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Published: August 15th 2008
The city wall
View of San Maria Maddalena Under the Tuscan Sun....... I understand why this book found it's inspiration here.
One cannot help but notice how shadowy the lanes of these villages are. To an outsider it is often daunting, odd. But the shadow, while staving off the unbelievable heat, gives an air of mystique. Of course in medieval times, when fortresses & walls were erected to keep the residents safe (here for example- Etruscans against Romans, and later Tuscans against Perugians) the public had no choice to to be packed in. The hilltop is only so big.
Here in Castiglione del Lago one is greeted by dozens of wine, cheese & sausage shops with their owners proudly exhibiting their goods @ the entrance. A wood cutting board in one hand full of marvelous looking samples for all the passers-by. Delicious! Don't expect to lose any weight when in Italy 😉 A veritable delight for the palate @ every turn!
I finally HAD to ask one of the shop keepers, "Where are the buffalo (Buffala)"?!? Mozzarella cheese as far as the eye can see & products made from the hides & not a SINGLE Buffala have I seen! Heh, was told they live in the southern
parts of Umbria-mystery solved :D! Also was told Naples has finally been cleaned up!!!! FINALLY! That is no doubt good news but don't think we'll be going that far south, we'll see!
One question I do have for someone here, just have to find the tact in which to pose such a question, is eh "Can someone PLEASE tell me where all the toilet seats are"???? >.< ! Rarely a seat to be sat upon.... our vacation house has one 😊 but... restaurants, rest stops, really any public building---it's NOT a pretty sight. I won't even bother to go into the smell. How much can an entire country save in finances by not "seating"? There MUST be a reason for it & it's tough when you have children who are quickly learning to be professional "squatters".
Anyway, most businesses close from about 13 hr until 16 hr then remain open until 20 hr. Most people sleep through the afternoon heat & stay awake visiting on their terraces, playing dominoes, chess & the like until the wee hours of the morning. It's a routine to become easily accustomed to! Dining late is a treat as eating a full meal
in the heat isn't something I would recommend. The food here is unbelievably fantastic :D Oh I've said that already haven't I?
Off to "live", more soon!
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