Reflections on My 39 Years in Umbria

Several people have asked me about the header above: it is the view from our Genius Loci Country Inn (www.geniuslociumbria.com) , located above endless sprawling vineyards in the hills near Bevagna in Umbria. In fact I am writing from the inn today, gathering inspiration for my future blog attempts as I sit on the panoramic portico on this gloriously beautiful day. A light rainfall last week seems to have given new vigor to the vineyards. The color changes in this mid- summer season are striking: the golds brighten, the greens pale and the blue skies deepen in intensity. The sunflowers are embarrassingly bowing their heads as their stately beauty fades. The grapes are blushing pink and will soon take on their characteristic shades of purple as they grow plump and succulent. Majestic Assisi smiles broadly as its stones take on an ochre tone, Spello rests proud and still a bit lower on the hill directly across the valley, Montefalco will capture the last rays of sunlight later this afternoon.
The valley dances as the light is ever-changing from morning to late evening. Umbria! A region blessed with a timeless, unspoiled landscape and a spiritual essence- a land which beckons, beguiles and enchants. After 39 years I am still able to see it with "new eyes", to feel the same awe and to experience the same delight as I did the first times so many years ago!