Ciao!
Last week we moved from the farmhouse to inside the walls of Siena. We are just around the corner from the Gothic Duomo. Our bedrooms looks out over the 13th century San Dominico (where St. Catherine's head and fingers are......... a little creepy but ironic. Georgia Catherine is named after my grandma (Catherine) who was named after St. Catherine. Plus, Catherine is my baptismal name). It snowed our first night here........beautiful. As I was sticking my head out the kitchen window looking down on Vallepiatta, our very small and quiet cobble stone street, a woman from an apartment across the way opened her window, then her green wooden shutters, stuck her head out and started yelling, "Neve bella, neve bella!!" (translation.........beautiful snow, beautiful snow). Later that night as we walked the streets of Siena and were just around the corner from our apartment, a little boy ran out of a tiny family run restaurant yelling, "Neve, neve, neve" as he tried to catch snowflakes on his tongue. It was the first snow of the year. It didn't stick but it was magical coming down over this enchanted medieval city.
We've only been here a week and out of that week my mom and I went to Venice and Rome, so I really haven't had much time to get to know the town. I haven't yet found my favorites like a produce market, cheese shop, bread shop, cafe, or general market. Aric, on the other hand, has yet to leave since we've been here so he has established some relationships. Well, at least two. He likes the people at the little pizzaria down the street and the woman at the produce market just around the corner. I have found that the people here are not as friendly as those in Lucca. Maybe it's because it's bigger and more touristy. Last Wednesday was the lighting of the Christmas tree and all the lights that drape over the narrow streets and steep alleys. It was magical. A marching band paraded through the streets playing Christmas music, which, by the way, was delayed due to a college protest. We couldn't understand the signs but they were a HUGE group (at least 3 city blocks long) and all looked rather peaceful (a lot of tie-dye and dreads..........not to be stereotypical or anything).
Today we went to a big market at the Piazza Del Campo, one of Italy's largest piazza that was constructed back in the 1100's. Half was arts and crafts and the other half was wine, cheese, meats (prosciutto and salami), produce, honey, and bread. It's set up just as a market would be hundreds of years ago with wood and canvas vender booths and tables covered with old flour sacks.
We had a great time at the farmhouse. We became good friends with both Clizia (who's in charge of the farmhouses and visitors) and Francesco (who's in charge of the olives and all the property). Clizia taught me how to make strudel, home-made pasta, mushroom risotto, and chocolate cake (I'll be needing a seatbelt extension for the plane ride home!). Aric has mastered the worlds best bread and pizza dough........ who wants to come over for dinner when we get home?!?!?!
Francesco taught Aric how to pick olives. It's not quite like you'd think. I thought you'd climb up an old hand made wooden ladder with a fabric lined basket and sing "that's amore" while you preciously picked each olive individually with love. NOPE! Francesco (and many Italians) hire filipino helpers to pick the olives. Well, actually........shake the olives. They use these things that look like rakes with long handles that are powered by a loud generator. They lay a giant net blanket around the base of the tree and run the "electric rake" over each individual branch until every olive has been shaken/shook (which is it?) off the tree. They dump all the olives into a big bin on the back of the tractor and move to the next tree. Every four days they take the olives to the olive crusher to make the olive oil. Aric was lucky enough to go with Francesco and see this process. I'm hoping to go in the next week or so.
Speaking of olive picking and pickers, I have a funny story for you.......
Francesco hired three guys from the Philippines to pick olives. They stayed in the smallest cottage at the edge of the property. Picking all the olives takes about 3-4 weeks (you can't pick olives if it rains or the olives are wet from fog). One night we were sitting by the fire talking when we saw something go by the front door/windows (the whole front of the farmhouse was windows). We both looked and commented that we saw something. Now, we are the only people on this property (out in the middle of no-where, literally!) except for Francesco, who we knew was gone that night. So, all of you who know me and know me well, know that mind can go to some dark places! Moments later we see a silhouette of a man holding something long and pointy outside our door. Aric opens the door and there are 2 of the men that are helping pick the olives. One of them is holding a long stick that was carved with a point at the end. Yes, a spear!!! I thought for sure we were getting slaughtered that night! Aric didn't think anything of it. It turns out that they were looking for Francesco (who's home was in front of ours). As for the harpoon, they were using it for protection. Wild boar roam the property at night and since they had to walk in the dark across the property (about a mile) they wanted to be protected. Not only that but they said that is how they hunt boar in the Philippines. They had asked Francesco if it were okay to hunt one and they were given the okay. We never did find out if they caught one........ hopefully not. As for me, I didn't sleep well that night.
Georgia and Francesca are doing great and continue to adjust to our new living situations. Aric and the girls hung Christmas lights all around the apartment. Our little Elf on the Shelf (Frosty) is visiting us this month and we are on day 4 of the advent calendar (well, I guess everyone is:)). This year we have decided Georgia advent calendar is about giving and receiving, not just receiving. Somedays she receives little chocolates, stickers, or an ornament. On other days she receives a little note that asks her to do something for someone else (read her sister a book, help make dinner, make a holiday card for someone, etc).
It is wonderful to be in Italy during the holidays. It is not a consumer holiday to the extreme but more about the true celebration and festivities. As I sit here surrounded by strands of Christmas lights, red and green candles, and holiday music, I feel blessed to have this experience with my family. I have been a little (okay, A LOT!) homesick this month. The month of December is usually filled with our annual Santa party, dinners with girlfriends, 4 separate family celebrations (the pros of both coming from divorced families), Santa's sleigh ride up in Loomis, 10 cousins running around Grams and Pop's with their new pj's, baking with my mom, and of course Christmas day. A day when our house fills up with family and their families. It's a time of year that I have always loved appreciated. You are loved, appreciated and missed!
So much love to you,
--Tracy
xo
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Week 2 at the Farmhouse
This place is magical. We wake up to the sun rising over the olive orchards and rolling hills off in the distance. There are often jack rabbits on the lawn also watching the sun come up. We thought the girls would be sleeping in since it is so quiet and the wood shutters make the rooms pitch black. But no, they've actually been waking up between 5:00-6:15am......yikes! The first 20 minutes of the early rise is a bit torturous but once the coffee's in hand all is good and well. Our days consist of relaxing, reading books, playing matching games, running through the olive groves and puddles, playing soccer on the lawn between storms, painting, cooking (a lot!) and of course, roll playing. Georgia's favorite movies are the Toy Story series so we see a lot of Jessie and Buzz around here. Yesterday, Georgia came out of the bathroom with no pants or underwear on, her elephant pajama top, down jacket, ski hat, a beaded necklace that she strung earlier that morning, her butterfly backpack, a plastic bag on each foot (the kind that are next to most Italian toilets for feminine hygiene disposal), and yelling, "Yeeeeee Haaawww!" She was apparently Jessie but we didn't see a resemblance. I think I know what her Halloween costume will be next year!
Last week we drove to the town of Cortona (where Under The Tuscan Sun took place). It sits on top a very high hill and is just beautiful! It just happen to be one of those days where Georgia was whining about everything and when she didn't get her way she would cry. And cry. And cry. Francesca did not want to be in the stroller and when she walks, she does NOT want to be told where to go (hmmmm, wonder where she get that?). When you try to guide her, she just quietly lays on the ground. First of all..........YUCK! Second of all.......... we have our hands full! But then she smiles and melts our hearts (ya, we're suckers!). For whatever the reason, on this day, I did not have the patients I am known to have. I WAS DONE, to put it lightly. I had to keep telling myself that every mother has these days and it's okay. I think I'll go back with my mom when she comes next week. It was such a charming walled town with views of vineyards, olive farms, churches, and rolling hills filled with Italian cypress trees that lined driveways to old villas. Autumn in Tuscany is full of passionate and energetic reds, yellows and oranges, so the rolling hills are pieces of art right now.
We are heading into Siena now. I'll post more in the next two days.
Much love to you all.
xoxo
Pictures of our adventure.....
http://web.me.com/tquackenbush/Site_3/Italy.html
Last week we drove to the town of Cortona (where Under The Tuscan Sun took place). It sits on top a very high hill and is just beautiful! It just happen to be one of those days where Georgia was whining about everything and when she didn't get her way she would cry. And cry. And cry. Francesca did not want to be in the stroller and when she walks, she does NOT want to be told where to go (hmmmm, wonder where she get that?). When you try to guide her, she just quietly lays on the ground. First of all..........YUCK! Second of all.......... we have our hands full! But then she smiles and melts our hearts (ya, we're suckers!). For whatever the reason, on this day, I did not have the patients I am known to have. I WAS DONE, to put it lightly. I had to keep telling myself that every mother has these days and it's okay. I think I'll go back with my mom when she comes next week. It was such a charming walled town with views of vineyards, olive farms, churches, and rolling hills filled with Italian cypress trees that lined driveways to old villas. Autumn in Tuscany is full of passionate and energetic reds, yellows and oranges, so the rolling hills are pieces of art right now.
We are heading into Siena now. I'll post more in the next two days.
Much love to you all.
xoxo
Pictures of our adventure.....
http://web.me.com/tquackenbush/Site_3/Italy.html
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Farmhouse outside Siena
We've arrived at our new home. We are living in a cottage/farmhouse that sits on a 15 acre olive farm on top a hill that looks out over the valleys of Tuscany. We got a little lost on our way from Lucca to here, so when we arrived it was pitch dark and pouring rain. This morning we woke up to birds singing and rabbits outside our door. We are about 20 miles south of Siena. When you pull off the road to head up our driveway you almost have to put the car in 4-wheel drive to get to the top. It's a long, windy dirt road.....about a mile and half to the top. When we get to the top, there's a giant iron gate to the farmhouse. Once we get through the gate there's a long driveway lined with Italian cypress trees. It's truly picture perfect. Our cottage/farmhouse is two bedrooms, one bath. It's small and cozy, just the way I like it. And......IT'S CLEAN!!! Yahooooooo! The last place was so dirty, no matter how much we cleaned it, it never felt clean. Although, I am thankful for that experience. Every place we stay at now will seem like a gem in comparison. Plus, it was in the perfect location in Lucca. I loved my morning cappuccino place, Cafe Montecatini. The couple who own it have owned it since the early 70's. It's the two of them from 7am-9pm, 6 days a week and they always seem so happy to be together. It felt good to be a part of that. Plus, only locals went to this particular cafe. All the tourist went to the fancy one across the street. I loved getting to know the people and seeing the same ones every morning. The wife would give Georgia a Hello Kitty chocolate square every time she came with me. If she wasn't with me, they gave me a Lindt (Italian chocolate) chocolate umbrella to bring home to her. I loved my produce place that was actually a couple doors down from the cafe. This place is also owned by a husband and wife team (as I think most businesses in Lucca are). The husband worked the morning shift. As I would sit under the red umbrella at Cafe Montecatini drinking my cappuccino and eating my croissant, the husband of the produce market would be unloading all the produce from his van and wheeling it into the shop. He couldn't have been but 5 feet tall (if that) and would check out every woman, from head to toe, as they walked by. His wife, who worked the afternoon shift was at least 6 inches taller, about 50 pounds heavier, and hardly ever cracked a smile. I guess I'd be checking them out too. He was such a nice guy. When I bought tomatoes he would throw a handful of basil in the bag and tell me (in very fast Italian) that the tomatoes would taste much better with a touch of basil. When I bought raw beans he would throw a couple bay leaves in the bag and tell me (again, in very fast Italian) that it would be perfection if I cooked the beans with the bay leaves. He would always talk to me with such passion, as if I understood Italian. I would just smile and nod and occasionally laugh out loud wishing someone were there to witness this experience. I loved being able to walk out the door and be with in a 5 minute walk from anything and everything we needed. I loved the cobble stone streets and getting our drinking water from the lions mouth (the fountains were lions with the water spewing from their mouths). I loved the 3 mile walk around the wall, especially as fall arrived. The yellows, golds, and reds were so vibrant and abundant. I loved having Isa (I've been spelling it wrong.......it's Isa not Esa) and Benny around. Isa calls us her "adopted family". I loved going to the parks with Georgia and Francesca and watching Georgia interact with children that spoke only Italian. It's fascinating to watch children interact with no language............they don't need the language to connect. Now we have a giant park just outside our front door (minus all the kids). This morning we woke up, put on our rain boots, walked through the olive orchard and stomped in some really big puddles that the last storm left behind. Actually, Georgia stomped in the puddles, Francesca stomped on a very large ant farm. There's no cafe for miles so I've learned (actually, Aric has) to make an exceptional cup of coffee using the Italian style coffee pot (a cast-iron percolator). We went to the farmers market in Siena and stocked up on fruits and veggies and the grocery store for everything else. It's the first time we've "stocked up". We are thoroughly relaxing and enjoying this experience. I've been cooking lunches of homemade beans and zucchini frittata and dinners of homemade marinara sauce, soups and sauteed veggies. Aric and I've both lost a few pounds and we can't figure out how. We eat like kings and queens and drink a bottle of vino a night. The best part is eating fabulous cheeses, sipping on exceptional wine, listening to a combination of David Gray, Norah Jones, Bobby D, Diana Krall, Rusted Root, Eddie Vedder and hints of Kanye West, Jay-Z, Timberland, and B.o.B while making dinner for my family.
Aric and the girls are outside now playing in the puddles, running through the olive orchards and picking finferli/giannnarelle mushrooms with Clezia (the property manager). Looks like I'll be making some kind of mushroom dish tonight.
Much love to you.........wishing you a day full of love and laughter.
I've posted more pics under October and added a November page, so you can check out our new pad........ here's the site.....
http://web.me.com/tquackenbush/Site_3/November_2010.html
Aric and the girls are outside now playing in the puddles, running through the olive orchards and picking finferli/giannnarelle mushrooms with Clezia (the property manager). Looks like I'll be making some kind of mushroom dish tonight.
Much love to you.........wishing you a day full of love and laughter.
I've posted more pics under October and added a November page, so you can check out our new pad........ here's the site.....
http://web.me.com/tquackenbush/Site_3/November_2010.html
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Lucca - week 4
I've spent the last 2 weeks blogging a little bit every day to catch up. Three days ago I was finally ready to publish. I hit "Publish Post" and everything was gone. Yes, gone! Not sure what happened but I just got the time and energy to retype it all again. Lesson learned................ publish as a I go, even if it's just a little:)
So, last time I left off with going to Benny and Esa's for homemade pizza and vino. Benny and Esa have this amazing remodeled farmhouse just outside the walls of Lucca (about 2 miles). It's, by no means fancy, but it's the authentic Tuscan farmhouse you'd see in a movie or in a travel magazine. Benny made 5 different kinds of pizza. He'd make one and we'd eat that while he made the next. Meanwhile, the vino is flowing. Georgia ran around the house picking up every picture frame, admiring Benny and Esa's family photos while Francesca played on a 300 year old oversized scale that sat in their kitchen (they collect old farmhouse antiques). Aric helped Benny by cutting thinly sliced tomatoes and mozzarella. I helped by drinking vino and chasing after the kids.
We sat (not all at once until the very last pizza) at their farm table that seats 10-12 people (very common here). After our bellies were full of incredible pizza we sat back and enjoyed one another's company. Shortly after, there was a knock at the door and in walked Jane and Ken with 2 different kinds of Italian desserts. It's now about 10:30pm (yes, the girls are starting to get a little too high maintenance ...........can't blame them!). Ken and Jane are a couple from the East Bay that moved to Lucca two years ago. This is where they've decided to spend their retired life. They don't speak a lick of Italian but seem to manage getting by with out using it (not sure how much the locals appreciate that). We sat around with them for another hour before the girls finally hit their breaking point.
A couple days later Benny and Esa invited us to join them for "a concert at a villa". Yep, that's all we were told. We enjoy their company so much that we didn't think twice before replying yes. They picked us up just outside the walls at 5:45pm. It's the first time since we've been here that we had to "dress-up". As we were driving through beautiful winding roads up into the hills outside Lucca, Benny proceeds to tell us that this villa we are going to rents for $20,000-$30,000 a week.............. A WEEK! Holy cow, we could live off that for a year (ok, well not quite but we should be able to:) At this point we are still not sure of what kind of music we will be hearing. We arrive at the villa about 25 minutes later. Someone met us to open the iron gates. We walk up a gravel driveway lined with Italian cypress trees and covered with ivy draped arches. At the end of this pathway was an ancient church/chapel that was part of the villa. Surrounding the church was the main villa (15 bedrooms, 2 kitchens, 2 dining rooms, and several living rooms), and several small villas (3-8 rooms) The central garden area was lit by candles as people served us wine, champagne, and appetizers. Benny and Esa gave us a tour of the grounds which consisted of a beautiful pool guarded by giant stone lions, tennis courts, and a beautiful olive orchard. Once the sun was completely set we were asked to step into the church for the concert. This is about the time when Francesca has had enough. She's known for her impeccable timing. Aric was invited to take Francesca into the main house to sit by the fire while I went into the church with Georgia, Benny and Esa. The church fit about 40 people and there were a few standing in the back (very intimate occasion). The church was lit by beautiful oversized candelabras (everywhere!). It was amazing. All of a sudden everyone is quiet and a dark handsome Italian man begins to sing...................opera. Now, I've never been one for opera but this was the most beautiful moment. The ambiance, the people, the place, and then to hear this amazing voice echo through an ancient church..........it brought me to tears and covered my body with goose bumps. It was just like the scene from Pretty Woman, when Richard Gere takes Julia Roberts to see the opera for the first time. It was so powerful it made her cry. Now, I'm still not one for opera, but that experience is one I will never forget and left a lasting impression on me. When the concert was over, I met Aric back inside the villa where he was exchanging numbers with one of the people who runs the villa. They do not have it rented through the winter due to the economy and needed someone there to watch over the place and pick the olives. (I forgot to mention the owners are English and go back to England during the winter.)
They offered this to us! Holy &*^%! We were beside ourselves! They asked us to come over the following Tuesday to discuss. So, now it's the following Tuesday................ we are running late (as usual). Aric is getting Francesca dressed and I am getting the diaper bag packed with diapers, snacks, toys etc. I hear Francesca start to cry and Aric say from the other room, "this outfit you picked out for her is a pain to get on!" Before we left I bought this adorable outfit hand-made by a woman in Petaluma. It's adorable but a little tricky with it's buttons and ties (sounds foo-foo but trust me, it's cute!). Well, Aric did not know to undo the buttons and tie (he thought they were just decoration). When he pulled Francesca's arm through the sleeve, she began to cry and then her arm went limp. He ran into the living room and told me he thought he had dislocated her shoulder when he was pulling her arm though the sleeve. We called Benny who called an ambulance (they are free and you don't have to sit in the waiting room when you arrive at the ER), then we called the people at the villa and told them we wouldn't be making it. Moments later the ambulance arrives. We tried to explain the best we could in Italian what happened but found it better to just do charades. They had me hold her arm like it was in a sling and off we went. Georgia was silent. Both because she was amazed to be in an ambulance and because she was scared and worried for her sister (who was still crying). Once we arrived at the ER they took us right in. Thankfully so, because the ER was slammed with people. We were surrounded by at least 10 nurses all looking at her arm and speaking in Italian. It felt like they were saying, "What idiots! They dislocated their kids arm just getting them dressed..........ya right...........they beat their kids." Then they'd walk off and new nurses would show up. They'd mumble something, then look at us, then walk away again. Regardless, they were still very wonderful with Francesca and very concerned. Finally, the doctor arrived. He looked at her arm and said it was her elbow, not her her shoulder. He began to massage it and turn it (poor Francesca, she was screaming in pain). Then all of a sudden she stopped. They had us lay her down and hold her arm above her head for 5 minutes. After the five minutes was up, the doctor came back, held a cell phone in front of her and she grabbed it. Aric and I both started to cry. She was fixed! And you'd never know anything had happened. She was running around the ER playing with Georgia and the nurses and eating cookies. She was over it and ready to take on the world. Aric and I, on the other hand, were emotionally exhausted and scarred! The nurses and doctors were fantastic. They comforted Francesca then comforted us when it was all over and done with. Apparently, this is very common with children under the age of two. Their joins and ligaments are so soft that they pop out easily. Now we're overly cautious. As for that outfit..............well, Aric would love to burn it! I say, I'll be the one to put it on next time:)
We ended up going to the villa the following day. The people who owned it, as wonderful as they are, were drunk (pretty funny actually). Come to find out, they're always drunk. The place they wanted to us to stay in was one of the villas that is under construction. No sinks, no kitchen, no heat. Um..............no! They've since called and offered us the villa that the owner lives in when she's in Italy but we've decided to stay at a farmhouse just 30k from Siena. We move there on November 1.
Georgia is liking the Italian pre-school. She goes Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30-12:30. Aric drops her off and I pick her up. It's about a 5-10 minute bike ride away. She's made a couple of friends and loves her teacher. It's amazing how much Italian she understands. An old man began to talk to her in Italian the other day and she responded, "I live here in Lucca. Yes, I'm three." He obviously has asked her where she lived and that she must be three years old.
When I was growing up we had an exchange student from Germany live with us for one year. Her name is Regina. I was in 7th grade and she was a senior. I've only seen her once since, and that was 20 years ago. She has come to Lucca to visit us! It's been amazing to catch up and see her again. She is coming with us tonight to go to Benny and Esa's house for another fabulous night of home-made, brick oven pizzas!
During the last few weeks we've taken trips to Florence, Pisa and Siena. I'm out of time, I'll write about that next time. I've learned my lesson...............publish posts as I go!
Wishing you all lots of love and laughter.
Ciao
xo
So, last time I left off with going to Benny and Esa's for homemade pizza and vino. Benny and Esa have this amazing remodeled farmhouse just outside the walls of Lucca (about 2 miles). It's, by no means fancy, but it's the authentic Tuscan farmhouse you'd see in a movie or in a travel magazine. Benny made 5 different kinds of pizza. He'd make one and we'd eat that while he made the next. Meanwhile, the vino is flowing. Georgia ran around the house picking up every picture frame, admiring Benny and Esa's family photos while Francesca played on a 300 year old oversized scale that sat in their kitchen (they collect old farmhouse antiques). Aric helped Benny by cutting thinly sliced tomatoes and mozzarella. I helped by drinking vino and chasing after the kids.
We sat (not all at once until the very last pizza) at their farm table that seats 10-12 people (very common here). After our bellies were full of incredible pizza we sat back and enjoyed one another's company. Shortly after, there was a knock at the door and in walked Jane and Ken with 2 different kinds of Italian desserts. It's now about 10:30pm (yes, the girls are starting to get a little too high maintenance ...........can't blame them!). Ken and Jane are a couple from the East Bay that moved to Lucca two years ago. This is where they've decided to spend their retired life. They don't speak a lick of Italian but seem to manage getting by with out using it (not sure how much the locals appreciate that). We sat around with them for another hour before the girls finally hit their breaking point.
A couple days later Benny and Esa invited us to join them for "a concert at a villa". Yep, that's all we were told. We enjoy their company so much that we didn't think twice before replying yes. They picked us up just outside the walls at 5:45pm. It's the first time since we've been here that we had to "dress-up". As we were driving through beautiful winding roads up into the hills outside Lucca, Benny proceeds to tell us that this villa we are going to rents for $20,000-$30,000 a week.............. A WEEK! Holy cow, we could live off that for a year (ok, well not quite but we should be able to:) At this point we are still not sure of what kind of music we will be hearing. We arrive at the villa about 25 minutes later. Someone met us to open the iron gates. We walk up a gravel driveway lined with Italian cypress trees and covered with ivy draped arches. At the end of this pathway was an ancient church/chapel that was part of the villa. Surrounding the church was the main villa (15 bedrooms, 2 kitchens, 2 dining rooms, and several living rooms), and several small villas (3-8 rooms) The central garden area was lit by candles as people served us wine, champagne, and appetizers. Benny and Esa gave us a tour of the grounds which consisted of a beautiful pool guarded by giant stone lions, tennis courts, and a beautiful olive orchard. Once the sun was completely set we were asked to step into the church for the concert. This is about the time when Francesca has had enough. She's known for her impeccable timing. Aric was invited to take Francesca into the main house to sit by the fire while I went into the church with Georgia, Benny and Esa. The church fit about 40 people and there were a few standing in the back (very intimate occasion). The church was lit by beautiful oversized candelabras (everywhere!). It was amazing. All of a sudden everyone is quiet and a dark handsome Italian man begins to sing...................opera. Now, I've never been one for opera but this was the most beautiful moment. The ambiance, the people, the place, and then to hear this amazing voice echo through an ancient church..........it brought me to tears and covered my body with goose bumps. It was just like the scene from Pretty Woman, when Richard Gere takes Julia Roberts to see the opera for the first time. It was so powerful it made her cry. Now, I'm still not one for opera, but that experience is one I will never forget and left a lasting impression on me. When the concert was over, I met Aric back inside the villa where he was exchanging numbers with one of the people who runs the villa. They do not have it rented through the winter due to the economy and needed someone there to watch over the place and pick the olives. (I forgot to mention the owners are English and go back to England during the winter.)
They offered this to us! Holy &*^%! We were beside ourselves! They asked us to come over the following Tuesday to discuss. So, now it's the following Tuesday................ we are running late (as usual). Aric is getting Francesca dressed and I am getting the diaper bag packed with diapers, snacks, toys etc. I hear Francesca start to cry and Aric say from the other room, "this outfit you picked out for her is a pain to get on!" Before we left I bought this adorable outfit hand-made by a woman in Petaluma. It's adorable but a little tricky with it's buttons and ties (sounds foo-foo but trust me, it's cute!). Well, Aric did not know to undo the buttons and tie (he thought they were just decoration). When he pulled Francesca's arm through the sleeve, she began to cry and then her arm went limp. He ran into the living room and told me he thought he had dislocated her shoulder when he was pulling her arm though the sleeve. We called Benny who called an ambulance (they are free and you don't have to sit in the waiting room when you arrive at the ER), then we called the people at the villa and told them we wouldn't be making it. Moments later the ambulance arrives. We tried to explain the best we could in Italian what happened but found it better to just do charades. They had me hold her arm like it was in a sling and off we went. Georgia was silent. Both because she was amazed to be in an ambulance and because she was scared and worried for her sister (who was still crying). Once we arrived at the ER they took us right in. Thankfully so, because the ER was slammed with people. We were surrounded by at least 10 nurses all looking at her arm and speaking in Italian. It felt like they were saying, "What idiots! They dislocated their kids arm just getting them dressed..........ya right...........they beat their kids." Then they'd walk off and new nurses would show up. They'd mumble something, then look at us, then walk away again. Regardless, they were still very wonderful with Francesca and very concerned. Finally, the doctor arrived. He looked at her arm and said it was her elbow, not her her shoulder. He began to massage it and turn it (poor Francesca, she was screaming in pain). Then all of a sudden she stopped. They had us lay her down and hold her arm above her head for 5 minutes. After the five minutes was up, the doctor came back, held a cell phone in front of her and she grabbed it. Aric and I both started to cry. She was fixed! And you'd never know anything had happened. She was running around the ER playing with Georgia and the nurses and eating cookies. She was over it and ready to take on the world. Aric and I, on the other hand, were emotionally exhausted and scarred! The nurses and doctors were fantastic. They comforted Francesca then comforted us when it was all over and done with. Apparently, this is very common with children under the age of two. Their joins and ligaments are so soft that they pop out easily. Now we're overly cautious. As for that outfit..............well, Aric would love to burn it! I say, I'll be the one to put it on next time:)
We ended up going to the villa the following day. The people who owned it, as wonderful as they are, were drunk (pretty funny actually). Come to find out, they're always drunk. The place they wanted to us to stay in was one of the villas that is under construction. No sinks, no kitchen, no heat. Um..............no! They've since called and offered us the villa that the owner lives in when she's in Italy but we've decided to stay at a farmhouse just 30k from Siena. We move there on November 1.
Georgia is liking the Italian pre-school. She goes Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30-12:30. Aric drops her off and I pick her up. It's about a 5-10 minute bike ride away. She's made a couple of friends and loves her teacher. It's amazing how much Italian she understands. An old man began to talk to her in Italian the other day and she responded, "I live here in Lucca. Yes, I'm three." He obviously has asked her where she lived and that she must be three years old.
When I was growing up we had an exchange student from Germany live with us for one year. Her name is Regina. I was in 7th grade and she was a senior. I've only seen her once since, and that was 20 years ago. She has come to Lucca to visit us! It's been amazing to catch up and see her again. She is coming with us tonight to go to Benny and Esa's house for another fabulous night of home-made, brick oven pizzas!
During the last few weeks we've taken trips to Florence, Pisa and Siena. I'm out of time, I'll write about that next time. I've learned my lesson...............publish posts as I go!
Wishing you all lots of love and laughter.
Ciao
xo
Friday, October 1, 2010
Lucca - Week 2
It's been pouring rain for the last few days and the girls and I have been sick with a cold. So, needless to say, we've been a little home-bound and cooped up. Since my last blog we have found a pre-school for Georgia at a local Italian school just outside the walls. The school is in a home (more like a mansion) that was built back in the early 1800's. The playground is absolutely beautiful. It's very simple with a little playhouse, old swing (the kind where you sit facing someone and you have to push and pull the middle bar to get it to swing), a sand area, and a huge garden/lawn covered with hundred year old pine and magnolia trees. Their classroom is outside unless it is raining (just what we wanted for her). They only speak Italian to the kids except on Tuesday's when Deborah comes to teach them English. Georgia is not the only English speaking kid. I believe there are a couple others. There are about 10 kids total in the pre-school part. She absolutely loves it there and is excited to start. She seems to be craving the interaction with other kids and needs the stimulation.
Last week, our friends Benny and Isa took us over to their friends house for dinner. Wonderful people! But, let me explain the meal........
Remember, I am allergic to shell fish, don't eat regular fish, and hardly ever eat meat unless I know exactly where it came from. Aric, doesn't touch fish (except for tuna in the can) and is very picky when it comes to unfamiliar things. With that said, we arrive to Silvia and Poulo's house. Silvia spent all day cooking this very traditional Italian meal for Aric and I. It started with sardine bruschetta (tail, fins, head all included). Then came the octopus (with the suction cups) with chick peas (love chick peas). Following that, came fresh tuna (sorry Aric, not from a can) with potatoes (ok, not too far fetched). Lastly, were prawns in an olive oil and garlic sauce. Sitting out on the table were different varieties of prosciutto and salamis. Now, to you who love fish, this meal probably sounds fabulous. Again, remember us? Since I have an allergy to some fish, I was easily excused from eating this meal with out being rude. Aric, on the other hand, had no excuse (other than he doesn't like it). So, he had to try everything to not offend Silvia. Thank goodness no one was watching because he began to salivate and had to wait for the heaves to subside (poor guy!). We felt terrible! A lot of time, energy and love went into this meal. Silvia was so kind as to make Georgia and Francesca a plate of pasta with homemade marinara sauce........yummy! Georgia didn't finish hers so mom did! When we got home, Aric raced to the kitchen and devoured a bowl of cereal.
We bought Georgia a used bike. Pink with some kind of Italian characters on it (not sure), training wheels and a broken fender. She picked out a Buzz Light Year bell to go on the handle bars and a Hello Kitty helmet (Hello Kitty is BIG here!). She is just like her mom, very cautious until comfortable. It took her a few days but now she's roll'n! She rode it to get chocolate gelato after dinner last night.
As I was running on the walls the other day I saw six grown men (in their 60's) sitting around a picnic table. Every single one of them talking............not a one seemed to be listening! I actually slowed my run to a walk just to see how long this would go on. It went on! They were seriously talking and listening at the same time. Benny later told me that this was very common within the Italian culture. He said, in general, Italians are not good listeners. Hmmm, something I will continue to observe and get back to you on.....
Our apartment lies on the corner of a VERY busy road and the pathway to the high school. We constantly hear scooters, cars, horns, people chatting, and teenagers.......well, being teenagers. There is a very good restaurant (so we hear but have yet to go to) around the corner. The back door to their kitchen is just across from us so we hear the banging of pots and pans and the chatter of the chefs as they b.s. the night away. The other night they put their garbage outside the back door and left a pizza box right under the rain gutter.............. it was like a drum session! Oh, and just downstairs from our bedroom is a guy who seems to own a restoration business. He's refinishing doors and windows with of course all the noisy tools you need to restore stuff! He starts at 7:00am sharp! At first it was difficult to sleep with all the hustle bustle but it now has become dull background noise. Even Francesca (the lightest sleeper EVER) sleeps through most of the noises.
Speaking of teenagers.......... we hear them every morning and see them every afternoon when school gets out........... 95% of them smoke. It's crazy! Georgia keeps saying, "they need to go to time-out.......smoking's bad!". Besides that, I have to say, the teenagers here are so much more self confident and comfortable (if that makes sense). They seem so much more mature than the high schoolers/teenagers at home. Not sure what it is but I'm guessing it' the culture. Overall, people seem more self confident here. Women walk around with way more sex appeal and assertiveness than we do and men with way more conviction.
No one is super sweet but yet no one is disrespectful (well, maybe not no-one but most). There are a lot (I mean a lot!) of cars and bikes in this small town and we all share the same compact cobblestone streets. If you're not watching, you WILL get hit. And yet, no one is yelling at the other person or flipping them the bird. They're not waving the thank you hand either but there is this sense of awareness.......you are on your path, I am on mine and here we meet but just for a brief moment.
Tonight we are going over to Benny and Isa's house for homemade pizza and vino.
Aric is at their house now fixing their lawnmower (yes, that's right.......but if you know Aric, it makes sense).
Ciao for now:)
xoxo
Last week, our friends Benny and Isa took us over to their friends house for dinner. Wonderful people! But, let me explain the meal........
Remember, I am allergic to shell fish, don't eat regular fish, and hardly ever eat meat unless I know exactly where it came from. Aric, doesn't touch fish (except for tuna in the can) and is very picky when it comes to unfamiliar things. With that said, we arrive to Silvia and Poulo's house. Silvia spent all day cooking this very traditional Italian meal for Aric and I. It started with sardine bruschetta (tail, fins, head all included). Then came the octopus (with the suction cups) with chick peas (love chick peas). Following that, came fresh tuna (sorry Aric, not from a can) with potatoes (ok, not too far fetched). Lastly, were prawns in an olive oil and garlic sauce. Sitting out on the table were different varieties of prosciutto and salamis. Now, to you who love fish, this meal probably sounds fabulous. Again, remember us? Since I have an allergy to some fish, I was easily excused from eating this meal with out being rude. Aric, on the other hand, had no excuse (other than he doesn't like it). So, he had to try everything to not offend Silvia. Thank goodness no one was watching because he began to salivate and had to wait for the heaves to subside (poor guy!). We felt terrible! A lot of time, energy and love went into this meal. Silvia was so kind as to make Georgia and Francesca a plate of pasta with homemade marinara sauce........yummy! Georgia didn't finish hers so mom did! When we got home, Aric raced to the kitchen and devoured a bowl of cereal.
We bought Georgia a used bike. Pink with some kind of Italian characters on it (not sure), training wheels and a broken fender. She picked out a Buzz Light Year bell to go on the handle bars and a Hello Kitty helmet (Hello Kitty is BIG here!). She is just like her mom, very cautious until comfortable. It took her a few days but now she's roll'n! She rode it to get chocolate gelato after dinner last night.
As I was running on the walls the other day I saw six grown men (in their 60's) sitting around a picnic table. Every single one of them talking............not a one seemed to be listening! I actually slowed my run to a walk just to see how long this would go on. It went on! They were seriously talking and listening at the same time. Benny later told me that this was very common within the Italian culture. He said, in general, Italians are not good listeners. Hmmm, something I will continue to observe and get back to you on.....
Our apartment lies on the corner of a VERY busy road and the pathway to the high school. We constantly hear scooters, cars, horns, people chatting, and teenagers.......well, being teenagers. There is a very good restaurant (so we hear but have yet to go to) around the corner. The back door to their kitchen is just across from us so we hear the banging of pots and pans and the chatter of the chefs as they b.s. the night away. The other night they put their garbage outside the back door and left a pizza box right under the rain gutter.............. it was like a drum session! Oh, and just downstairs from our bedroom is a guy who seems to own a restoration business. He's refinishing doors and windows with of course all the noisy tools you need to restore stuff! He starts at 7:00am sharp! At first it was difficult to sleep with all the hustle bustle but it now has become dull background noise. Even Francesca (the lightest sleeper EVER) sleeps through most of the noises.
Speaking of teenagers.......... we hear them every morning and see them every afternoon when school gets out........... 95% of them smoke. It's crazy! Georgia keeps saying, "they need to go to time-out.......smoking's bad!". Besides that, I have to say, the teenagers here are so much more self confident and comfortable (if that makes sense). They seem so much more mature than the high schoolers/teenagers at home. Not sure what it is but I'm guessing it' the culture. Overall, people seem more self confident here. Women walk around with way more sex appeal and assertiveness than we do and men with way more conviction.
No one is super sweet but yet no one is disrespectful (well, maybe not no-one but most). There are a lot (I mean a lot!) of cars and bikes in this small town and we all share the same compact cobblestone streets. If you're not watching, you WILL get hit. And yet, no one is yelling at the other person or flipping them the bird. They're not waving the thank you hand either but there is this sense of awareness.......you are on your path, I am on mine and here we meet but just for a brief moment.
Tonight we are going over to Benny and Isa's house for homemade pizza and vino.
Aric is at their house now fixing their lawnmower (yes, that's right.......but if you know Aric, it makes sense).
Ciao for now:)
xoxo
Friday, September 24, 2010
Lucca
This is our 6th day in the town of Lucca (an ancient walled "city" in the Tuscan region). We have an apartment on the third floor off a cobble stone street (more like an alley). We've had to spend some time making the place feel like home. It was a bit dirty and has a lot of broken furniture but we've slowly cleaned it and temporarily fixed the furniture. To make a very long story short, we were suppose to stay at a friends house in Lucca but they canceled the night before we left for our trip. We basically came to Lucca homeless. We have been so blessed to meet Esa and Benny (an Italian couple who own a rental agency in town). They found us the one and only apartment available for a long term rental. Hence the reason we have no room to be picky. So we (I've) had to learn to love the place! It's in the perfect location. Just around the corner there's my cappuccino place (owned by a very friendly husband and not so friendly wife......well, she is to the girls but not so much to me........hmmmm?), a fabulous bakery, a produce market, a butcher, a cheese shop, and Hotel Ilaria. The people at Hotel Ilaria have become Aric's great friends (who doesn't Aric make friends with!). They let him borrow their bikes to go around town, use the phone for local calls and give him fresh croissants in the morning.
We've since become great friends with Benny and Esa. They've taken us under their wings. Last night they took us to a true family style restaurant (No menu. They bring you what eve it is they've decided to cook that night) up in the hills outside of town. It was a full moon (almost) and we sat on the top of the mountain looking down upon Lucca........breathtaking! Aric is training with Benny for the Lucca marathon which is in 5 weeks. You can run around the perimeter of Lucca (3 miles)........ absolutely beautiful run. The path lies on the walls that surround the city/town. There are beautiful parks and trees, not to mention all the ancient clock towers, castles, churches and drawbridges.
As I run around the city perimeter in the mornings there are old Italian men playing chess on picnic tables and old Italian women reading the morning paper on the benches. Next to them sits their bike with the basket on the front filled with fruits, veggies and flowers from the markets. Children play in the simple parks (just a couple swings and slides) while their parents laugh along with them or read a book on the grass. They're not on their cell phones wishing they were some where else. Everyone seems to be where they want to be. Enjoying the moment they're in.
The weather here is perfect. About 80-85 during the day and about 65 at night. The last couple of mornings, we can feel fall in the air. I think we may have a couple more weeks of warm, if that. It is suppose to rain on Sunday.
We are enjoying having no car and walking every where. We are looking in to getting a couple of used bikes to get around town. Since it's still tourist season, bike places aren't selling their bikes yet. They make more money renting them.
I'm not nearly as homesick as I was but still miss our families and our home. It gets easier every day.
We'll be in Lucca until the end of October.
Until next time..........
xoxo
Click below to see pictures of our adventures. They'll be updated every couple of weeks.
http://web.me.com/tquackenbush/Site_3/September_2010.html
We've since become great friends with Benny and Esa. They've taken us under their wings. Last night they took us to a true family style restaurant (No menu. They bring you what eve it is they've decided to cook that night) up in the hills outside of town. It was a full moon (almost) and we sat on the top of the mountain looking down upon Lucca........breathtaking! Aric is training with Benny for the Lucca marathon which is in 5 weeks. You can run around the perimeter of Lucca (3 miles)........ absolutely beautiful run. The path lies on the walls that surround the city/town. There are beautiful parks and trees, not to mention all the ancient clock towers, castles, churches and drawbridges.
As I run around the city perimeter in the mornings there are old Italian men playing chess on picnic tables and old Italian women reading the morning paper on the benches. Next to them sits their bike with the basket on the front filled with fruits, veggies and flowers from the markets. Children play in the simple parks (just a couple swings and slides) while their parents laugh along with them or read a book on the grass. They're not on their cell phones wishing they were some where else. Everyone seems to be where they want to be. Enjoying the moment they're in.
The weather here is perfect. About 80-85 during the day and about 65 at night. The last couple of mornings, we can feel fall in the air. I think we may have a couple more weeks of warm, if that. It is suppose to rain on Sunday.
We are enjoying having no car and walking every where. We are looking in to getting a couple of used bikes to get around town. Since it's still tourist season, bike places aren't selling their bikes yet. They make more money renting them.
I'm not nearly as homesick as I was but still miss our families and our home. It gets easier every day.
We'll be in Lucca until the end of October.
Until next time..........
xoxo
Click below to see pictures of our adventures. They'll be updated every couple of weeks.
http://web.me.com/tquackenbush/Site_3/September_2010.html
Friday, September 17, 2010
Day 4
Today we finally woke up at noon (which is a lot earlier than we have been waking up). Jet lag has gotten the best of us all.
Today we walked to the Colosseum then took a cab over to a car lot to buy a car. No luck! I think they were trying to take advantage of us (being Americans who spoke no Italian). We have decided to buy a car in Lucca, which we are headed to on Sunday. Our friends family is there and they are willing to help us.
As for Rome, the history that surrounds us is magical. It is a big and busy city so I am ready to experience Lucca which is about 3 hours from here in Tuscany. It lies between Florence and the coast...........perfect! I am ready to have a "home" where we can settle in and cook our own meals. I am ready to become part of a community.........become regulars at the local market and cafe. That's another thing, coffee here is very simple. Not like Starbuck or Pete's (my personal favorite for many reasons). I have learned to enjoy cappuccinos. A little different than the large, nonfat, chai latte with only 2 pumps, no water, and extra hot.
They don't have coffee to go. Life here is not "to go". They stop and enjoy life.........one thing I truly appreciate about the culture here.
It has been about 90 degrees during the day and about 75-80 degrees at night. That's my favorite part..........I love warm evenings! I don't miss the morning and evening Petaluma fog! But, I am however, still a little homesick. As to be expected........
Good night everyone.
Much Love,
The Lapera Crew
Today we walked to the Colosseum then took a cab over to a car lot to buy a car. No luck! I think they were trying to take advantage of us (being Americans who spoke no Italian). We have decided to buy a car in Lucca, which we are headed to on Sunday. Our friends family is there and they are willing to help us.
As for Rome, the history that surrounds us is magical. It is a big and busy city so I am ready to experience Lucca which is about 3 hours from here in Tuscany. It lies between Florence and the coast...........perfect! I am ready to have a "home" where we can settle in and cook our own meals. I am ready to become part of a community.........become regulars at the local market and cafe. That's another thing, coffee here is very simple. Not like Starbuck or Pete's (my personal favorite for many reasons). I have learned to enjoy cappuccinos. A little different than the large, nonfat, chai latte with only 2 pumps, no water, and extra hot.
They don't have coffee to go. Life here is not "to go". They stop and enjoy life.........one thing I truly appreciate about the culture here.
It has been about 90 degrees during the day and about 75-80 degrees at night. That's my favorite part..........I love warm evenings! I don't miss the morning and evening Petaluma fog! But, I am however, still a little homesick. As to be expected........
Good night everyone.
Much Love,
The Lapera Crew
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