Italy: Tuscany

Photo Album. (Written September 25, 2008) The next chapter of our Italian trip was in a “little red jellybean” European Diahatsu stuffed with the four of us, our luggage and a fancy right side cosmetic mirror affixed with duct tape. Tuscany, here we come!

We meandered through the hill towns of Greve, Montelchino, Pienza, San Querico, Cordona and Chivita enjoying the unique shops, trattorias, piazzas and accommodations in each. Italy has a unique accommodation program called “agritourismo” that are basically farmhouses transformed into quaint and unique Bed & Breakfasts. The first night’s place was my favorite. Up a Tuscan hillside off a gravel road we discovered “Le Centinelle,” a 500 year old farmhouse turned B&B complete with a vineyard and olive trees. They make their own wine, olive oil and honey. After a nap, Andy and I awoke to dinner of fresh bread, cheese, meat and veggies in the quaint common area. We sampled Le Cetinelle vino rossi and olio which were both to die for! Along with burning candles in the candlelabras and Luciano Pavorotti filling our ears, it was another memorable evening with the Conlon’s.

We met a lovely couple there from Munich to boot – Robert & Simone. The conversation flowed easily from the get-go as we swapped travel stories and life philosophy sprinkled with conversational jokes and laughter. Andy and I have been planning to go to Munich for Oktoberfest and tapped them for information on the event. They were so kind to extend an invitation to us to spend a weekend with them in Munich! We absolutely can’t wait. We’ll be there October 3 – 5 or so, the last weekend of the Bavarian celebration.

Tuscany has such amazing countryside of vineyards upon rolling hills sprinkled with hill towns created centuries ago. Much of the original architecture remains amongst cathedrals, piazzas and gardens. I can see why people love to visit Italia!