This has been an intense several months for me–traveling back to Italy every six weeks or so to meet with my building crew and make decisions on what our new home will look and feel like when it’s complete. Some visits have been disappointing with progress moving slower than I’d hoped, while others have been thrilling with newly tiled walls and a brand new kitchen in place. Overall, I can’t complain. Work began on July 4, 2016 and by mid-December it will be completely finished and ready for us to decorate and enjoy.

During my last visit, which I returned from last week, I witnessed the passion and commitment of the finish crew as they proudly installed all my new lighting fixtures, stained the ceiling beams a rich chestnut brown, and measured for the new travertine countertops. These guys have all been so wonderful and kind to me–especially with my limited Italian vocabulary and my struggles to make my desires clear to them without being overbearing. Whenever I arrive for a meeting, I am met with kisses on both cheeks, lots of smiles and a warmth that has always led me to believe that Casa Castigliana will not only be beautiful to look at, it will also have a soul to be felt by all who visit there.

My birthday fell during my recent visit, and, not having any family or friends to celebrate with, I invited everyone working that day to join me for a birthday lunch. Luca, the owner of Il Cerchio delle Streghe, provided hearty platters of pappardelle with wild boar sauce, rare tagliata, rolled stuffed rabbit–porchetta style and a salad. It was a delightful way to spend the afternoon. Of course there was some wine too!

On our next visit in a couple of weeks, we will say goodbye to our new friends Maurizio the project manager, Stefano the mason and Stefano the painter, Alessandro, Roberto, Giacopo and Giordano the electricians, Raffaello the plumber, and Adelmo the marble guy. The house will no longer buzz with the sounds of busy guys humming tunes to themselves or chatting about the prior evening’s futbol scores. The house will be quiet and it will be ours.

I can’t wait.