I met a Nobile Count!

Yesterday I really missed just getting in my car, driving to my destination with no challenges, getting what I need and then going home -- no fussing...and this works with my to-do list that I carry with me!

So, yesterday I was scheduled at 2:30 (and in my mind that means 2:30!) to look at an apartment to rent (I have to find an apartment because I am leaving the host family when my course ends in a few weeks).

A very nice woman from Florence who manages apartments in Siena picked me up and took me to see the place. First, the driving was insane (I'm grateful to be alive today), but it all seemed to flow with the traffic anyway. But then we got lost in the countryside of Tuscany (I enjoyed the view, but quickly got frantic about the time because I had to be back for school). Finally we arrived at Poggio Pini....this would be the four story mansion owned by Count (yes as in count dracula or sesame street purple count)...Count Fabio Devvechio (Noble family). Holy cow. The property was amazing and he was a very nice 78 year old fella who is in amazing shape and smokes a cigarette every few minutes. The villas for rent could rent for $1500 a month, but because it's low season he offered me $600 a month -- brand new, tuscan style, washer and dryer, bedroom, kitchen, internet, etc. It's about 15 minute walk to the bus and then 15 minutes to Siena.

As nice as it was, I did not feel at ease here. It seemed very lonely and cold. I did get to see the small chapel next to the mansion; a little creepy I must say. Charm was definitely missing and all I could concentrate on was a gigantic WHITE spider! It took forever to walk through the property because we were in conversation the WHOLE time...walk a few steps...stop and talk...walk two steps...stop and talk...I can see the car...I'm almost there...I'm looking at my watch and inside I'm screaming "I don't have time!"

Finally, we depart from "The Count"...everytime I say that I just want to giggle and Julia got a kick out of the whole story...and I made it back in time for class.