So I made reservations at this gentleman's restaurant in Panzano Italy.  I found out about him in one of the books I read, it was a short passage about a restaurant in this little hill town in Tuscany   I did some research and have been learning about Dario Cecchini.  I found out the family has a bed and breakfast where I booked two nights.  I am looking forward to meeting Dario.  This article and video posted on his Facebook page and I got so excited about meeting him.  I thought I would post so you can hear this interview.  He seems like a guy who loves life and loves his craft!! I will be seated at the table in the background there on June 22 for diner!!! Can hardly wait!
http://www.oliveto.com/ourcommunity/movies/a-visit-with-dario-cecchini

Well, I just looked at my ticket information as I do several times a week... as if the time will get here faster hahaha, anyway, it is now only 82 days until departure.  I have been busy with work and school, but also looking for gadgets that I may not know I need for my trip.  I did manage to make two purchases recently that will come in handy before, during and after my trip.  First his lovely Marmont rain jacket.  I have been wanting and looking for a good quality rain jacket for a long, long time.  I found this one on REI at 50% off.  Love, love, love it.  Amazing that a girl can get so excited about a rain jacket. Oh well, I guess I am not hard to please.  Notice the socks also.  I have such a hard time paying a lot of money for socks and underwear, maybe TMI, but still.  However a couple of years ago I paid $15 for a pair of keen socks and after wearing time over and over for those two years I realized they have not worn out at all, they still have the same elasticity as when I bought them and are like new.  So I splurged again on a pair or REI socks.  These are awesome merino wool.  They regulate my foot temp which is nice because my feet usually get really hot.  Anyway, I decided I am going to get a few more pricey socks, what the heck right?



My other sweet acquisition which arrive yesterday was a pair of hiking shoes.  Keen, my favorite shoes in the universe, I think they were make specifically for MY feet.  Anyway these sweet shoes are da bomb!  They are so comfy! I have to break them in, so I am wearing them right now actually. Although, I feel they are already broken in as they are so comfortable.

I have been playing my learn Italian CDs in the car also, so I am picking up a few works.  Listening to the language and reading some things in Italian I am finding that I can make out enough words to get by.  I am hoping that by the time I return I will know a bit.  Anyway, Ciao for now my friends.