Quick Update

So where to start? I've neglected my blog somewhat, and have put off writing a new entry for far too long. It was due in part to not being able to find time and not really feeling up to it. Last week was spent in an old and large Umbrian home nestled between Citta di Castello and Monte Santa Maria Tiberina. I attended several dinner parties, drank lots of amazing locally produced wines, and ate lots of amazing foods. I've been here just over a week yet I feel I've been exposed to so many good, interesting, and new things.

I am now at another home about 20 km south of Citta di Castello, in the hills above the city of Umbertide. I am staying with an English couple (friends of my first host). They have a 9 year old son, and 2 curious felines. I've been here for 2 days and I've mostly been doing work down in the garden; weeding, preparing soil, and gathering firewood (I used a chainsaw for the first time yesterday). Today saw me visiting the small nearby village of Preggio (my first ever visit to a village of that kind). It was quite amazing. I imagine only a hundred or so (maybe less) year round residents. The small school has only 6 children in attendance. I'd love to visit there in the evening as I'm quite certain it will make for lovely nighttime photography. The photo I posted yesterday is of the view from my window. I've got an amazingly large bedroom, bathroom, and an amazing view every morning. I'll post another photo of the actual house and I will tell you right now, it is incredible. It's seemingly perched right on the edge of infinity. Not sure what I'll be up to this evening, but I'd like to drink a beer and maybe do some reading or more writing. Tomorrow I'll be doing a bit more weeding and preparing of soil and strimming perhaps. I'm not sure. There is an old church just up the way from here, I'd like to go have a look around. It's abandoned, and apparently quite dangerous because of sustained earthquake damage. Might make for some good photos.

In any case I'm looking forward to getting out of here this weekend for a little excursion somewhere in the region (hopefully with Caro). We'll see how it goes. That's all for now unfortunately, I'll post the photo of the house and the view. For now I'll go relax. Ci vediamo! Ciao!

Zach

"The View"