Paech's LSL 2010 trip: We're in Italy!!!

We are in Italy - together! Autumn leaves are falling. The sun shines but there is a chill in the breeze, especially towards evening. Our warm stone cottage sits on the side of a small valley, somewhere between villages Fabro and Parrano - Unbria (halfway between Florence and Rome).

We flew into Florence from Madrid and our first experience of Italy was a two hour drive in a hired Nissan Micra - barely large enough to hold our luggage with the back seats down. Driving on the wrong side of the road on "A1" motorway at 120 kph with cars (and bikes) flying past! All the way to Fabro...then into the countryside (dark already!) and onto 8 km of dirt road beside a river - "the Fiume Chiani". Into a valley and finally "La Casella" (eco) resort - old stone buildings (some 300 yo!). http://www.lacasella.it/

We had stopped for directions on the A1 - at an Auto Grill/service station. A real gathering place...large crowd, take away food, alcohol and lots of local produce, including cheeses, meats, wine, etc...so we stocked up. When we finally arrived at La Casella, we ate, then headed off to bed with prospect of sleeping in!

Slept like logs...didn't wake till 9.30 am...and what a wake up! Pitch black - till I looked at my watch. Opened the double glazed doors from our king sized bed...still dark! Unbolted the heavy wooden shutters and as they swung open onto the verandah, the morning sunshine flooded in...at first blinding..but then, what a sight!!!

The valley dotted with stone buildings, the stables, horses, autumn trees, yellow and green, the tranquil beauty...Umbria. We had local eggs for breakfast on the verandah. A gentle start to the day and the next chapter in our "journey".

We drove back into town for supplies for the next 5 days in our "apartment", enjoying the views we missed the night before...Chris only had to remind me a few times about which side of the road to drvie on!! Into Fabro about 2 pm - all closed up!!!! (except the local tavern.) Shop opening hours 10 - 1 and then 4 - 8 pm! Siesta??!!!

Back to La Casella - then I went back early evening for supplies...great meal that night! Pasta, fresh tomatoes, basil, ciabatta, olives, Italian wine, olive oil, balsamic, salad. Toasted Rob Rio, Di Stefanos and Italian friends...