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!