Fortunate Return

I arrived back on Sunday at lunchtime, the weekend when Todi celebrates its patron saint, St. Fortunatus. I missed the archery, disappointingly, but was able to see some of my favorite events other than that (flag wavers, procession, raptors, and market).

This year, there were more than 1000 participants in the procession! That meant that they weren't able to finish starting off everyone before the leaders had looped back and finished their parade. Next year, I suspect they'll have to lengthen the parade route.

The weather was beautiful, which also helped increase the number of spectators, much to our delight!

Alessio, part of the Lucaroni clan

We loved seeing how the young
ones were included in the overall groups, not separated out

The beat of the drums was constant.
And LOUD!

The newest flag corps

This was my greeting: the
scouts had built this structure
at the bottom, next to Consolazione

Love,

Alexandra

New Family Reunion in Edinburgh

Matthew, our soon-to-be son-in-law had a conference in Glasgow, and asked if we'd like to meet up with him in Scotland. As if that were a question!

Unfortunately, Michael wasn't able to make it, but it became this wonderful new-family meeting. Matthew's sister lives in Denmark, so she decided to come with her boyfriend. Florence came down from Aberdeen to hang out with us for a few nights, as well. It was really a lovely time.

For being there only a short time, we certainly saw a lot! I enjoyed the variety in our sightseeing, as well: we

• Visited Edinburgh Castle
• Went to the National Museum (I think I have that right)
• Toured Holyrood Palace
• Hiked up to Arthur's Seat
• Visited Greyfriars Kirkyard (source of the inspirational story Greyfriars Bobby, and also possibly of multiple names found in the Harry Potter series)
• Walked in the botanical gardens
• Meandered around Dean Village
• Shopped at John Lewis and the wool shop (twice! Amazing things, and I had to restrain myself)
• Ate! Indian, Middle Eastern, tea, pub meals, and more!

It was really great to get to know another member of Matthew's family; only two siblings left to meet! 

Professor McGonagal in another incarnation?

Greyfriars Kirkyard

The school whose architecture possibly inspired JK Rowling's
Hogwarts School

The church wardens found that they
had to put bars over the graves to
prevent theft of the cadavers!

The kirkyard has a lovely overlook into the back of Old Edinburgh

Dean Village is a lovely town that was subsumed into Edinburgh

We had a lovely wander along the river

St Bernard's Well, whose waters
are thought to have healing powers,
or to be nasty and stinky
(depending on whom you ask).

View from Old Edinburgh

View from Arthur's Seat. The large palace in the foreground
(right of center) is Holyrood Palace.

Matthew in the National Museum.

I loved this windbreaker
made of sea mammal intestines

This was a jail from Napoleonic times. American Revolutionary
soldiers were housed in separate spaces (the American forces
came across the Atlantic to disrupt British naval supplies)

View from Edinburgh Castle

Nicholas, Matthew, and Katelyn

The last time we were in Edinburgh, it was an overnight visit when we were dropping Florence off at university. It was a delight to get to know it better, and we were all very favorably impressed. It is very welcoming, and I for one would be happy to go back at any excuse.

(That said, it is great to be back home!)

Love,

Alexandra