Ever since we arrived in Cortona, lyrics of Andrew Lloyd Webber keep playing in my head:
Yes, everything’s as if we never said goodbye
When people ask how long we are on vacation, we reply that Cortona is truly our second home.
I know my way around here
The cardboard trees, the painted scenes, the sound here
Yes a world to rediscover
But I’m not in any hurry (I know my way around here)
But first our trip.
©blogginginitaly.com
We departed Chicago on a new 777-200 at 5 p.m. The pilot said we’d make great time – less than 9 hours non-stop. But around two hours into the flight, he advised us that a light was on, our plane was unable to fly across the ocean, and we’d be landing in NY to change planes. It was 5 hours before we took off again. If there was any good news, it was that we were upgraded and actually slept a few hours before landing in Rome.
©blogginginitaly.com
Three hours later we were home in Cortona.
Although the tourists change, the wonderful sights, sounds, and smells remain familiar and constant. And best of all, so do the people. We are quickly immersed in this wonderful town, greeted with genuine smiles, warm embraces and greetings of ben tornato – welcome back!
With deference to Mr Weber, I’d like to modify a few of his words in parens:
The lively (
whispered) conversations in overcrowded piazzas (hallways)
The atmosphere as thrilling here as always
Feel the early morning happiness (madness)
Feel the magic in the making
Why everything’s as if we never said goodbye
It took just two nights to be back in a familiar Italian setting – a large dinner with some friends.
©blogginginitaly.com
©blogginginitaly.com
And while most things remain the same, the weather has taken a toll. From a 0° freeze last April to scorching summer heat with no rain, all vegetation has been severely affected.
When we left in June, our views of the hills were lush and a deep verdant green.
©blogginginitaly.com
©blogginginitaly.com
Today, sadly, they are scorched.
©blogginginitaly.com
©blogginginitaly.com
How much this will affect the grapes is not clear, but the olive oil harvest will definitely suffer. Many people we know will not be picking olives this year.
But neither rain nor sun will deter the Cortonese, who pack much into the summer months.
Cortona on the Move International Photography Festival is in full swing, occupying 8 historic buildings, some rarely open, as well as a photo exhibit in the parterre (park). More on these as we visit the exhibits.
The Cortonantiquaria, a national antiques exhibition market, is in the lovely 18th century Palazzo Vagnotti.
Various food festivals, called sagra, are held weekends through the summer. The Porcini Sagra was last weekend in Cortona’s parterre.
So much more to come, but for me, Cortona is always about the people, both local and international friends, who make this wonderful town home.
©blogginginitaly.com
With gratitude to Andrew Lloyd Weber for helping me share what’s in my heart:
Yes, everything’s as if we never said goodbye
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
I feel as if I were with you each step of the way- thanks!
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So happy to have you along for the trip!
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Benvenuti a casa sua! Pace e Bene!
I was on the phone a few minutes ago with my travel agent as we planned a Sept 29-Oct 9, 2018 pilgrimage to Rome Assisi for the feast of St Francis and October 5 visit to Cortona.
Forse, prossimo anno ci vediamo a Cortona! Magari! Enjoy!
I will be in Rome next two weeks from August 29-Sept 13. What’s the best way to travel to Cortona from Rome?
Fr Chuck Faso OFM
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Thanks and sent you an email. Ciao!
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Ahhh Cortona!!! Can’t wait to see you and all of our Cortonese friends. Arriving later than usual this year. Spending time in Stressa and Lucca before arriving in Cortona 10/1. So excited to reconnect in this magical little hilltown💜
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Enjoy your pre Cortona travels! And don’t forget the cheese!
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Aloha Judy & Len,
B R A V O !!!
You are leading the way for all of us to follow in our retirement years. My date to semi-retire is now 12-31-19. I will still attend 4 board meetings a year but from anywhere there is SKYPE and a tablet with a camera.
BIG Hugz,
Charles on island
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Glad to be a role model in this lifestyle!
Hugs back to you! Judy
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Will be there for the second time in September, can not wait. We ❤️Cortona!!
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Enjoy this sweet time! xoxo
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Thanks Julia!
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The dehydrated pictures are consistent with
Life west of the 100th meridian (mid Dakotas)
Including Colville
Welcome home to Cortona
Enjoy!
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So sad to see when nature takes its toll. Hope all is well in Colville.
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Late to the party finding your posts, Judy. For some reason WordPress removed your link.
Happy to see the gang despite the drought.
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