Viva Toscana!

Hey loved ones. I bet you’re wondering what has happened to us! Well, a combination of inadequate internet connection, hot weather, and Tuscan charm has zapped our ability to communicate regularly with the outside world.

Still, the Tuscan stage of our journey merits many a post and we promise to share all of it in the upcoming weeks. For now, however, I’ll just list a few highlights of the week.

Our home at the agriturismo Cretaoile in Pienza is delightful. We are staying in a 500 year old farmhouse split into separate dwellings. Our apartment includes a large kitchen which we’ve made excellent use of. The grounds include and incredible garden which we have full reign of. The tomatoes are delicious and we are pounding the salads to balance out our diet of gelato, vino, and pasta. OK, perhaps it’s not exactly balanced, but we’re trying.

We visited an inspiring organic farm a couple of days ago. I have so much to say about that as it really changed my view of this place and it’s people, and even shifted my perspective a bit on my own life. But now is not the moment to go into it fully.

Yesterday we walked until we couldn’t walk anymore, visiting another farm in the morning, as well as an ancient Etruscan tomb followed by an afternoon visit to Siena that left all of us feeling a bit worn out. So today we have lounged. I have read almost an entire book. It’s been lovely.

Tomorrow we are visiting a vineyard run entirely by women. This is maybe my most anticipated venture of the week as it combines two of my favorite things, powerful women and wine.

The people here are incredible, both those hosting us as well as our fellow travelers with whom we’re living at Cretaoile. Many of our meals and outings have been together and it adds so much fun to all of our experiences. Last night’s dinner turned into an impromptu 65th birthday party for our new friend Frank, complete with singing and plenty of grappa. I’m usually not a very social traveler, preferring to stick with the people I came with, but the relationships here add significantly to the delight.

That’s all I have time for now. Perhaps our lack of attention to the blog can be seen as fine modeling of a proper relaxing vacation and thus forgiven by our dear readers.

Here’s some pics that highlight the last few days.

Ciao!