Eli's Italian girlfriend has competition

We're way overdue for a post. As usual, things here happen in waves. We just had our last batch of visitors starting with Stacey and Andrew, friends from Oakland, and their daughter Maddie. It was great to catch up with them and they picked a beautiful week to visit. We stayed local due to some car troubles which then led to a shortage in funds. I think it was a welcome change in plans for everyone though.

The first day was spent decompressing more or less. The next day we toured Viterbo, had some gelato in Bagnaia, and took a nature walk by Lago di Vico. Maddie and Eli are 8 weeks apart in age and proved to be the perfect playmates. Midweek, the Gordons headed up to Florence for a couple of days while the Savages stayed in Viterbo dealing with the car. We've actually become good friends with our mechanics here, Mario and Georgio. They're a hilarous pair of brothers that are fascinated with our cultural differences. It's fun in indulge in their good-hearted exasperation with our ways..."Questi Americani!"

Sam had a long weekend when the Gordons returned and the car was back in action so we went for a drive around Lago di Bolsena. We had a wonderful lunch at an absolutely beautiful agriturismo between Bolsena and Orvieto. After a long, leisurely lunch we headed for the lake shore so the kiddies could romp around in the water for awhile. The weekend also included a visit to the Villa Farnese and an exhausting one day tour of Rome. The last day of their visit we went to the Terme dei Papi, Viterbo's hot, sulphur springs. The springs contribute to a large shallow pool at the Terme. The kids had a great time splashing about. A good time was had by all that week.

Above: Stacey and Maddie at Lago di Vico.
Below: Eli splashing around a Lago di Bolsena.


Above: The Gordons at Viterbo's annual flower festival.
Below: Everyone relaxing in the afternoon sun at Lago di Vico.


Above: Andrew and Maddie in Viterbo.
Below: Best buds in the tub.