Arrivo a Spello

By Barbara Trovillo - Comment on this

Ciao a tutti!

Today I moved to my temporary home in Spello. Spello is an ancient walled city in Umbria in the province of Perugia dating back to the 1st century B.C. It is a lovely city with amazing views!

I drove from Fabbri this morning. The driving is easy out here and the signs are clear. Truthfully, though, I highly recommend getting that Italian sim card. It was about 40 euro for a month's service. I can make calls and text with WhatsApp and have the use of google maps! I left early enough to stop for a coffee and to grocery shop. There is a very interesting Bar (that is what a cafe is called here. They serve alcohol as well as cappuccino and espresso.) called Muzzi I wanted to visit. Unfortunately, I asked for the wrong address and the gps took me into the center of Foligno! Whew, that was scary! Very narrow streets, pedestrians on foot and on bicycle, YIKES!.... I decided to give up on that idea and go directly to Spello!

I found the Supermercato, no problem. Grocery shopping here is an experience in itself. The food is soooo fresh! There were piles of panettone. I like to buy torrone (a nougat candy made with nuts and dried fruit) each year in the States at Christmas time. There, the choices are limited. It is amazing how many options there are here. I knew there was a trek to bring the box of wine (yes, I did say, box. I went with my friend Mark to a local vineyard where they sell the new wine in a box! 5 liters for 13 euro! about $15. It's good, by the way.) and bag of food up the stone walk to the apartment so I didn't buy much. Coffee, milk, butter, yogurt, eggs, sausages, tomatoes, garlic and pasta. I did not buy bread. Partly, because I was intimidated to ask for it in italian and partly, because I was thinking I would go to the Forno (bread bakery) here. Of course, they were closed by the time I went. No matter, I will get some tomorrow...

.I walked through the center of town, looking in the windows, fighting the urge to go back to the apartment and get on the couch. I have to admit that is what I did. Taking a break from food and drink tonight and going to sleep early. Winter is not my favorite season no matter where I am! It is different coming this season with the short days and cold temps. I got some good pictures today though.

Tomorrow, I may decide to stay right here to explore this beautiful city. I also need to start planning for when my friend Kathleen arrives. She has not been to Italy before. We will meet up in Roma to spend the weekend there. After that, we plan to come back here and visit the lovely hill towns here in Umbria. It will be fun to see it again with her.

Tonight I did a quick, watercolor study. I am missing my studio (and my husband!) :) Glad to be back in the paints if only for a bit.