Two Weeks In...

Tomorrow we will have been here in Umbria for two weeks...it feels like we just arrived, but looking back at photos...well, we've already done quite a bit...especially considering days of jet lag and feeling punky from a head cold.

Those of you who follow me on Instagram (#gistellij44), have seen most of these photos already. I still like to share with the story!

First of all, we were so fortunate to fly out of San Fransisco on a beautiful day! It's the first time I can remember that we had this kind of view from the window...

Amazing to see the City from above!
A pal said it looks like a computer chip...!

As I mentioned before, we had a direct flight to Rome, which was such a treat. First stop was at a little kiosk bar near the metro we take into town...We always like to stop here as we walk to our little hotel.

It's good to be back!

After dropping our bags off and freshening up a little, we headed out for the evening.

I've always wanted to stop into this particular church to see the amazing sculpture inside of Saint Cecilia. I'm so glad we made it there...finally...

The Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere

Inside, you are amazed by the delicacy of the sculpture...it's impossible to think that this is marble.

We walked around for a couple of hours. It's good to keep moving after such a long flight, and we wanted to work up an appetite for our favorite pizza place...

It was so pretty out. Too warm for us, but still gorgeous.

Yep. Good pizza!

After a very good night of sleep, we took another walk around the 'hood and stumbled on a film being made. We hung out and watched for a good hour or more. It was fun!

All the cars were cool vintage "stand ins"!

Finally back at The Nut, we're settled in. Johnny has been painting, I've managed to cook a few meals...
 

Beans, onions and chard!
Beans and greens...it's a great and simple dish.

Rustic polenta with buttery leeks. Best served on the terrace, below!

Our favorite place for a meal.

We've taken the train to Florence for a day trip. Johnny had supplies to pick up and I was craving fried food...Oh, and Johnny did some painting, too.

A nice little first painting.

I love these fried peppers...mmmmm.

I also love Florence.

I think we are starting to get into a routine. We walk early in the morning, figure out the work for the day, take another late afternoon walk...then either head home for a meal, or to the piazza for a drink.

It's just nice to be back.

Night time on the terrace...

Sunrise from the terrace this week...

Watching a storm roll through...

All in all it's good. Can't wait to see what happens next. in the meantime...I'm going to enjoy the show.