Yesterday and Today

My sweetheart and I were in this very town 13 years ago. I remember it clearly. A little too much one on one time…differences in how one should travel. One of us loves the history and the art of each town and the other loves to check out at least a few shops. Can you guess which one I am? We parted ways in this gorgeous little 9th century village. After an hour apart this is where I found my love. On the sidewalk overlooking an enchanting vista. 

There was of course a make up kiss, followed by a smooth glass of brunello. We were in sync again. 

I still like a little retail time but I too love the churches and architecture. 

This is Pienza’s duomo. What amazes me is the incredible art adorning the walls of every duomo and cathedral in this country. 

Even this little gatto, cat, is a part of the everyday and becomes a piece of  “art”. 

Besides the inherent beauty of the place it is famous for pecorino cheese. How can this ugly little “wheel” be so delicious? 

Here is pecorino in action. Cacio, pepe, and pistachio. A sublime pasta dish that is simply pecorino cheese, black pepper and ground pistachios. As simple as it may seem the recipe is actually a tad tricky. The shepherds of Ancient Rome used to make this while out with their flocks. Of course the pistachios are a new addition. 

Our visit this time was without drama and was delightful. I hope we can return again, hopefully soon. Love you all. Ciao Baby. Gina 

Rainy Days and Sunshine

Today we went to one of our favorite destinations, Siena. What an intriguing place. An ancient city that actually fought with Florence to determine who would be the cultural and economic center of Italy. As it turned out Florence won, but Siena remained a financial powerhouse that actually participated in the funding of Christopher Columbus’s expedition to the new world. Siena is also home to the famous Palio horse race. 

Believe it or not the race happens right here in this piazza! 

This is Siena’s lovely Duomo. We toured the hospital that was across this piazza; Santa Maria Della Scala. It was founded in 898 and remained in operation well into the 1900’s. 

Of course we had to visit our favorite cafe, Nannini’s.

I’ll leave you now. Have a wonderful day and dream of  coffee and gelato at Nonna Gina’s!

Ciao Baby!

 

 Things I Will Miss and Things I Don’t

What an incredibly awesome and exhausting day. We start out driving the Crete Senesi. This is a breathtaking part of Tuscany with hills, turns in the road, cypress tree lined drives, wild poppies…to be honest it is indescribable. We went to the Monte Oliveto Maggiore Abbey. 

This dramatic piece of art is hard to capture on camera. It begins with a painting and then our crucified Savior is a sculpture. Amazing.

We attended vespers here and listened to the monks, young and old, as they prayed with singing. It is known as Gregorian chants. I will not forget this; ever.

These cacti were so pretty with the rainwater.

And finally… I don’t miss laundry, but how fun is this?! 

That’s all for today. Tomorrow is Siena! 

Ciao baby!

                                                  Siena

                                   “There and Back Again”

   If you are a bit of a nerd you will know the origins of today’s title. J.R.R. Tolkien published this book in 1937. “The Hobbit”, which is it’s primary and certainly most well known title, was a labor of love for Tolkien. He was a veteran of WWI. The Hobbit reflects many of his experiences, whether it be of heroism or of horrors, and certainly a reflection of personal growth. All of this couched in a classic fantasy that has been read by over 100 million people (those are just the sales). I, myself, have read it multiple times. I digress but just a bit. Gandalf our courageous leader, Bilbo..our brave and reluctant hobbit, and of course the others bound in this fellowship spoke often of travel. This is one of my favorite quotes spoken by Bilbo to his cousin Frodo as he faces the prospect of his own grand adventure.

“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to”.

That is where I am today. I am faced with my own grand adventure. I am packed, double checked, and ready to go out my door. Who knows where I might be swept off to!

   This is our dear, Siena,  and she is helping us find our course to …you guessed it, Siena, Italy! Check  in with me in a couple of days and I will start my adventure with my dear, sweet husband, Gary. Ciao Baby!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”  Numbers 6: 24-26

Plans Are Underway!

   It’s been way too long. A loss, a retirement, a cross country move, on and on. Life. It gets in the way, doesn’t it? My dear husband and I have made a commitment. We are heading back to one of my favorite places in the world. Italy. 

   We are studying our maps, practicing our Italian and making plans. This adventure will concentrate on Tuscany; specifically the Crete Senese. I can’t wait!

I Can't Go Home, I Need to Go to Italy.

  "I can't go home; I need to go to Italy." These are pretty impressive words... from a three year old. Words expressed because he loves to travel, even at his tender age. I have to say I fully understand. These simple words resonate in my very soul. I need; not I want, not I yearn, not I desire, I need. The dictionary defines "need" as to require something because it is essential. I ask myself, do I require this trip, is it essential? The answer is quite simply, yes. I require this visit to a country which inspires me. One where the people are warm and inclusive. A trip which will reunite me with family and nurture my weary soul.

  So, who was this sage three year old? A very special, John Henry. A boy that stole my heart the day he was born. My husband and I have been blest with three wonderful children. They each brought to our family three amazing spouses and together they have in turn brought us three beautiful grandchildren; wise John Henry, adorable Sadie, and our newest addition, impish Grayson. I now am beginning to understand what a "family tree" means. Our family is branching out and growing, as it should.

Yes, John, I know how you feel. I can't go home; I need to go to Italy. You, my dear will have to wait a few years but I will enjoy it for the both of us.

Our Grand Tour

  The “Grand Tour”.  What a wonderful concept for our 17th and 18th century ancestors fortunate enough to have the resources to travel Europe for one to two years. Get in a little culture, some great food, do some networking, have a little anonymity. This was known as the period of Enlightenment. How apropos. Something we could all use these days, don’t you think?

The last two weeks before our “Grand Tour” are the longest. Can the bags be packed and repacked at least one more time? Can I fit in more than two Italian lessons a day without experiencing total brain shutdown? Have I downloaded enough books?  Believe it or not this is one of my favorite things; getting ready for a trip to Italy.

This voyage to my adopted “mother country” promises to be fabulous. I will be celebrating my 40th wedding anniversary with my dear husband and traveling with my delightful brother and his beautiful wife. We will experience la dolce vita in Tuscany. Just like my family of old, I need, or maybe I just want, the vistas, the food, some vino, and hopefully a little dancing in the garden. I need a little dolce vita.

So, back to repacking, rechecking my lists, and maybe I can get in one more Italian lesson today. I’m feeling a bit pazzo...let’s go!!!