I've been away from the laptop since Monday, but I'm back on wifi at Genius Loci so, I can catch up on some blogging!
We picked up our rental car, the "Monster van" in Rome on Monday morning. It is a comfortable, although HUGE Ducato 9 passenger van with cup holders and separate AC for the back 2 rows of seats. Brad has been doing a fabulous job of navigating both city streets, and country roads in Umbria. Better Brad than me! I couldn't park a Smart car in some of these spots!
We arrived at Genius Loci Monday afternoon, dropped off our stuff and headed out for a full afternoon and evening of errands to be ready for our guests. Grocery shopping, pick up some local maps, and scout a couple of restaurants we will be visiting. We had a quick pizza for dinner, and an early bedtime of 10:30.
Well, that will teach me to go to bed early in Italy! I was wide awake at 4am, read until 5, and then sat on the terrace at first light. I was rewarded with a glorious Umbrian sunrise.
We left at 7 am for our first Rome pickup, as our friends, Jan and Les arrived on a late night flight, and we picked them up at their hotel in Rome at 10 am. Since it was too early for coffee at the inn, and I can't say my name without it, we stopped in Bastardo (don't you love the name of this tiny town?) for my latte. I asked the lady in Italian for the "piu grande bicchiere con cafe e latte caldo" (largest glass with coffee and hot milk). She came up with a Palmabella sized beer mug. PERFECT!
We found Jan and Les, and returned to Bevagna for lunch. I was saving myself for dinner, so I just had a salad. We did a few more pre-group errands, and relaxed on the beautiful terrace with some prosecco. Jan and Les are thrilled with the gorgeous surroundings, views, and perfect weather. All is good!
Comments (13)
Gorgeous sunset! And how fun to do the last preparations before the whole group gets there! I am so excited for you guys!
Posted by Chiocciola | July 1, 2009 5:28 AM
Posted on July 1, 2009 05:28
Benvenuti in bella Umbria!
Posted by Barbara: Art and Barb LIve in Italy! | July 1, 2009 5:30 AM
Posted on July 1, 2009 05:30
Now, THAT is my size coffee! Have a wonderful time!!!
Posted by Deb R | July 1, 2009 6:49 AM
Posted on July 1, 2009 06:49
You lucky woman! Give Mary a big hello from me and have a wonderful day.
Posted by janie | July 1, 2009 6:59 AM
Posted on July 1, 2009 06:59
Palma, was the light really as pink as it looks in the photos? If so, how lovely it must have been in person.
Posted by Kendall | July 1, 2009 7:45 AM
Posted on July 1, 2009 07:45
Woo Hoo for wifi! Because we definitely want to hear all about your week!
Posted by nancyhol | July 1, 2009 9:14 AM
Posted on July 1, 2009 09:14
Hi Palma,
Would love to do this kind of trip sometime. That area of Italy looks beautiful.
Just wondering how the Van Insurance works when driving clients in a foreign country?
Is it under your insurance from U.S. or do you take out extra insurance at the rental agency?
Posted by chiaro di luna | July 1, 2009 12:02 PM
Posted on July 1, 2009 12:02
Palma, you're making me homesick! It's only been a week since I was in Umbria (and at Genius Loci) and I miss it so much.
Keep an eye out for the hedgehogs at the Inn, they are extremely cute!
Good luck with the giant van (and I love that giant coffee!)
Posted by sandrac | July 1, 2009 12:55 PM
Posted on July 1, 2009 12:55
Kendall, it was really that pink...no photoshop!
Chiaro, just a regular rental car from Auto Europe. Max coverage. Zero deductable.
Janie, Mary says Hi too.
Posted by Palma | July 1, 2009 3:05 PM
Posted on July 1, 2009 15:05
Palma has a gianormous coffee and Brad has a gianormous van... all is well in Umbria.
I am thrilled you have wifi too! Hi to MaryT
Posted by sandi @ the whistlestop cafe | July 1, 2009 5:16 PM
Posted on July 1, 2009 17:16
Hello to all our well-wishers and thanks for the greetings.. It would be wonderful to have you all here with us at Genius Loci. It seems a good time is being had by all. Palma and Brad are such great organizers and hosts to their group! Remarkable!
Posted by Mary Tacconi | July 3, 2009 4:32 AM
Posted on July 3, 2009 04:32
I love seeing Brad in the driver's seat. Looks like everything is going as planned which, with you as the planner, means excellent! Enjoy!
Say Hi, from me, to that cute Michael at Genus Loci.
Posted by jgk | July 5, 2009 4:49 AM
Posted on July 5, 2009 04:49
Just tell Brad that I think that is one handsome car, and of course, one handsome guy. Sunrises are a reward for early waking.
Posted by Marcia | August 5, 2009 11:32 AM
Posted on August 5, 2009 11:32