I've been inspired by Palmabella's list of some of the things she intends to do when she visits Rome later this month. ("When in Rome...." at http://www.slowtrav.com/blog/palma/)
It's a fabulous list of wonderful things that Palma has in mind -- written, actually, with the conviction of resolutions. And I long to do any one of them (including hanging out with her husband Brad, drinking wine at Cul du Sac, which is such a great wine bar)
While I can't do any of the things on Palma's list right now (especially hanging out with Brad!) I can still dream. My next trip to Italy isn't coming up quite as fast as Palma and Brad's trip, but it's coming.......eventually.
So, here is MY list of things I intend to do when I return to Umbria in September.
1. I WILL eat FRESH pecorino cheese every single day. With local honey as often as possible.
2. I WILL eat gelato at Perugia's Antica Gelateria Veneta, which is near the top of the wonderful Corso Vannucci. Last year, I had gelato exactly once during my week in Perugia. Clearly, I wasted too much time counting calories from my pecorino intake.
3. I WILL restrict myself to counting calories and worrying about weight gain only ONCE per day, during a five-minute window each morning. Then, I will cut myself off from worry over my weight for the rest of the day.
4. I WILL eat a pastry at the lovely Sandri's, an elegant and famous bar in Perugia with amazing pastries and good coffee. Besides a wonderful, large outdoor bar smack in the centre of the Corso Vannucci, Sandri's has fantastic window displays of their artisan work. Last year, I sat and drank cappuccinos while envying others their pastries. This year, I will eat something gorgeous as well as swill coffee!
5. I WILL spend a full day in San Francesco in Assisi, so I can really closely look at the amazing art -- particularly the frescos -- all through this amazing basilica.
6. I WILL make the most of my 3-day car rental and drive from my Bevagna base to: Montefalco, Spello and the Piano Grande.
7. I WILL, in Montefalco, see the Benozzo Gozzoli frescos of the Life of Saint Francis.
8. I WILL, in Spello, see the Pintoricchio frescos in the Baglioni chapel.
9. I WILL be careful with the rental car and not fill a diesel engine with regular gasoline, or vice-versa.
10. I WILL buy ceramics. Too often, I cheap out and am filled with regret once I return home over opportunities missed. I have loved every item I have ever bought in Italy, since each one reminds me of a wonderful time and place.
11. I WILL make a thoughtful list of what ceramics I wish to buy BEFORE I leave home, so I'm not floundering in stores and then have an excuse to flee. Perhaps 8 dinner plates and a large serving dish/platter.
12. I WILL take more photos of all kinds, which will be much easier now that I have a proper camera.
13.. I WILL visit all the churches I missed in Assisi last year, because of the Pope. Not that I'm blaming him (bygones!)
14. I WILL take another cooking class with Letizia (who promises this one will focus on her family recipe for lasagna.
15. I WILL get up early enough to see the sunrise at least ONCE.
16. I WILL buy fresh flowers for my hotel room -- especially in Perugia where I will have an entire week.
Comments (15)
Great list! I hope that on some future trip, you can hang out and drink wine with Palma AND Brad!
Posted by Palma | May 6, 2008 9:32 PM
Posted on May 6, 2008 21:32
Great list - I could happily do any of those things! Glad to hear you have a good camera now...since I have no trips planned myself, at least I can drool over your photos!
Posted by Anne | May 7, 2008 7:13 AM
Posted on May 7, 2008 07:13
Man, it all sounds good to me.
Posted by Kim | May 7, 2008 7:34 AM
Posted on May 7, 2008 07:34
What an exciting and inspiring list! Doesn't it make you want to get on the plane right now?
Posted by Annie | May 7, 2008 11:43 AM
Posted on May 7, 2008 11:43
This is a great list. I've never been to Umbria and now I want to go even more. Don't worry - Sept will be here soon.
Posted by Marta | May 7, 2008 2:38 PM
Posted on May 7, 2008 14:38
I read your blog pretty regularly, and look forward to the time when we actually CAN all sit and have a glass of wine together! I hope that happens sooner than later... and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy your trip. Buon Viaggio... Brad
Posted by Brad | May 7, 2008 3:27 PM
Posted on May 7, 2008 15:27
Yes, the fresh flowers... While I can't walk past flowers here in Australia without stopping to have a look, in Itlay, I find them mesmerizing.
Maybe it's because they are ITALIAN flowers! :)
Posted by Anonymous | May 7, 2008 4:36 PM
Posted on May 7, 2008 16:36
Palma and Brad, we WILL have drinks together somewhere exotic -- and I'll buy the first round!
Annie, if I could I'd be on a plane tomorrow!
Anne, I hope you're able to get back to Italy soon, but in the meantime, I'll do my best with the photos. However, I know that I can't beat your photo of Assisi on your blog.
Marta, if you get a chance to visit Umbria, it's well worth the effort.
Kim -- it IS all good, isn't it. Almost everything somehow seems better in Italy. Even flowers.
Posted by Sandra | May 7, 2008 9:13 PM
Posted on May 7, 2008 21:13
I love that list. I can't wait to see your photos and hear about the new ceramic pieces you purchase.
I would love to do some of the things on your list with you. It sounds like a great trip!! Hopefully our vacations will overlap again sometime soon.
Posted by girasoli | May 8, 2008 4:59 AM
Posted on May 8, 2008 04:59
What an amazing list. I can't believe that we have never been to that part of Italy. One of these days . . . one of these days.
Posted by Jerry | May 8, 2008 6:36 AM
Posted on May 8, 2008 06:36
From the percorino and honey to the fresh flowers, you have created a great list! I must do one for my next trip which I hope will be before the end of the year.
I spent a week in Perugia six years ago and loved it. Assisi is just magical.
Posted by María I. | May 8, 2008 12:31 PM
Posted on May 8, 2008 12:31
Girasoli, wouldn't it be great if our plans overlapped again? We seem to go to so many of the same places, just a different times. Maybe next year we should make a plan!
Maria, there is something magical to Assisi, especially at night when the crowds disappear. I hope you get a chance to return.
Jerry, you should look into Umbria next year. Great food, great wine, great scenery.....but I guess that's true of pretty much all of Italy!
Posted by Sandra | May 8, 2008 7:18 PM
Posted on May 8, 2008 19:18
Great list! Can't wait to follow your trip! Bologna and Umbria are both close to my heart.
Posted by Chiocciola | May 9, 2008 7:29 PM
Posted on May 9, 2008 19:29
This list made me put Umbria further up my list of places to return to! I had the barest taste of Perugia, and would love to spend more time there.
Posted by Amy | May 9, 2008 7:29 PM
Posted on May 9, 2008 19:29
Chiocciola, I remember that you lived in Bologna for a time....have you also lived in Umbria?
Amy, Perugia is very cool, to me it really has a mysterious, medieval air to it (and great wine and eats, of course!)
Posted by Sandra | May 9, 2008 9:51 PM
Posted on May 9, 2008 21:51