A break from everything

Oh yeah, I'm so looking forward to the summer break! can't wait. In the meantime, I'm working at home :-(

Last week was quite busy as we had friends from the US who stayed with us for a few days and then I went to Sardinia to attend a meeting. 

There are still things that need to be done BEFORE leaving but a) it's too hot to work b) I need a break.

I had a break from Pilates though and I'm not particularly happy about it as I put on 2 kilos. Well, perhaps it was the delicious Sardinian food?! Ricotta and honey soooo yummy. Not to mention the seadas (the region's most famous cheese and honey dessert).

Anyway, I've booked my 2 hours of Pilates before going to Tuscany in order to get back into "shape" hahhhahh ;-).

I did have a great time last week. It's always good to catch up with friends and colleagues. The first meeting was held .... on the beach. How good was that? 

I'm struggling concerning the summer readings. I need a break (apparently "break" is the word of the day) from English as I've been reading & writing in English since last September BUT if I read in Italian it'll be too difficult to switch back to English to meet an important deadline at the end of August. I must admit (blame on me!) that I've just finished Acciaiao by Silvia Avallone and I do have another Italian book that I'd love to read in the coming weeks. Mumble mumble... I should stick with English books, really. However, have you ever seen someone reading stuff on military urbanism on the beach?!

We'll see.

Under the Tuscan Sun

Due to changes in G's job, we haven't booked anything yet. However, you probably recall that I LOVE Tuscany as I spent my summer holidays there when I was teenager. I keep wonderful memories of more than 10 years in Tuscany with my grandparents and parents. I had a blast with my friends and I'm overcome with nostalgia when I think about my first French kiss (at the movies, we were watching Dirty Dancing and A* didn't look like Patrick Swayze ;) breakfast with fresh focaccia and milk, tennis and swimming lessons and so forth. So, when it comes to summer holidays I have to go to Tuscany, even if it's just for a few days. We're looking for a place to stay near Baratti and maybe we've found something. We'll see, we're waiting for an answer. If the place is going to be the one that we have in mind, we've been very lucky. To be honest, it's very unlikely as it's a great place and I doubt they still have an apartment to rent. Anyway, we'll keep looking. We desperately need a holiday!

*1 year ago I got an email from him. I haven't heard from him for a long time, around 20 years. 

Dear L.

Are you the curly L. from *** ? 

I haven't seen you for a long time and I was wondering how things are doing.

I still go to *** All our friends go there on holiday with their kids. By the way, I have a child too and it's too much fun.

What about you?

Aren't you on Facebook?

Please sign up so that you can see my pictures.

Wow, if you are the curly girl ("ricciolina" in Italian) I have in mind... I do remember you.

I was struck by the fact that a) he found my email (well, not so difficult if one knows my family name) and that  b) he contacted me after 20 years! Andrea was my first "boyfriend". He wasn't good-looking, a skinny boy from Rome who made fun of me like all teenagers do when they like someone. I can't tell why I liked him but I did. A lot. 

Dear A.

I do remember you as well!

So nice to hear from you

...

to be continued