The city of Orvieto is spectacular. Small, narrow cobblestone streets, beautiful in every way. Especially the views from the parks and walk created on the original ancient wall surrounding the city. Fields of sunflowers, vineyards and olive orchards under the bright Umbrian sky are out of a movie. Then you look up on the hills at ancient monasteries, walled cities and private villas -- spotting ancient Etruscan and Roman ruins as you navigate the winding roads. Spectacular! The city itself has the architecture, the beautiful Duomo and its Catholic relics, delightful cafes, shops and of course gelato!
The food, the wine -- all of it is beyond any of my expectations! Picking raspberries at my landlord's country house and having fresh eggs brought in from a friend in the country --- what a special treat! I bought onions from a street vendor yesterday that I sautéed with fresh tomatoes an basil over fresh tagliatelle pasta. I literally sang for joy! I'm already addicted to several types of cheese and the balsamic vinegar and olive oil is out of this world! It is a "foodie" paradise!
There has been a lot of learning the past 3 days .... it is a complicated process to "become official" when staying in Italy past the 90 day typical tourist visa.
I thought getting the Long Term Visa for Italy was a lot of hoops to jump through. And the Pet Passport process in the U.S.
For anyone considering a long term stay, be sure to research the Italian side as well as the U.S. side of what you must do in order to complete the documents, show your own documents, and schedule appointments with the various entities/agencies.
So far, everyone has been very kind and very helpful. Especially my landlord family. My Italian is very basic .... but my Spanish and French have served me quite well!
If you are considering a trip to Italy -- be sure to get out of the big cities and spend a little time in the countryside in a small village. You will experience an entirely different Italy! Rome, Florence and Venice can't be missed --- and a small village will be the extra treat you'll remember!
I'm looking forward to the next year to see and experience Italy and beyond .... If you have special places you recommend I not miss -- I would love to hear about them!
Ciao!
Catherine