As we drive up the mountain, I take in the breathtaking views, but start to wonder “how will I be getting down from this mountain without a car”? We park and she advises about where to park so no rolling boulders will damage the car. I grab my luggage and trek through the winding narrow walkways between the homes and arriving at her courtyard. I settle in to my room as she advises I have the entire floor to myself. wow. This is wonderful. My sitting room is probably as big as my first floor in the USA, there are fireplaces everywhere to heat the areas of the home in winter and in the summer, the fact we are high up on a mountain and these stone buildings provide natural cooling.
The sitting room on my floor
We go to the local store (which is a second floor room in a building in the village) to buy our food for dinner for the two of us. Cute. I start to meet the local villagers who wonder who the new American is and why he is in this remote village on top of a mountain. lol. We purchase our steak and potatoes and asparagus which we then cook together while drinking local wines while we cook. Great time catching up with Heather and finding out what we both hope to gain from this adventure together. Heather starts to list her business issues and I take notes…
I am learning that byproduct of this adventure is definitely going to be weight loss for me. Heather is very Healthy at 68 years old. She looks 50. I am taken aback and hope I look as good at her age. She adds no added sugar to anything and uses very little seasonings when she cooks. She’s a purist. I am also learning some cooking techniques and in general slowing down to take care of myself. I start to realize how hectic daily life is in the USA and how the focus here is on ‘living’ and not just ‘getting through the day’….
