This is a photograph of the amazing view from a lookout point here in Orvieto. SAY WHAT?! It is absolutely friggin' amazing here. Be sure to check out my video posts and the slideshow to see more of this beautiful city...


My experience here so far has been awe-inspiring, to say the least. Despite the fact that I have a stomach bug that I can't seem to shake, I am still in shock at the fact that every day I step outside my door and I am embraced in a warm culture bustling with passion for family, food, and friendship. All of this has reinforced my original assumption that AMERICA SUCKS! Seriously! I wish I could import everyone I love so we could buy our own villa and start over completely. Why do I feel this way? Let me explain.


First of all, the pace of life here is so much more appealing. Everyone wakes up around 9:30 and goes to work until around 1:30 or 2:00 when they return home for their biggest meal of the day, inevitably shared with family and friends, and a nap. The meals here consist of fresh salads, homemade pasta, wine, gelatto- they do not skimp here! Then people return to work refreshed and invigorated to finish up the day when they return home, once more, until 7PM or so. Then they meet up with friends and family again to explore the countryside, walk the quaint but bustling streets of the town, or share another meal. They retire around 11PM and start it all over again the next day. In a word- heaven.