Clean laundry at last ... and almost dry!

Ciao!
Well, the GREAT news is that we have all clean (and almost all) dry clothes! And never have four loads of laundry taken SUCH a long time! First of all, it takes almost an hour to wash one load – and as the machine is so tiny, it doesn’t hold all that much – and then we have the problem of where to dry things, as there is no clothes rack or line ... hmmm...We have a nice table and six chairs right outside our place, and this morning I washed off the bird doo so that we would be able to spread out clothes. Worked well, as it was lovely and sunny. What do other people do, do you suppose? If we were in Switzerland, spreading out clothes like that outside where it could soil the landscape, I’d probably be arrested! Left the clothes for a time to head down to the “club house” (their word, not ours). It looks like there are three or four separate hotel-type rooms there, in addition to the apartments, but right now they’re officially closed for the season. There is also a lovely pool there, but so far, not warm enough to tempt me into the water! We were able to use the phone line, though, to log in, check email and post yesterday’s blog. Had a nice breakfast of orange juice and the pie that we’d been given yesterday; made for a great breakfast! Still have all those fresh eggs, though...maybe scrambled in the morning. Once we’d finally gotten the laundry and computer settled, we decided to head to Urbino, which is about 20 km away.

Made it there in time for lunch. Urbino is a lovely renaissance city, totally rebuilt in the 1500's by the Count of Montefeltro. The Duke’s palace is reportedly one of the best in Italy. It is, however, on top of a hill – and the parking, like many hill towns in Italy, is all outside the walls ... so, quite a schlep up that hill! (Robert thinks that uphill steps should count for more in our 10,000 steps a day ...) First we ate, at a little café right in front of the Duomo. We both had salads of greens, tomatoes, corn, olives (all of mine to R yet again!) and prosciutto; served with several different kinds of bread, as well as olive oil and Prosecco vinegar! Great! From there it was right across the plaza to the Duomo, which is really stunning. It’s relatively new – rebuilt in the 1700's after being destroyed by an earthquake; large, bright and airy, with lots of white plaster and several domes. Right next door is Urbino’s biggest attraction, the palace...and, as this was the last day of family week in Italy, we got in free! What a deal! And, while the palace itself is really lovely – huge, high ceilings, some decorated, and an immense inner courtyard, it was completely filled with flat artwork, one of my least favorite things ... Oh well! They were also having a special exhibit called Ori e Argente (Gold and Silver), with religious pieces from reliquaries, chalices and even flatware on display, borrowed from churches and museums all over the area; really something to see! After this, we decided we’d seen the highlights of Urbino, and that we would head back to the apartment. Fortunately, this walk was downhill! The odd thing about today in Urbino, though, was the lack of people! Anywhere! We walked street after street with NO body on them! Even odder is the fact that this is a university town – so where are all the kids?? There were a few people in the Duomo and Palace, but that was about it! Not that we’re complaining – just found it rather odd.

Got back around 4, and settled down to our books and glasses of wine – not a bad way to spend the afternoon! Dinner was beef tips over rice (Italian rice is bigger than Japanese or American rice – surprise!) and little peas. R did a great job figuring out how to work the stove – it’s a 4-burner gas stove, but VERY touchy in trying to adjust! And now, we’ve just been out to watch a fireworks display from one of the local towns! Neat! Don’t know what it’s for, but sure that there is a feast-day around here somewhere! Tomorrow I think we’re going to head back to San Marino to explore a bit more and see more of the sights! So, more then!!
Much love,
m

Note: The fireworks went on for almost an hour, and were spectacular! And this from a Disney-kind of girl! Also, there are LIGHTNING bugs EVERYWHERE -- haven't seen those since I was a really small child!!!
m