#55: Seasonal Insanity
Ciao Nonni,
I hope you're well this week!
Autumn weather has come roaring into Lucca with a mild-temperature vengeance. And more rain than I would like, but still nothing too disruptive.
With the cooler temperatures have come the puffer jackets, which every Italian over 40 has whipped out with great enthusiasm. Not the full coats, just the short jackets - worn with trousers or a skirt and tights, and a scarf of course. Can't let those necks get cold!
Technically, it is still summer until this Sunday 22 September. A concept that almost broke our Australian brains. I had no idea that most of the rest of the world doesn't start their seasons on the first of a month. Did you?
It's just so simple and easy to say, ok, summer is 1 December until 28 February. Autumn is 1 March until 31 May. And so on and so forth.
Apparently this is what is known as the meteorological system for seasons. Seems sensible and scientific. Most of the rest of the world follows the astronomical season convention, which means that seasons start anytime around 20-23 of a month - based on when the solstice or equinox falls. Sounds as needlessly complicated and obnoxious as the imperial system of measurement...
Impending cooler weather in the months ahead has spurred us to eke out a final few beach days.
Last Sunday we had a fabulous day out in a seaside town called Castiglioncello. It is just south of Livorno, and is stunning. The rocky coastline is dotted with little beaches (and beach clubs). We went for a lovely morning walk, followed by an afternoon at a beach club which had a small sandy beach and floating platforms just off the shore which Leo had an absolute ball on.
This weekend we are headed up to southern Liguria, to our favourite little coastal gem - Tellaro. We went last year in September as well and had the most incredible few days, so we had to repeat it. I've said it before, but how this place remains relatively undiscovered is a mystery to me. Long may it continue!
Luckily for us, the forecast for this weekend is 26 degrees and sunny. Perfect! Hopefully the meteorologists are right.
The other big news from this week is that Raffy has finally started at her new, all Italian, school. Complete with the cutest pink smock you have ever seen, she is settling in incredibly well. The teachers are all so lovely and kind, and she is very excited to have already made some new friends.
On the odd occasion that I can spy on her in an Italian environment, I love to hear her chatting away in the language. It's amazing to hear. And makes this whole adventure feel especially worthwhile.
All my love and a big hug, as always!
