The return trip to Torre Orsina for Virgilio’s birthday party went smoothly. The weather had cooled down just a little but enough that we weren’t drenched and exhausted after the 3 ½ hour train ride from Florence and the half hour bus ride that dropped us in the main piazza. So not to bore anyone with repeat events, see Vic’s blog entry titled “More Burrago and Biliardo” for details on Saturday’s activities.
Sunday morning (the day of the party) I helped out a little. Rita is a friend that was helping coordinate and make mostly everything (all on a table no bigger than about 3’ x 5’). She allowed me make one thing. I was standing around Luigina’s kitchen wanting to do something; asking to help. As most of you know I’m pretty good in the kitchen and plus many hands make light work. I could see the look in Rita’s eyes – “What could I possibly let this Americana do that she won’t do wrong” (meaning – not the way Rita has done it her whole life). She finally figured it out; she allowed me to make caprese skewers – Yes, I could put tomatoes, mozzarella cheese balls and basil leaves on a stick.
They came out quite beautiful I might add. As each dish was finished I brought it down to the lower kitchen and dining area where the party was being held that evening.
With nothing left for me to do, and lunch upon us, I headed to Maria Guilia’s. Since we would be having a feast for the birthday party that evening lunch was light (but very good). After lunch Vic went to play some biliardo at the bar. I stayed with Maria Guilia and had a post-lunch café (espresso). Normally I don’t drink any caffeine after around 2pm since it interferes with my sleep. It was about 2:30pm but knowing it was going to be a long evening I figured it would be a problem. It definitely was not a problem.
I thought about meeting up with Vic and watch him play but decided to sit on the downstairs back patio at Luigina’s and take in the beautiful valley instead. There was a big overstuffed chair that was very comfy. A weather front was moving though and rain was threatening; the wind was picking up and the air was cooling down. After awhile all thought faded away and I dosed off (even after an espresso). I think it was the best nap I’ve ever had in my life. I cannot find the words to describe my afternoon; the stunning vista, the church bells chiming, so relaxed; not a thought in my mind, just a perfect moment in time.
With nothing left for me to do, and lunch upon us, I headed to Maria Guilia’s. Since we would be having a feast for the birthday party that evening lunch was light (but very good). After lunch Vic went to play some biliardo at the bar. I stayed with Maria Guilia and had a post-lunch café (espresso). Normally I don’t drink any caffeine after around 2pm since it interferes with my sleep. It was about 2:30pm but knowing it was going to be a long evening I figured it would be a problem. It definitely was not a problem.
I thought about meeting up with Vic and watch him play but decided to sit on the downstairs back patio at Luigina’s and take in the beautiful valley instead. There was a big overstuffed chair that was very comfy. A weather front was moving though and rain was threatening; the wind was picking up and the air was cooling down. After awhile all thought faded away and I dosed off (even after an espresso). I think it was the best nap I’ve ever had in my life. I cannot find the words to describe my afternoon; the stunning vista, the church bells chiming, so relaxed; not a thought in my mind, just a perfect moment in time.