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Ok, update number whatever. I don’t know what day it is anymore.

Today we drove to Elba. Well, we drove 4 hours and then took a ferry ride and then drove 30 minutes to get to the house. Let me tell you- it was 100/% completely worth it. This is hands down the most beautiful place I have ever been in my life (sorry Seattle). There are pictures at the bottom. Beautiful does not describe it. The view from the house is amazing and the house itself is probably the coolest house I have ever been in. It is maybe 5 floors of sprawling Tuscany goodness. If I ever build a house I am asking for the floor plan. It can probably sleep 20 people but it has rooms in nooks and up staircases and in what one might think was a closet, but no it’s a room. They all have balconies to see the view and the grounds are amazing. I don’t know if I mentioned it but there is no air conditioning here. I don’t think the family car has it. I don’t know how they do it but the houses feel cool and are airy and bright. I have to learn the secret building technique. It has the coolness of a cave or a cavern without the hole. There are windows everywhere.
I made a nice observation that the Florida people will appreciate: you can walk in the grass barefoot. Also, the water here is blue like the color of an Office menu bar. On the drive over I wasn’t able to take pictures but the countryside was beautiful and changing. We would be driving and all of the sudden there would be a castle. An actual castle not just a big house.
I think the kids and I are starting to warm up to each other. They ask me to play more games and talk to me more. I love that when Elena gets excited she says “Mamma Mia!”
It is the next day: We went to the beach today. There is one picture. Again-beautiful. The water is cold though. They said it is from the rain. We had beach umbrellas and chairs and these guys kept walking by trying to sell everyone towels or bracelets and other stuff. Also, if I don’t come back 100 lbs heavier then God intervened because I keep eating and eating. It is so good! The thing is it is salad and fruit. They serve things in courses and so I don’t know if I eat as much or just get full faster. We drink a lot of water too but you have to ask for “natural” water because the standard is “fizzy.” Dad, you would be proud. I think I am developing my taste for it. I’m turning into you! It is ok though. I would be happy to be you.
I am having so much fun but I miss you all! I hope everything is well at home. Have a great day today!

Ciao,

Nicole



This is the island of Elba:



L: The long building at the top is where Napoleon lived.





















































This is the house and the view from the balconies:
























This is me:

Comments

  1. Nicole - I am soooo happy that you have this opportunity in Italy. I know you will love it there and this time will change your life forever! Thanks for blogging - I can't wait to hear more! ~ Bethany

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