Settling into village life

We’ve been in Prato for a week now and almost feel like locals. Some shopkeepers even greet us by name! Mike started work yesterday and has a nice cosy and quiet office at the Monash Centre (www.monash.edu.au/campuses/tours/prato). The Centre is located in the heart of the old town, a short walk from our apartment (www.bbmagico.it), and is housed in an 18th century Palazzo (palace). Parts of the building are believed to be much older, with 15th century frescos having been discovered on some outer walls. The part of the palazzo which is the Monash Centre was home to a prestigious club between 1875 and 1999 and was renovated in 1950 by famous Italian architect, Italo Gamberini. The boys may not end up going to school here (for various reasons) and Lee-Ann spends the mornings home-schooling them. Tom has soccer tonight (topic for a future blog) and on Wednesday evening we’re going into Florence again to watch our second Serie A soccer match (another topic for a future blog). We’re also thinking of going to Sienna this weekend. This morning it’s raining ‘gatto e cane’. The climate here is very much like Melbourne – but with no water shortages. The weather is also variable - like Melbourne – perhaps a degree or two cooler though.