Reports from friends and friends of friends all over Europe at least confirm that the weather has been unseasonably cold and ridiculous everywhere so we are not being individually targeted. That's a relief. And I did manage to read all of Dan Brown's newest novel in just two days. So there is that.
But, yesterday (Sunday) was the best day so far. We weren't just trying to snag an elusive few hours of decent weather out of an entire day but rather enjoyed a complete day of clear and bright and sunny weather. We took off to enjoy the countryside (which is always gorgeous but more so when you can really appreciate - read 'see' - the expanse of the vistas) and headed for Montepulciano. This time I carried the umbrellas as an insurance policy but never had to use them!
We arrived around 10:30A and strolled to the Piazza Grande where we stumbled upon some sort of car show primarily showcasing Ferrari's (maybe 30 or so) jammed into the square but also featured some other little classic cars on the adjoining street. The size of the Ferrari's immediately made me ponder why Italians would make cars so big when they make their streets so small. And sure enough the problem that causes became clearly apparent after lunch when we saw traffic stopped as two guys directed one after another of the cars down a wee side street, placed a big piece of cardboard under the front bumper to protect it from the pavement when it bottomed out, and then helped the driver navigate the tight little 'sharp right turn' (as our GPS systems like to call them).
Anyway, back at the Piazza we didn't want to pass up an opportunity to sit out and enjoy the weather so we paused for a drink and some people watching as the bells tolled. That's when I saw this woman out walking her pet. In the States there's a new push for providing enrichment for indoor cats by taking them our for walks or encased in little net-covered baby strollers. I guess what's good for the cat is good for the rabbit!
Afterwards we strolled some more, took in some vistas, did some wine tasting, stopped in some shops and then found lunch in the Piazza Michelozzo under the Torre di Pulcinella.
Miraculously, when we got back to Todi it was STILL sunny. So we had a little gelato at the café down at the Tempio della Consolazione. Then Michael and I even strolled back up to the Piazza del Popolo only to find that this town really comes alive on a sunny Sunday. There were people everywhere. Dogs of every breed. Children running about. And a little brass band playing. So we sat down and had a drink and some chips and watched the world go by some more. The band quit playing but didn't disperse so we kept a watchful eye on them. The next thing we knew the band started playing and the doors of the Cathedral opened and then priests and altar boys and more priests and banners and flags and sacred hosts and the entire congregation came out for a procession through the town. There was even a woman showering them with flower petals from a fourth floor window. It was quite a little celebration and another good end to a day.
But, yesterday (Sunday) was the best day so far. We weren't just trying to snag an elusive few hours of decent weather out of an entire day but rather enjoyed a complete day of clear and bright and sunny weather. We took off to enjoy the countryside (which is always gorgeous but more so when you can really appreciate - read 'see' - the expanse of the vistas) and headed for Montepulciano. This time I carried the umbrellas as an insurance policy but never had to use them!
We arrived around 10:30A and strolled to the Piazza Grande where we stumbled upon some sort of car show primarily showcasing Ferrari's (maybe 30 or so) jammed into the square but also featured some other little classic cars on the adjoining street. The size of the Ferrari's immediately made me ponder why Italians would make cars so big when they make their streets so small. And sure enough the problem that causes became clearly apparent after lunch when we saw traffic stopped as two guys directed one after another of the cars down a wee side street, placed a big piece of cardboard under the front bumper to protect it from the pavement when it bottomed out, and then helped the driver navigate the tight little 'sharp right turn' (as our GPS systems like to call them).
Anyway, back at the Piazza we didn't want to pass up an opportunity to sit out and enjoy the weather so we paused for a drink and some people watching as the bells tolled. That's when I saw this woman out walking her pet. In the States there's a new push for providing enrichment for indoor cats by taking them our for walks or encased in little net-covered baby strollers. I guess what's good for the cat is good for the rabbit!
Afterwards we strolled some more, took in some vistas, did some wine tasting, stopped in some shops and then found lunch in the Piazza Michelozzo under the Torre di Pulcinella.
No comments:
Post a Comment