And it feels so good!
In Italy, August 15 is both a national holiday, Ferragosto, as well as a religious one, Feast of the Assumption. For many Italians, it is also the unofficial beginning of the summer holiday season. Parts of Italy effectively shut down until September, as people head to the lakes, countryside or a coast, or to towns like Cortona which are filled with events.
Since I can’t say this very often, I need to share that our trip over was incredibly smooth. Flying time was only 8.11 hours and touch down to gate took less than five minutes.
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We arrived to the welcome arms of Carlo and Fernanda and to a delicious homemade lunch.
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Afterward, Carlo accompanied us to check the orto (garden) progress, but lunch and the basket on the counter were a positive telltale sign.
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Although May was cold and rainy, warm sun and sufficient rain since then have made for vibrant green colors, strong vegetables and very huge and happy sunflowers.
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And then on to our house and the familiarity of the view.
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The next night, we were ready to roll and attended the Ferragosto Sagra Della Bistecca, or steak festival, in the parterre with some friends.
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Before:
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During:
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Our table:
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The food… and yes, we did split them!
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The fountain was flowing and the Ol’ Boogies Rockabilly Band was playing,
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so we decided to start dancing,
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while everyone else was in the food queue. Good we came early!
After a lot of dancing and good laughs, and nearing 11 PM, the two guys on the left headed to town to get some Tuscanos, or small Italian cigars,
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while the rest of us stopped by the DJ station. The dance area was empty, so we moved right in.
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Before long, we attracted a large crowd and were soon doing the Macarena!
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I even bought one of the flashing balloons.
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Once the dance area got too crowded, we headed back into town to find the guys. Naturally, we found them at Tuscher with Massimo!
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We joined right in.
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It was 2 AM before our heads hit the pillows.
The next night, Fernanda had us over for dinner. We tried hard to convince her we should go out, but she insisted and treated us to a delicious aperitivo spread including her homemade liver pate. This was followed by roasted pepper risotto, and then stuffed zucchini from the garden and meatballs. Dessert was gelato topped with her homemade cherry sauce. We ate al fresco and my phone was inside, so no photos except one group selfie.
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When we got back to town, a big band was still playing in the piazza.
The next day, Len and I had a Tuscher Sunday, although it was only Saturday. After a long walk, we stopped by for a mid day vino. A bit later, a first old friend stopped by, then another, and so on, until eventually a few of us went to dinner.
And that’s how it goes in Cortona… Food, Friends and Fun. Repeat.
Should you miss one sagra, there’s another right behind. Out with the bistecca on Friday and in with the Porcini on Saturday, although we opted out. Enough sagras for one weekend.
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But as for friends and fun, there’s never too much. In the words of Cyndi Lauper:
Oh girls, they wanna have fun…
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Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
If there is a party in Cortona then Len and Judy are bound to be there. And looking good1
Happy to see the April showers we got caught in when we last saw you have resulted in such great veggies! looking forward to munching them in October.
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I know you are number one but that was supposed to be an exclamation!!!!! 🙂
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You are too funny! I figured that out.😍
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What a wonderful life! Happy Birthday again to Len. Can’t wait for your next blog.
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Thanks, Sandy, and Len says Grazie!
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What a wonderful life you have created in Italy! I am thrilled for you!
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Thanks, Judy. Can’t think of a much better place for us for Act II!
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Hi Judy, this is a wonderful post!!! What a wonderful day, food, wine, dancing, friends, and Tuscanos! Hugs to Len, Carlo and Fernanda.
Love Chuck and Sue!
Sent from my iPhone
>
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Thanks, Chuck, I will pass on your hugs, but Len says you need to share some Toscanos together soon!
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Che bravo!what a grand Welcome Home to Cortona you received! Enjoy each moment which you do so well! – My Rome schedule has changed: I arrive
Sept 24 for the four day meeting in Rome. My friend Dan from Cleveland and I are doing this trip together. He returns to USA on Oct 8 and I return on October 10. Question: How far is Cortona from Assisi? Speriamo che possiamo vederci!
Pace e Bene!
Fr Chuck / P Carlo
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I bet you can’t wait to get back. Let’s communicate via email re your plans. Un abbraccio da noi.
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It was so convincing I actually was out of breath from the dancing. This is living proof of great food, great friends–Great Fun Thank you
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Thanks, Royce, you have always loved the dancing part and you do it so well!!
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Those steaks really look delicious! What a wonderful evening. Glad you were able to experience Ferragosto this year!
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I am not a big meat eater, but the night was so fun. And there were plenty at my table willing to fight over my steak!
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I am so happy to see you having so much fun in Cortona.
Hope to visit with you there someday, Albert is in Europe. so he might see you there.
Please give us your address in Cortona,
Love, Magda
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Magda, always so nice to hear from you. We’d love to have you visit! I will send you an email. xoxo Judy
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Mi piace molto la bistecca! I love steak! And the Tuscans really know how to make it!
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They certainly do!
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Judy,
Great blog! Looks like an obvious money-maker under these conditions would be to open some type of fitness center within Cortona’s walls for all the folks who feel guilty about steak and cigars and wine until 2 AM.
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Vincent J. Connelly
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Thanks and Good idea, but guessing those you refer to might actually prefer a spa as habits are hard to change!!
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Hello Judy! I can’t tell you how much I enjoy your blogs. Besides the fact that you are an amazing writer and photographer, you just bring everything to life! You continually increase our longing to spend part of the year in Italy, once Greg retires. If all goes well, that will happen in the next year. It would be a dream come true. But for now, we will live vicariously through your blogs! Keep them coming. And, in your travels, if you ever find your way to Colorado, please look us up. We would love to see you.
Ciao!
Carol and Greg Downs
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Carol, Thanks for your lovely message! I’m always so happy to hear from people like you who love Cortona as much as we do. Here’s to that long awaited retirement and more time in Italy for you and Greg. In the meantime, I’ll keep writing👍🍷🇮🇹!
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