artnbarb
1000+ Posts
It feels as if half my life is spent waiting for the time we spend in Italy, and the wait is almost over! We're spending a few days in DC to visit our granddaughters, then we'll fly to Edinburgh for 5 nights. I love all things Scottish - the accents, the kilts, and of course, bagpipes. It's been many years since we've been to Scotland, and altho 5 nights is waaay to short a visit, it was the best I could do. The festival and the Tattoo are going on, so there will be plenty to see and do. We're staying in an Air B&B room that looks amazing, and I'll report back after we get settled.
After Scotland we fly to Italy for 11 glorious weeks! We're staying in a new place this year because the friend we usually stay with has downsized. It took a lot of research but after a lot of emails (many unanswered), we finally found an apartment that seems perfect. The location is great (off the E45, but not as far off as we were in San Venanzo), and the family owns both a restaurant and a deli, so they're definitely our kind of people. So far communication with them has been great, and I'll be anxious to report back. We're renting a one BR apt for €450/month, plus utilities. Additionally they'll clean the apartment and change the linens every week, meaning all we'll have to worry about is washing our clothes. Although our apartment doesn't have a washing machine, there's a laundromat just down the street, so I'm not too concerned. The apartment does have AC, and we'll use it if we have to to sleep, but the cheapskate side of me is hoping the heatwave has passed by the time we arrive.
I've spent the last 3 months getting in shape, walking every morning, working out every other day, and so far I've lost about 18 lbs. At this point I'm dreaming of all the incredible food we're going to have in Italy - gelato, porchetta, pizza and pasta! Last year I lost 5 pounds during our stay, and I'm hoping I can do the same this year - but OTOH, if I just stay the same I'll be incredibly happy! I'll be posting on FB since I can post pictures right from my phone. Thanks for all your advice and encouragement!
After Scotland we fly to Italy for 11 glorious weeks! We're staying in a new place this year because the friend we usually stay with has downsized. It took a lot of research but after a lot of emails (many unanswered), we finally found an apartment that seems perfect. The location is great (off the E45, but not as far off as we were in San Venanzo), and the family owns both a restaurant and a deli, so they're definitely our kind of people. So far communication with them has been great, and I'll be anxious to report back. We're renting a one BR apt for €450/month, plus utilities. Additionally they'll clean the apartment and change the linens every week, meaning all we'll have to worry about is washing our clothes. Although our apartment doesn't have a washing machine, there's a laundromat just down the street, so I'm not too concerned. The apartment does have AC, and we'll use it if we have to to sleep, but the cheapskate side of me is hoping the heatwave has passed by the time we arrive.
I've spent the last 3 months getting in shape, walking every morning, working out every other day, and so far I've lost about 18 lbs. At this point I'm dreaming of all the incredible food we're going to have in Italy - gelato, porchetta, pizza and pasta! Last year I lost 5 pounds during our stay, and I'm hoping I can do the same this year - but OTOH, if I just stay the same I'll be incredibly happy! I'll be posting on FB since I can post pictures right from my phone. Thanks for all your advice and encouragement!