Pura Dolce Vita: 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: