When one door closes...

The other day, we went to Todi Ponte Rio, which is the area at the bottom of the hill.  It was, shall I say, rather less appealing than Todi Centro.   We were checking out soccer, and it turns out that a) it’s a really long way from Todi proper, and b) the bus schedules are not conducive to getting back from soccer practices.  In fact, we would have had to wait an hour and a quarter after practice before the next bus.  While I was prepared to do this for James, I was fairly seriously dreading the thought of the commute.  Made me think too much of Atlanta.

View of the elevator from the parking lot (it's the track in the center, above Florence)

A view of Todi from the tennis pavilion

In the Great Glass Elevator

View of track from the Great Glass Elevator

View of countryside at sunset from top of elevator

Florence, with Todi in background.  The tower is a side view of the Duomo

James next to a work truck.  We love seeing the big, burly workmen folded into this -- it gives us a laugh every time!

The inside of the truck -- it's really a glorified scooter.

A view from the road near the tennis courts.

The dome of Santa Maria della Consolazione against a cloudy sky.  The church was completed in 1607 after 99 years of construction.

View from the parking lot of Sta Maria della Consolazione.  We live at the top of the hill!

View of the dome of Sta. Maria della Consolazione from the path back home.

And then we went on our excursion through the woods – and found the tennis courts, which are covered.  Today James and I went back to check out the tennis and came across a very nice woman who has us all set up for weekly group lessons with kids his age and an instructor who speaks some English.  AND she has a racquet James can use!  So, while I’m sorry he can’t play soccer, I think this is going to be better for everyone.  And James is thrilled that he gets to learn a new sport!  An added bonus:  he’ll get to ride the elevator home every week!