old town that there wasn't time to head down to our old friend Mr Tomassini's factory. Something saved for another day. On the way home we stopped at a modern shopping centre. It has at least 50 shops and one almighty big kmarty thing. It was so big Marg, Graeme and Lizzy disappeared for over 1/2 hour just to buy light globes!!! On the way home Marg thought it a good idea to visit the fort at the top of Assisi to get the view at sunset. Graeme was the appointed driver this day and she failed to inform him that what goes up on narrow roads also has to come down along even more narrow roads. Getting through the first gate was a close shave (all side mirrors in please) and then watch out for pedestrians who have no where else to walk except the road. With sweat pouring from him Graeme negotiated the adventure well and now considers himself an initiated Italian!

The weather forecast said rain was possible on Tuesday but we were pleased it did not eventuate as we spent a day in the lovely city of Orvieto. Unfortunately the funiculare train was out of order so we had to catch a bus all the way up. A bus the size of a Ford truck then took us where we have never been before. Along even narrower roads, rounding sharp corners and missing them by a hair. Wow what precision driving. Finally we arrived and promptly had to have a coffee and pastry to recover. That done we headed for the Duomo. Marg & I have seen it many times but its magnificence still takes our breathe away. Marg added another 100 photos to the ones we've taken before of the cathedral (note from Marg - exaggeration, only 50!). Vicki & Graeme headed for a tour of the underground caves while Lizzy joined Marg inside.

I wisely remained outside so I could pat as many dogs as I could. Then it was time for lunch of course!  For the remainder of our time in Orvieto Vicki & Graeme climbed the clock tower to get a stupendous view over the city, Lizzy shopped, Marg walked around the maze of little streets taking still more photos and I went looking for more dogs.

Around 5 we met up again and after another coffee shot we headed back to the bus. Marg checked the destination with the bus driver in Italian who assured us this was the right bus to catch. For a while we had our doubts as we headed off in a completely different direction than the route we had entered the city. When we saw a sign to Arezzo we assumed the bus driver was either completely mad or was kidnapping us. Lizzy was about to panic when we turned into the main carpark of the railway station where our car was parked.  A longer-than-intended stop at a supermercato to stock up on wine and edibles, and I then very kindly took them the long route home, arriving around 8pm - dinner of antipasto and wine (of course), review of photos and then an early night.

Today we all spent a quiet morning at home and now Graeme has kindly taken Vicki and Lizzy to see Spello - and pick up some more wine!

Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of condolences. Marg was very fragile on Monday thinking about the funeral and has shed a few tears over the past days, especially when she has read your kind thoughts. Her sister Joan sent a detailed report about the funeral service which helped Marg feel she was a part of it. Hopefully the peace of Eremo Paradiso will bring her comfort.

I am now cooking roast pork for dinner! Wish you were here?

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.

Less than 3 weeks to go!

Got our international driving licences, mowed the lawns, we're almost ready to fly off to wonderful Italy on 2nd of September.  And we're ridiculously excited!  It's hard to believe we'll be sitting on this terrace at Eremo Paradiso this time in 3 weeks...