Buongiorno Italia!

Well, we made it! We've been living here in Urbania for 3 weeks now and have totally fallen in love with the place. We've managed to fit lots in already- we're students at the local language school, have been to see 2 operas, and have visited Florence, Verona and Venice whilst still spending a fair few afternoons by the pool!

The drive over from Wales was fun, with a little detour to the Champagne region in France. It was also hardgoing at times, especially in our little Peugeot with no air con.... talk about an oven on wheels!

I'm sure Mat will dedicate at least 10 blogs his opinions/rants on Italian motorists, roads and roadsigns- so I'll leave that up to him!

Our new flat is great. It sits on one of the (many) hills overlooking the town, with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. From the fields of sunflowers that stretch as far as the eye can see, to the fairytale bell tower of Peglio perched on the mountain top opposite. Our landlord and his family are lovely too. We often come home to find a box of fresh veg from the garden waiting outside our front door.

We've started our italian lessons at the local language school. Our teacher doesn't speak a word of english, so we're currently learning the passato prossimo through the combined use of full on italian and 'Give us a Clue'. At times our lessons look more like a demented game of charades than a classroom. Still, we're getting there- piano, piano!

Well, we'll keep updating this blog as it's a lot easier than sending you all separate emails! Lazy I know, but someone has to soak up all this sunshine!

So, as they say in Llandow- ciao for now!

Cer