Last week was pretty busy. I finished the final medical tests my doctor prescribed. I visited Ely, at Calagrana to pick up a chair a friend had left for me. It was early because I had gotten blood taken for the test at 7:15. The morning was lovely and I don’t think there is a more perfect, calm and beautiful spot than Calagrana’s terrace. Ely made us a couple of cappuccini and we sat on the terrace and had a nice talk. We should do that more often.
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I also needed to pick up a couple of demijohns and a terracotta pot I bought from a lady nearby who is continuing to downsize her home here. They have lived here a long time but moved back to Maryland a few years ago for health reasons. They can’t yet let their home, up above Umbertide, go. I don’t blame them. It is pretty up there. You can see the city in the distance.
She also has cacti which were blooming. I am planning to make my planters, which are not irrigated, into a succulent garden and she is going to give me some of the cactus.
Next I did something I seldom do. I visited the Chinese store. You’re probably scratching your heads aren’t you? But this is a “thing” in Italy. I don’t know why I have never written about this before. Every town of any size in Italy has their version of a Chinese store. Owned by Chinese people (obviously) and full to the brim of all kinds of things. Too many to list but to name a few: office supplies, toys, kitchen tools and supplies, clothing, pool toys, pots for plants, art supplies, etc. To shop here is to get cheap stuff. Don’t look for quality or tasteful things. But for everyday things that people need, you can be pretty sure you can find them here.
What did I buy? Well, I bought a new wooden scraper spoon, some shelf paper, and a bunch of new clothes pins. Boring but necessary things. So there you have it! Another odd thing you’ll find in Italian villages and towns.
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Otherwise, tomorrow I am getting cataract surgery. I’m very excited. I may not have to wear glasses anymore! And today we also did some planning for a short trip over to Sestri Levanti in Liguria for our anniversary. We went one other time, staying at Vis-a-Vis (thanks Matt🙂), just after Covid, and wow, what a difference between then and now. Then we had our pick of any room we wanted. We had two balconies, one sea view, the other town view. This time, I had a very hard time finding a nice room with a terrace and view at all. Back then, no one was traveling. Now, that’s not the case. It is the opposite. Anyway, it is not exactly on our anniversary, but we will celebrate as though it is.
That’s all the news fit to print. Enjoy spring. Our weather has turned glorious! Enjoy yours, and Happy Memorial Day.
Hi Louann, I totally get it. I read the number one reason people go back home is health issues. We already had to move from our beloved apartment in the centro to our apartment with an elevator. Necessitated by my bad knees. Health problems will only get worse as we age and we need to face that face. I’m really sorry about you losing your place. But think about it. Most people never, ever have the chance to own a home in Bella italia. But you did. And you’ll always have those memories. 💕
Thanks Colleen, So far, so good. I’m excited about it, the transition is a little difficult. I wear glasses and now they don’t really work. And I have to wait for the 2nd eye. But it will get done sometime! Just must wait. It will be worth it.
Hi Nancy! I read your blog regularly and so enjoy your depictions of everyday life living in Italy. Thanks always for sharing. I wanted to comment on your friends who need to give up their place and return to Maryland. I know exactly how they feel as we are sadly, after 5 wonderful years of owning our house in Ugento, are having to face the same. My husband has suffered from long Covid on top of having repeat neurofibrimas requiring many surgeries. The last two were on his spine requiring the only neurosurgeon in Washington State (at the UofW) to perform serious procedures and over time he is weakened. I so LOVE our home in Ugento and we’ve been coming over twice a year for 3 months. He is saying he may need to stay in Washington in Sept when we usually travel back here and he has such a great attitude and I ants me to return if I choose to. But time seems to be running out for him at 75 although I still have life and energy at 73. I think we will need to sell our home next year and it grieves me to do so. But I guess we must learn to adjust to a new norm as we age! These 5 yrs in Ugento will have been the best in our retirement. I don’t want to return to the States but medical care must continue for my husband. I will continue to enjoy stories of your wonderful daily life in Italy. Thanks again and may you continue to enjoy life for many years to come!
Good luck with your cataract surgery, the prospect of no glasses is very exciting.
Happy Anniversary, have a wonderful time in Liguria.
Hi Liz, yes, I’m excited about it! I don’t know what to expect though. Anyway, leaving in 2 hours for the hospital. I’ll write about it. Then I need to get the other eye done.
Hey Matt, well, this just occurred to us out of the blue. We wanted to stay near Grosseto but it was just too pricy. And then I remembered how we loved Sestri Levanti and jumped on it. Even so, not on our anniversary. Someday we will meet.
That is exciting that you won’t have to wear glasses. I am sure will go well. I know quite a few people that have had it done. Let us know how it goes.
Ciao’ Nancy – I wish we would’ve timed things a little differently. I would’ve loved to meet you and Luther at Vis a Vis. We’re in Lucca now, about to close out our trip, but we could’ve happily stayed in Sestri another week. The hotel is better than ever. We had a terrifiic sea view room, freshly remodeled with a large shower. They have a new chef (Michelin) and the restaurant’s incredible. Love to hear your thoughts after. Have a great trip!!