Colline e Campi

The view from my door.

According to my textbook, Le Marche is known for its colline e campi - hills and fields. I also thought it was about time I posted some pictures of the villa, because sadly we're leaving here in a few days. I'm going to miss the beauty of this place every day.

Home for the last month

Chilling in the backyard.

Earlier today I was lying by the pool, reading a book and listening to the sounds of Le Marche. The chirping, calling, crowing and cooing of birds; the breeze in the leaves; the soft lapping of the water in the pool. The church bells tolling gently, regularly in the distance to remind me of time.

Our classroom

Briciola and Il Tigre (Wait, there are scorpions in Italy?)

The villa has a few mascots along with the lizards skittering around everywhere (and the snake that I don’t like to think about, and the scorpion I killed in our room today. Did not know there were scorpions in Italy). 

The dog is named Briciola, which means breadcrumb. It’s pretty perfect for him – he looks like a little koala. I don’t know the cat’s real name, because he was christened Il Tigre as soon as we got here. His name also suits him – he loves attention, and has been known to settle himself even in the laps of people who are allergic to him (like Talya here). 

Briciola seems to just sit all day on the hill where the road to the villa comes up, but Il Tigre will make special appearances in class or against your legs unexpectedly. I only discovered Il Tigre’s preferred hiding spot when I surprised him walking by. 

Just chilling.

And admiring the view

Danger lurks in the bushes...

...ever ready to attack

Che carino!

Castelraimondo (and my addiction to parenthetical asides)

I’ve been here two days, and it feels like forever and no time at all. Yesterday afternoon after class we explored the town, wandering around to find a few bar/restaurants, (among them London Pub and Istanbul Kebab), some very pretty houses (balconies and flowerboxes are one of my favorite things about Italy) a few pizzerias, farmacia/tabaccerias, and of course, a gelato place (where we stopped to revive our spirits).  Most places were closed for the afternoon pisolino (nap). It seemed pretty sleepy with its empty piazzas and streets, but it is a small town – not exactly a tourist destination, in contrast with the jammed cities we’ve been visiting.

We hoped to get to the supermarket to pick up a few things, but it too was closed, and we were told it would re-open “4, 4:30, whenever.” (This is Italy.) We headed back around 4:30, while its doors remained resolutely shut (although we had success at some other places that were waking up). In the course of the afternoon I developed a pretty bad headache, so unfortunately I had to miss dinner and slept the rest of the evening. (I’m all better today). Although it made an interesting contrast, crying in pain while looking out at the alpine glow on the surrounding hills and houses.

In the mornings we have class outside, sitting in the shade looking out at the mountains around us (and then back at the textbook). We move through things effectively, and by the time lunch rolls around I feel my head has been well-crammed with new information. I keep wanting to speak French, but it’s fun to listen and pick up things in Italian from conversation. I understand a lot of what’s said (when spoken slowly), I just need to learn the vocabulary to respond (that’s when the French comes out).

So, as I was writing that last paragraph (outside, where we have class – it got too hot in the sun), I heard a strange hissing noise. I turned around to look and there was a snake, slithering towards me. In case you don’t know, snakes are my phobia (I think everyone’s allowed one). I didn’t scream or stand on my seat (although I was tempted), but got up fairly fast and moved out of its path (it was only passing me by to get back to the grass in any case). Hm. Italy, I love you, but I forgot about that scene in “Under the Tuscan Sun.”

A Room With a View

I titled this blog ‘enchanted,’ and arriving at our villa in Castelraimondo has actually made me believe it about this trip. It is beyond beautiful here. Our room does indeed have a view, of the hills and fields of the Italian countryside. We’re surrounded by views; the one from the pool is pretty wonderful too. The villa itself is lovely – we’ve explored a little, but I have to do more.

On a side note, what is it with repressed English people going to Italy to discover themselves (along with love, life, etc.)? My favorite Italy-set book and movie both deal with that theme. I don’t know if the magic is in the beauty of the country, or if the characters just needed some sunshine. But this place is definitely enchanting.  

I met up with the group at the Rome airport this morning, and it does feel like the start of an entirely different trip. After a long wait for arrivals, we started our drive to Castelraimondo, but the sunny day soon turned dark and rain started pelting the car. It’s probably a bad sign when the passenger in the front seat has to wipe the foggy windshield so the driver can see. Thankfully it cleared up, and we’re here in a beautiful place with beautiful weather. Can’t wait to begin.

 Read this, if you haven't.