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

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