Adventures of Humphrey

09 June, 2026

Buongiorno readers,

This morning I woke bright and early at 5:45am, fully refreshed and ready to begin operations for the day. The hoomans, however, disagreed. Dad grumbled something about it being “far too early” and told me to go lie on the sofa.

Honestly, the disrespect.

Still, I am a reasonable pup, so I returned to my precious sofa and snoozed until the hoomans were finally ready to function like proper adults.

Eventually Mum got up first, got herself ready, and took me outside. I pottered about the grounds at a very leisurely pace because I knew in my heart… today was a sad day.

When we got back inside, Dad had started packing all our belongings into bags. My ears drooped immediately. Readers… it was time to leave Villa Humbourg.

I was devastated.

I supervised Dad carrying luggage up and down to the car, mainly to ensure he didn’t accidentally leave me behind or forget one of my important belongings. Then suddenly — THE BEST THING HAPPENED.

Figaro and Mela returned from their morning walk.

The stars aligned.

Figaro looked at me. I looked at Figaro. No words were needed.

Absolute chaos followed.

We wrestled, sprinted, chased each other around the garden, and zoomed through the grass for a glorious forty minutes. It was the perfect goodbye. Honestly, I shall never forget my Italian cousin. The hoomans truly outdid themselves choosing a villa with another energetic GSP. Whoever organised that deserves a treat.

Eventually Ludovika took Figaro back inside so we could finish packing. I watched him disappear through the doorway like the tragic ending of a romance movie.

Farewell, my friend.

I briefly considered hiding in the garden and refusing to leave, but sadly I was outnumbered.

We headed off toward our next Tuscan adventure — somewhere called *Montupuciano* or *Montepul-something*. The Italians really do enjoy impossible place names.

I slept most of the drive because between the heat and my emotional farewell to Figaro, I was exhausted.

Our first stop was a little town called Buonconvento. Dad charged the car while we wandered around the tiny streets. It was BEAUTIFULLY picturesque with cool alleyways and old buildings… but readers… the heat today was absolutely outrageous.

Even the hoomans looked defeated.

We stopped for coffee — obviously — and then went to a restaurant where thankfully we got to sit inside. The waiters adored me immediately. One even blew me a kiss. Standard response to seeing me, really.

I also charmed some local policemen who stopped by for coffee. International relations are important work.

Eventually we returned to the blessed air-conditioned car and continued our journey until we arrived at our next accommodation — an agriturismo in the countryside.

Now at first glance it seemed lovely. Beautiful gardens. Rolling hills. Peaceful views.

Then I spotted… a CAT.

Readers, I froze.

The creature stared at me with the cold calculating eyes of a tiny villain. I immediately decided we would not be friends.

We checked into our room and disaster struck.

No sofa.

Not ONE.

Just a gigantic bed that apparently I’m “not allowed on.” Honestly, what is even the point of luxury accommodation if the dog can’t enjoy it properly?

I wanted to turn around immediately and return to Villa Humbourg.

To cheer me up, Mum suggested a little walk while Dad unloaded the car. As we wandered around the property, I suddenly spotted strange furry little creatures making odd noises. They were smaller than me, but not tiny like cats.

Mum informed me they were goats.

I observed them cautiously from a distance until Dad arrived, then I bravely moved closer for introductions. We all stared awkwardly at each other for a while before mutually deciding not to discuss it further.

Back inside, I lay dramatically on the tiled floor like a poor street dog because my bed was too warm and — once again — THERE WAS NO SOFA.

Then came the strange noises outside.

Doors shutting.

People walking.

Birds.

Cats probably plotting.

Naturally I had to remain on security duty, which meant very little sleep for me. Exhausting work being this responsible.

Eventually the hoomans showered and got ready for dinner while I stood by the door protesting loudly in the hopes we might simply leave this sofa-less establishment forever.

My complaints were ignored.

We headed into Montepulciano for dinner and honestly… I was overheating again. Thankfully we found a lovely cool cellar restaurant and the staff decided I improved the atmosphere enough to let us sit inside.

Finally. Some respect.

Unfortunately the hoomans had forgotten my treat bag back at the room. Typical.

After dinner we returned to the accommodation and sat outside while the hoomans attempted to acquire wine, but apparently everyone had disappeared for the evening. The disappointment was immense.

I whined dramatically to remind the hoomans that none of this would’ve happened if we’d simply stayed at Villa Humbourg with Figaro and the sofas.

Honestly, I’m still not over it.

Hopefully tomorrow involves better weather, more adventures… and preferably furniture suitable for one handsome travelling pup.

Buona notte,

Humphrey x