October 12, 2008

“Dear Mom, 

It’s Market day in Cortona. The Piazza is an ongoing party and everyone is invited. Cliches converge at this naval of the world. You almost want to laugh, but you can't help feeling these Italians know more about having fun than we do. I ate a hot grape from the market and the violet sweetness breaks open in my mouth, it even smells like purple. I wish I could stay here longer but the bell of the Campanelli reminds me of time. Ding dang dong the bell says instead of ding dong. I wish you were here.

Love, Rodney."

** In order to understand the quote above you need to watch the movie “Under The Tuscan Sun”.... its really good!! Cortona is where “Under The Tuscan Sun” was filmed. 

Cortona is such a charming and pretty little town that sits high on a hill top. It is the perfect destination for a day trip and is the location for some of the oldest houses in all of Italy. I spent the day exploring through the city trying to capture its unique characteristics with my camera. I was drawn to the side streets that looked like little secret passage ways. They made you believe somewhere beautiful and mysterious was waiting. These streets were everywhere and could easily be overlooked if you were not aware that they were there. 

As I looked out over one of the main squares in Cortona, I enjoyed a bowl of tomato basil soup and a glass of white wine with friends. We laughed and soaked in the warm Tuscan sun. One of my favorite parts of the day was when we came across this adorable little soap and jewelry store. It was just a hole in the wall, but they sell the best smelling soap I have ever smelled in my life.... I bought a bunch of it.. I am looking forward to the day when I am back home and can enjoy a hot bath with my new soap!