Of cups and bowls

I was very curious because last year at this time we were knee-deep in snow there in Umbria. The good news is that it should be a bit more seasonal this year with temps of about 50 degrees there every day next week. After what we’ve been getting here in Maine this winter, 50 sounds positively tropical. Can’t wait to get there.

I’m supposed to be packing but instead doing lots of other important last minute things. Like checking the weather in Italy. I was very curious because last year at this time we were knee-deep in snow there in Umbria. The good news is that it should be a bit more seasonal this year with temps of about 50 degrees there every day next week. After what we’ve been getting here in Maine this winter, 50 sounds positively tropical. Can’t wait to get there.

Speaking of Americans in Italy right now: how about New England’s own Bode Miller in Bormio! He is rocking the World Cups with his wild rides down their mountains.

Somehow, I think I can expect to see a lot more about Bode’s World Cups than the Patriots’ Super Bowls. I don’t believe even the legendary New England Patriots will make much of a splash there in Italy next weekend, win or lose. Not on the radar screen. I remember last year at this time having a heck of a time finding any newspaper with any detail at all. Web, yes.

Next message will be from the other side of the pond.

See you in Italy,

Stew

What to expect this time of year (FEB) in Umbria

In a lot of ways way off season, say Winter is a really good time to go to Italy. The natives are on “calm” and relaxed and have time to sit and chat. We’re forever being pulled into stores for a cup of coffee and a bit of catching up. Summer is full tourist season, and our local friends are often going full speed ahead, unlike us lazy tourists on holiday! There’s often just a

You’ve all seen the travel posters with the headline “Sunny Italy,” and it may be sunny in Italy in the winter, but it can also be “Snowy Italy”. As you can see from this photo last Feb. But! As I always say when people ask about the winter “how bad can it be in a place with palm trees?” Yes, the snow can come and make a mess for a couple of days, but then it is over, it all melts and everyone gets back to what they were doing before it came.

In a lot of ways way off season, say Winter is a really good time to go to Italy. The natives are on “calm” and relaxed and have time to sit and chat. We’re forever being pulled into stores for a cup of coffee and a bit of catching up. Summer is full tourist season, and our local friends are often going full speed ahead, unlike us lazy tourists on holiday! There’s often just as much art and culture and theater and music going on in the winter as in the summer, so we love it there in the winter.

It is also a knock-out time to look at houses. Flights are discounted and rental cars, too. And, if you love a place in the dead of winter, imagine how much you will love it covered with roses and wisteria in May. True test of love!

I’m leaving Monday, Jan 31st for Umbria!

While I am in Umbria, I plan to work around the house, test out our new Italian woodstove, drink buckets of Aldo’s cafe, visit friends, and, of course, see lots of new real estate.

I am counting the days. Can’t wait. As they say in Italy “non vedo l’ora.” My intent is to do a daily blog of the trip. We’ll see how this experiment works out. Have digi camera will travel. Flying into Firenze and working my way down to Umbria. Coming around the last corner when our house first reveals itself never ceases to thrill. Surprises us with a big dose of “welcome home” every time. The photo here is what I’m leaving behind in snowy Maine.

While I am in Umbria, I plan to work around the house, test out our new Italian woodstove, drink buckets of Aldo’s cafe, visit friends, and, of course, see lots of new real estate.

Giancarlo has just sent me his list of new properties that I hope to see in person right away. See if there is anything in this list that grabs your attention. More news on all of them as it becomes available. Note that these are in the works and prices not firm yet. This is very much a sneak preview!

• 9th Century Villa 6 km from Castiglione del Lago. Approx 500 sq.m, approx 400.000 euro. Habitable,small garden
• Terraced old property near Pescia
• Restored farmhouse near Gioiella 125 sq.m,- furnished- approx 200.000 euro. I’ll see again with the owner on Friday
• End house of a row of houses, very old property near Sanfatucchio. Habitable, approx 100 sq.m, garden with shed 120.000 euro estimated price.

He’s also very keen on a new property south of Panicale and near Tavernella. It is on our site under the top bar at the far right in the heading “This Just In!” That is my section of good intentions where properties sit for a second while I get their photos organized for the regular web pages.

If there is anything I do for you while I am there on the ground in Italy in February, let me know.

OK, See you in Italy!

Stew