sallyj
November 18, 2024
Nov 18, 2024
Having a wonderful time in Cortona trying to balance both the "regularly living" and "being a tourist." It is difficult to get away from the tourist mode as there is so much to see and explore. Churches and food seem to dominate! With the mouth issues, I can't take advantage of the great wines, but I am getting some taste back so am enjoying the foods. It is odd that there is more wonderful food that I want to try than I can actually consume! I try to buy just a day or two's worth, but there is always something new to try. I am just around the corner from a shop that makes fresh pasta and a few reheat ready dishes like lasagna or stuffed zuchini. Both of which I tried This week I'm going with the Tuscan version of pork and beans. I made a white bean soup the first few days I was here and added their pesto to it. But what used to serve me just 4 meals, now serves me 8 so I have a lot of reheats.
I make sure each day I spend time walking around exploring, so I am getting in the exercise. And I was pleasantly surprised that I made it up the hill without too much trouble. Had to do some stops along the way--took advantage of the stations of the cross mosaics by the Severini--but did make it without feeling like I would pass out! Maybe that should be my weekly goal as long as the weather holds out. I didn't make it up to the Etruscan fortress as that is an even steeper climb.
One of my goals in general, not just in Italy, is to be less online. I really don't think of myself as a big online person--this is my only regular "social media" site--but I am surprised how much I need the internet for getting things done. For banking, train tickets, directions, finding places, etc. And even for what would be the equivelant of the radio. I listen to podcasts