August 8th, a Double feature; Post Two: Driving and Signs in Tuscany!

Hello Everybody!

As promised, we have an observation from our various travels by car thus far through Tuscany! So buckle in and take a ride with us!

POST TWO:  What to Expect or Not Expect While Driving Through Tuscany.

      First of all, I must say, I must have been Italian in another life! I love driving these roads and completely understand the methods and fun to be had while in the driver's seat! Woohoo!
In the past week, we have driven in, around and through Volterra. I should have been suspicious when Bill kept offering to drive. "Oh honey, you have a cold, let me drive while you rest and take in the architecture and scenery..." " Yeah, right!" At first, I thought "okay, I do need the rest..." But then, I shook my head and got a reality check! Bill was trying to preserve his nerves. I thought, "What? a stick shift! The very type of vehicle I learned to drive with at age 15! Time for me to drive!" So, the first time out, I took the kids to town to get water and "snacks". Yes, you guessed it, water, red wine and junky stuff. The water for us all on these hot, Tuscan, summer days. The red wine, well...for me of course, oh and Bill. And the junky snacks... to bribe the kids from complaining about my driving when we returned home. Sounds like a modern day Grimm's fairy tale gone wrong. But nope...I am a mother after all.

TILT YOUR HEAD TO THE RIGHT, I HAVE NOT LEARNED TO ROTATE PICTURES YET, he he-  this stickshift made me so happy to see it!

     Well, the driving was exhilarating! Shifting and moving quickly through hard, narrow turns hoping no one was on the other side as the roads are blind to oncoming traffic at times. Sometimes there are mirrors put up to prevent accidents... But, that adds to the adventure! Driving reminded me of my younger days...coming from a full stop on a hill, having nerves while carefully releasing the clutch and feeling the pull of the gear as the gas propels the car forward...yeah! I have not lost my touch! Then the downhshifting to slow as I hug the literally hairpin-like turns. Then, gravity takes over... the kids start exclaiming a "wheee" or "whooooaa" as we maneuver down hill into left then right turns in concession. Such a thrill! Always, before we know it, we are home with huge smiles on our faces...and well deserved ones for sure!
     So, today, I thought I would take you on a tour of the signs that are posted along the roads and elsewhere. OH, one last thing before I forget, basic driving rules: Go fast or get out of the way. When driving, keep an eye on your rear view mirror as that car that was far away two seconds ago may be on your bumper with high beams blasting telling you to move or get out of the way. And expect drivers to time your rate of speed if you are a pedestrian or driver. You must be consistent and move yourself OR get out of the way. I knew when understood that the universe likes speed that it was referring to driving in Italy among other things, of course.  So, well take a look! These are some signs on the road to Siena and San Gimignano. Enjoy the scenery!

I am sure these signs make perfect sense to you right? Some are in English to make tourists feel at ease.

Then there are the more obscure:

 

I love the exclamation point!My kinda sign! It is a caution sign that an exit is ahead and driving 50 KPH would not hurt either.

 

This is not a ribbon in the sky but a warning saying you are about to hit some gnarly hairpin turns so be ready, look alive, and heck, enjoy it! The blue sign is mentioning the A-1, a highway that is much quicker than that country back road you just turned onto knucklehead....

 

Then, there are the distractions: pastoral views of vineyards, olive groves and plowed fields to remind you that you are not visiting any of them right now with hungry, anxious kids in the backseat...

The last one, I threw in for good measure, Liam really likes to have fun finding the store surveillance cameras, never a dull moment!

 You tell me- anyone from home who can tell me what it means tell me I will bring you home a souvenir!

 One of my favorite signs, it communicates that there is a community with children... Personally, I think the kids are running for their lives to avoid fast drivers.  We loved the sign so much, we made our life-like version for you:

notice the visible fear in their eyes?

This one was taken at a gas station- figured it out:

Car Wash

Mechanic

Oil Change

Last are my favorites:

You can turn left toward Siena or be distracted on the way there and go to Colle Val D'Elsa, a location found on many wine bottles OR you could go right to Cecina, the beach with lovely waves on the Mediterranean Sea or be distracted and head to Volterra, the ancient salt mecca of all of Europe and Alabaster craftsmanship... the decisions and distractions are all yours!

This takes the cake as we have been spoiled living in the  tropics too long. DOES THAT SAY SLIPPERY, HEAVY RAIN, AND EESH SNOW? PLEASE NO!

Hope you enjoyed the tour!

Pura Dolce Vita!

August 8th, a Double feature; Post One: Eco- Friendly Home and Community....

     It has almost been a week and as health is restoring, I thought I would inform you of my observations  and experiences in and around this community known as Tuscana! I decided that since I have two distinct messages, I will post twice today. Enjoy!

POST ONE: Home and Community/Casa e Comunita

     Upon arriving to Volterra that very late night, in all that darkness, I has no idea what living arrangement our family was about to embark upon. After morning arrived, we... along with Nadia, visited the community of Volterra. Volterra meaning flying land. Named for it's ominous vision when clouds float in just below the level of the city walls as seen from a distance. It creates the illusion of the city levitating in midair, a very strong sight. This idea, coupled with the fact that the city is built upon strong, rocky soil, makes it all that much more intriguing and mysterious. We rode with Nadia to a parking area designated for residents just outside the city walls. The parking area was a sight as it is located right next to the archaeological site of a Roman Theatre...rediscovered, recycled and renewed only recently in the 1950's with the help of persons
from a mental hospital nearby. AMAZING! And this is where I draw the parallel. The city of Volterra has a recurring theme of renewal, recycling and reliving that is so beautiful.

     I bet the thought now is, huh? Renewal? But this is an ancient city that has not changed for years, Medieval and preserved. Well, true, however the people of modern day Volterra are very reverent to their home as it is a tourist attraction and source of pride. They want to "show it off" to anyone who will come and enjoy it with them. All the same, they want this precious piece of living history to go on for years to come. To be there for their children. What I witnessed when walking through the cobblestone streets, visiting Siena's new school and various shops were clean roads, crews in small trucks picking up separated recyclables, and townspeople using reusable shopping bags. I thought this seems familiar but geez, why does it feel so much more thorough than what I was used to in the US and definitely more than in Costa Rica? I think it is a very simple answer: LOVE. True love of living. Wanting to maintain that love by improving the quality of life while saving money and resources. Everything is so tidy and handled with care, right down to the doggy baggy stations. Love it!

   While we were driving back "home" Nadia went on to explain that her car is small in size and duel fuel : both using Unleaded gasoline and Propane gas (GPL). She needs the unleaded gas to start the car then when engaged it converts to propane fuel which is cost efficient, gets better mileage and is cleaner burning. "Whoa!" I thought in my head. I had heard of duel fuel, electric cars and the hydroelectric experimentation but this was new to me. NICE! It is a Peugeot 207, year 2006. Just a lovely, smart car to use while we discover the country. Before he got home we visited a high quality water station. A place in public to visit with recycled bottles and fill up on excellent quality drinking water without any fee at the station. Yes, that is right, no bottled water to feel forced to buy but instead; great tasting, clear water to take home with you when you leave from the nearby grocery store. Convenient and wonderful!

      After returning home and enjoying a lovely lunch together, Nadia went on to explain to us how the house works. How it is built to enjoy cross breezes and natural light without the use of electricity. The unique solar panel on the back roof positioned to use solar energy as it is emitted from the sun, in the moment, during the hottest time of the day between 11am and 2 pm. So, then we can wash clothes and hang them in the sun to dry in true Tuscan style. The house is also equipped with a pellet stove to cleanly burn fuel and warm the house with radiated heat. I shutter to think about heating a house again as the tropics have spoiled us but we leave in January. Here's hoping we escape the coldest of winter.... Lastly, I wanted to point out the rather organized recycling/trash program. Now, there is a cost to home and business owners for the trash program and I believe it is worth the cost as it is authentic from pick up point to end/recycle location. Each household has the responsibility of taking their trash to various outposts on the outskirts of the city walls. There are bins for each type of refuse: plastic and metal cans, paper, regular garbage, and even a clothing recycling bin in some places. Very organized. I am impressed!

Renewable Resources!

       In all, we are happy to live here and do our share in keeping our community activity and our personal consumption thoughtful and forward thinking!  Pura Dolce Vida!

Prima e Dopo: Before and After...A pictorial review of our lives in Guanacaste, Costa Rica transitioned to Tuscany, Italy

     Hello everyone! Well, life as we know it has changed for us and in the midst of it, I have caught a cold.  Luckily, as I always treat illness, I have found various red wines and liquors to help me  "get over my sickness". As I recouperate, I thought this time I would give a short-term history through pictures to show how different life is between Central America and Europe. But first, some explanations....
     Written in many languages, the Libellula or Dragonfly is very significant for me. I even used the name Libellula in this Blog link because the dragonfly means something so strong. You see, when I was a little girl about the same age as my daughter, Siena is now, 10 years-old. I used to play in my backyard of Pennsylvania a lot but, at a certain time of late afternoon, I would become very frightened. That was the time of day when the very large dragonflies used to appear in the yard. They were huge and loud to me and there were so many, always. I used to run from them.They scared me so much I would go inside. I do not think I even told anyone that they gave me such a fright. It wasn't until I was older that I noticed them again in my own garden, at my own house that I became fascinated by them. The more I noticed them, the more I began to see how each is so unique in size, color, and makeup...much like humans. I then recollected how scared I used to be of them in my childhood and also realized that they were some sort of guide for me to face any fears I may conjure in my heart or mind. After reading about their mystical significance, I began to understand why I am so drawn to these precious creatures. I recognize that I only see them when I am happy. And when one or two or twenty fly around me, I am boundless. I am reminded that I am strong, grounded and fearless, truly!  So, Libellulae of all kinds, I welcome you!
      Onward, below please find the pictorial representation of our transition from Costa Rica to Italy. If you can notice our dogs, Chupacabra (meaning goat sucker in Spanish, the Otterhound) and Blossum (our Jack Russell Terrier mix) whom we left in the care of our sweet tenant, Diana. Notice all the beauty of Costa Rica we left behind to come make this dream come true. Notice our oldest Son, Grant who inspired this journey!
Grant, we'll see you in September! See the old world beauty we have come to remember from our previous travels. Notice the food, history and pleasures we are about to experience. Notice the hairpin curves in the road, the olive groves, churches, chapels, campaniles, architecture, and historic landmarks marked with yellow placards. See the three sweet horses who live behind our house, they happen to belong to Siena's new friend and classmate, Emma! Notice Siena with her favorite meal, gnocchi, and the kids eating gelato. Mark the creepy gnome that stands subterranean in front of what was once an underground passageway, note Liam's artistic talent in his self-portrait, his next plan is to set up a street dance performing spot in town. We are grateful to Selene Basile for her help in uniting us with her mother, Nadia!  In the upcoming weeks, we plan to visit "white nights" August 3rd, in Volterra, a night-time open house of the city's museums and sights, a Midieval street fair on August 8th, visit the City of Siena by day and stake out our viewing location for the famous horse race called the Palio on August 16th. We are grateful to have friends interested in our adventures and we hope you will continue to check in. Enjoy Pura Dolce Vita!

PRIMA en Costa Rica:

Dopo: En Italia....