Ed and Annette's Excellent European Adventure: Yes, more sun and warm weather in Cortona, Tuscany

After a slight fog this morning it opened up and we got to feel the great warm sun as we ventured around this magical place.

First things first, we headed out to do laundry. We couldn't find it so we asked an Italian man for directions. Without English he indicated for me to follow him and he drove a few blocks to show us where it was before he drove off. Once we got inside another non-English speaking man indicated to us how to use their system. We have had such sweet people going out of the way to help us. We met a So Cal lady who lives here one month a year and rents out her villa the rest of the year (another trip maybe!)

We drove around town a bit to see if we could get a small feel for how people live. We found a country road or two with people walking, doing laundry and gardening - the same things we do in just a different setting. On our way back we came upon an old church and cemetery which was very interesting to see how they almost glamorize the graves. There was a funeral service in process but it felt a little weird being there so we left quickly.

We got back to the old town area and began exploring the areas we had not ventured. There is a church, monastery and an old fort at the top of the mountain so we decided to go for a hike. Lots of stairs and steep roads but fantastic views from every direction. It just amazes us that this is a place where daily life goes on. We see a few people out, coming back from market, doing laundry, attending their gardens; just living life. We ran into some very cute teen boys playing ball. They were in boy scout uniforms, so we had something to ask them about. Only one spoke English but all were interested in us and were thrilled to have their picture taken while they played.

After a warm climb up in the sun (YEAH!) we came upon a huge church. Going inside it was very cool and refreshing. The grandeur of the building atop this mountain is just amazing. Connected to the church was the monastery, a huge five floor building that looked like an ancient hotel.

We headed back down the hill to the center piazza and decided we would just join in to the daily life of the people. The medieval festival was still going on, so we watched several of the performances. But we really watched the people. The old men of the town have this same spot they all congregate, many of them in fairly fancy clothes. They too are people watching, they are probably as amazed with all the tourist as we are with the town folk.

After a full day of walking and watching we headed off to a restaurant recommended by the So Cal lady. She had recommended the fungi fritti (lightly fried mushrooms) as an appetizer - delicious! We had a nice visit with a British couple on holiday - we enjoy meeting new people from other countries. We had made it into the restaurant just in time for a huge storm with with thunder and lightning and a heavy downpour. Luckily the storm passed while we ate and only sprinkles on the way back to the hotel.