We returned to Cortona over two weeks ago, and we’ve been busy. While sometimes it seems as though we have the town to ourselves,
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the weekends remind us that Cortona is a “happening” place.
Occasionally, however, there are “happenings” we’d rather avoid.
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We managed to get “fined” on a 10 minute bus ride from Camucia to Cortona. Longer story shortened, our to-and-from rides were all on one ticket, which we validated each way. However, we didn’t realize, or frankly just forgot, that we had to validate the single ticket twice each way, and consequently, we were fined by the very occasional inspectors who boarded our bus one stop from Piazza Garibaldi, our final destination. Yes, we paid for both of us, and yes, we thought we had correctly validated the ticket, but none of that mattered. Word to the wise: validate, validate, validate, or pay 60 euros!!!
But as always, our days and nights are filled with great friends and great food, some shown here.
During our second week, we spent several days in Lucca. Although it rained each day, we were able to walk the wall, do some sight seeing, visit with a friend, and find some great restaurants.
On the way back, we stopped in Firenze as we had been invited to visit the Carabinieri Training School. Len just couldn’t resist.
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A few days ago, we drove with friends to a medieval town in Umbria called Narni. There are hundreds of towns like this in Italy, each with its own history and legends, and usually an interesting fact for which they are known. For Narni, it is being very close to the geographic center of Italy.
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On Monday of this week, we picked up our car, this time a Fiat Panda.
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The weather has not been great, but mostly I feel like her… I’m here and I’m happy!
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And today, before the rains fell, we drove through the Tuscan countryside, as if driving through a painting, and witnessed, once again, the stunning landscape and the ever-spectacular views that always bring a smile to my face.
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Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
Pace e Bene! Benvenuti a l’altra casa!
On March 12, after a year of pain in my back and legs, I had surgery at Northwestern Hospital: Laminectomy on L3-4-5 and a Spinal Fusion of L4-5. So no traveling this year.
Piano, Piano! I will enjoy greatly your beautiful photos and comments. Enjoy! Divertiti!
Fr Chuck Faso OFM
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Wow, so sorry to hear, but I know you will be back on your feet and busy with your travels soon. Speedy recovery and always great to hear from you! Grazie!
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Can hardly wait to see you both. We will be there for the April 25 Liberation Day and I hope it looks like your photos. Last year there was a Jazz Festival in Cortona at the same time. There appears to be one NY musician who says he is booked for this year but I can’t find anything online yet. Keep an eye out for anything that says Jazz Festival and let me know. See you soon!
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Will do and yes, see you soon!
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Hooorayy!! You have again begun reporting back to the rest of us!
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Vincent J. Connelly
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I know, it has taken me so long this time!
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Great you’re back! Saludos
Sent from my iPhone
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Thanks – so are we!!
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Aloha Judy & Leonard, Len looks great on his scooter or is it a Vespa? I love you standing by the FIAT. We have lots of them on island. Please keep the blog going. Sorry about the ticket 😦
Charles on island
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Yes, it is a Vespa. And I do really like the Panda. As for the ticket, there is a backstory, but it’s over and hopefully the last of them. Stay well!
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Well this post certainly brought a smile to *my* face! Ah, your photos and synopses are so wonderful. Thank you for sharing, I can really imagine what it is like to be there!
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Such a treat to see your name and happy you are smiling as well. Heard you will have a visitor this week besides the Easter bunny. Don’t let her hop – she’s had enough broken bones!! xoxo
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How very lovely to revisit Italy through your eyes. A friend I was travelling with a few years ago was hit with one of those on the spot nasty fines and around the same time I witnessed several times locals being let off. Anyhow, enjoy, it is still a fabulous country.
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Actually, I think we might have been given a pass had it not been for a busy body interfering! But yes, always great being here.
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Judy! You guys are back in paradise. I know you will understand that every cell in my body is filled with envy right at this moment because you and I have the same passion for that little corner of the world. I miss you guys and John and I hope to catch up with you over there at some point this year. Have a wonderful visit! Love to you and Len.
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We miss you too! We are planning a lunch in Panicale and were just talking about our visit there together. Wish you could come with. And we have a Panda this time, so more passenger room for you as well. Hope to see you this year and hugs to you and John.
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Ciao Judy and Leonard! We love getting these pictures and stories from Italy! It’s been a few years since we saw each other in Cortona but we still remember how much we enjoyed your company. My wife Jacky loves seeing the pictures from Italy and recalls so fondly all the good times we had whenever we were there, but I can’t get her to go back!! Maybe you can talk her into it. We’d love to see you guys again.
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Ciao Vincenzo, so nice to hear from you. I’m glad you are enjoying the photos but Massimo is waiting to make you your favorite martini and we are waiting for you and Jacky to come back so we can have more fun times together. I think you need to promise her a place in town, not in the country. Also, FYI, the escalators seem to be functioning and we now have defibrillators around town. Jacky will be happy to hear that! Hope to see you soon, Judy and Len
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Thank you for the update. How great to have visited Firenze! The new Carabinieri recruit looks like the right man for the job. The photographs were excellent- as usual.
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Thanks, Royce. Len says it’s easier and softer than horses!!
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You bring Cortona to my heart until our next return. Thanks for the validation reminder. Tickets can get very expensive in Italy as we learned in Sicily.
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Yes, indeed, so sorry we share the ticket experience, but then just being in Italy always feels so good.
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