Buon Natale

New Italian word: Nebia 

This is how we woke to the Tuscan countryside this morning, and I quickly learnt my new word from Giorgio as we both were amazed at how the fog had surrounded us whilst chatting outside. Nebia is Fog in Italian.

Today we headed into Cortona and drove up to the hill town. I was shocked at how quickly we rose above the fog, and we were presented with the jewel of a town bathed in the warm winter sunshine. I parked on the edge of town, and we used the stairs and escalators ascending into Piazza Garibaldi. The town was peaceful on Christmas morning, with few people circulating and only a few businesses open. We walked the streets, keeping to the main thoroughfare as straying from this path would mean very steep paths up and down. 

We were fortunate to go into one of the small Churches and explore.  The Church was clear of all others and was silent and peaceful apart from the trickle of water in the nativity scene.  The little scene was decorated with all the regular figurines and included a small well and waterfall. 

Leaving the church, it was time for a refreshment, where we had a cappuccino and a croissant; mine was pistachio and Katie's a Crema. 

From this moment, the locals from Cortona started filling the streets. it was different seeing the local people in this place rather than the hordes of tourists that generally take over. 

Back at LaMaesta, Christmas lunch was being prepared, so without delay, we headed back and met with Stefano for a prosecco and apperativo. Dinner consisted of Tortellini in Broth, followed by Roast Potatoes, Roast Lamb, Roast Chicken and a dessert that was like tiramisu but didn't have the coffee or biscuits but had all the cream and yesterday's Pannetone in it. 

After lunch, we headed out again to Castiglione del Lago where we attended the Christmas celebrations and light display with thousands of locals. 

There was a massive Christmas tree illuminated on the lake and a walk-through nativity scene inside the castle walls.