Winding down ...

Well, as difficult as it is to fathom, I'm am literally about 12 days away from being home again. Seems like just yesterday I was counting down the days until departure, and now here I am going through pre-return information and planning with the students - and planning my own arrangements for my trip back too! In some ways my time here has flown and in others not, but it's been a lovely three months and I'm very much looking forward to the adventures that await me in the spring! I will be returning at the end of January/first of February with a new group of students and staying until the end of April/early May.

The knowledge of a return does funny things to someone who is leaving all sorts of people and places that they love. If there was no immediate prospect for return, I would be very sad indeed - a whole big mess of emotions! But as it is, sono una ragazza molto, MOLTO fortunata: since I know I'm coming back, I am free to relish the joy and excitement of returning to home and loved ones without sad thoughts, such as, "Will I ever come back to Sansepolcro?" Talk about removing most of the bitter from "bittersweet" :)

Although, I would be remiss if I did not admit how much I will miss my fellow Palazzo inhabitants - and my young charge, and the entire Falaschi family, and my daily haunts, and my friends around the town, and the town itself. It's no small matter leaving, that's for sure, but in another light it is ... because I'll be back again before I know it!

But enough about that - here's what I've been up to since last I wrote:

On Sunday and Monday (the 1st and 2nd), le ragazze returned from their travels and then life began anew on Tuesday. It was good to get into a routine again after a week where "getting better" was my main occupation. The cold also set in quite soundly, as did the rain, so taking care of Veronica became (and continues to be) more of a challenge. I am missing those beautiful days in September and October when comfortable, sunny days weren't just the norm, but expected. Rain was nearly not thought of, and any coolness was felt in a welcome breeze.

While we are on the topic of weather, I should mention that I am quite interested in what "spring in Italy" is like. I've only ever been here during summers and falls (and one day in winter), so I'm curious to experience spring firsthand. Can't say the same about winter, I'm afraid!

This past Saturday (the 7th), we took a day trip to nearby rival town, Gubbio - and I loved every minute of it.


We started our day with a visit to a beautiful mausoleum honoring forty Gubbini civilians that were martyred by German troups during World War II ...


Then we got a bird's eye view of the place by riding up the side of a mountain in a human-sized bird cage ...


Next, we delighted in the many beauties of the gorgeous basilica at the top of the mountain ...


Here's the group! L-R: (Back row) John Rose, Dr. Webb, Nicole, Hannah, Chelsea, me, Sam, Dr. Swab, and Mr. Ed - Dr. Swab's husband; (front row) Amanda, Lauren and Vi.


After that, we made our way back down the mountain, two by two and in our birdcages, and started seeking out a place per mangiare (for EATING!). Hannah, Sam, and I really lucked out in our choice: we found a little pizzeria and after ordering, started talking with the owner a bit. Naturally, he wanted to know where we were from, and after learning we were Americans, he smiled, pondered a bit, then informed us that we were the first Americans to have eaten in his restaurant since the currency in Italy changed from lire to euros! We were so excited. Can't get much more authentic than that!

After one of the most delicious pasta dishes of my life (penne with a spicy pink sauce con stinco), the girls and I decided to wander around the town and take in more of the local scenery. Here are some snapshots from our post-lunch adventures:





Overall, we had a positively GORGEOUS day - and Gubbio was probably my favorite new place this time around (so far). That being said, this Thursday we are heading over to Val d'Orcia (which is in the province of Siena) and then from there we are heading way, way, way southward to Matera. Both places are closely connected to specific readings in Dr. Webb's literature class, but thankfully the rest of the Palazzo has been invited to come along and join in the fun :) We'll be gone Thursday through Sunday and, knowing our group, I think there is great potential for it to truly be a trip to remember ... I can't wait!

After that, I'll have one last week watching Veronica, leave for Roma on Saturday, and then depart for Raleigh via Dulles the next morning. Craziness.

Must end for now. Much love to those back home - looking forward to seeing you all very soon!


un bacio,


Bekah