Nick and I are happy to report that we arrived at the Villa safe and sound, however shortly after our arrival we received the devastating news that his mom passed on Tuesday evening – she gave her four plus year battle with cancer all she had – and left this earth knowing that she had met her final goals that she set for herself.  She saw her daughter and new son-in-law marry last weekend and she knew that Nick and I arrived safely in Italy.  Even though I don’t agree with how this plan played out, it was her plan and I respect her!  She always got what she wanted 🙂

Our first day in the Villa, we checked things out and then crashed.  I have had a hard time adjusting to the time change, but Nick guarantees me that if I continue to wake an hour earlier everyday (like I have been) within two weeks I should be fully adjusted, ha ha!

View from Villa Terrace

Our first night we ventured to Cafe Paolo for a bite to eat, on the recommendation of predecessor Dan Harding, we ordered aperitivo, essentially a table full of food and a glass of wine, all for 16 euro. Needless to say we were pretty satisfied and then we had our first of what I am sure is to be many gelato.

Aperritivo

Nick outside front of Villa

Yesterday we set out to find a grocery store, while we had no luck, we did get to see some of the town and had a lovely lunch at another small cafe and then hiked our way back to the Villa.  Over the past few months I have followed my predecessor Kristen Harding’s blog and while she warned me to get on the stair master, I am not sure one can truly appreciate that advice until they are here.

Holy City of Stairs!

Pesto Gnocci

More to come later…