World cup mania in Arezzo

Now that Italy has lost twice, we are in the surprising position of being more interested in World Cup Soccer than the Italians around us--at least for a day.  USA v. Germany tonight at 6 pm on RAI 5--Go USA!

Meanwhile, there is still a full day ahead. Yesterday there was an incredible thunderstorm with the heaviest rain (mixed with hail) that I've ever seen.  Our fledgling tomato plants survived fortunately and we were home before the downpour commenced.  We have finally ordered a bbq and an outdoor table and chairs for the backyard, with the help of our landlady Loretta who drove us to the store. As is typical here, we had to order what we wanted and it should be available for pick-up on Wednesday.  After that it will be time to invite our Italian friends to an American style BBQ.  I'm not sure what they will think about it, but we will give it a try.

We bought cherries at the outdoor market today, they are delicious and only 6 euros for a kg.  I tried to talk Tom into buying shorts made from American flag material but he declined.  Everything seems to be made from the US flag here--including doormats.  I'm not a love it or leave it kind of flag waving patriot, but I can't bring myself to wipe my feet on the flag!  To be fair I don't wipe my feet on the British flag either--there are also a lot of British flag doormats.

Visits to a few local museums and dinners out filled the past few days, plus unlimited calls to US phones on skype for $6 a month.  We have been enjoying making calls just to chat...if the phone rings, answer it!

We visited a local art museum.  Love this painting, but why is the BVM standing on baby heads?
(see below for closeup)

There is a modern art festival going on this summer.  Above is one of the art installations at Piazza
San Franceso.  I wish I had a giant bubble wand to put in a strategic location.

 Walking home we passed the birthplace of local boy made good Giorgio Vasari and noticed he has the same birthday as me, give or take 5 or 6 centuries.

Ancient churches and motorcycles everywhere.  Below--we spotted a
motoguzzi that we think is like the one Kelly just bought.

although hers is black,,,much more badass

Etruscan writing

 The archaeological museum is housed in an old palazzo next to the remains of a Roman amphitheater.  These Etruscan remains were found near where we now live.  Below you can see what Etruscan writing looks like.

View from the archaeological museum window

fascist era fountain designed by a New Yorker in front of a medieval church.  Note the dramatic
clouds--15 minutes later there was a thunderstorm