Our First Three Days
It was a long journey from Toronto and Connecticut but we all met in Brussels and continued on together to Florence. Marcie and our driver were there to greet us and whisked us to the countryside, to the tiny village of Poggio Alla Croce.
Welcome aperitivo created by Elettra and her daughter Guilia
Some of us walked around the property and explored the nearby agriturismo of Il Colle, owned by the handsome and outgoing Giovanni.
Linda got first dibs on the hammock
After an early dinner, we fell into a well-deserved slumber.
The next morning was Market Day in Greve-in-Chianti, where we found some great bargains on tablecloths and sweaters. Not to mention a visit to the Antica Macelleria Falorni where we, and countless others, admired the cinghiale outside.
Karin admiring a new friend.
We strolled through the hill town of Montefiorelle. Yes, we were getting hungry now so we were a bit early for our reservation at the Alterio Winery.
Never come between Nancy and her food!
The multi-talented Sam was in charge of pretty much everything, from preparing and serving the food, to tending the grapes and caring for the olive trees. And yes, she has two daughters!
On Sunday we walked through the woods to Malo’s farm.
She is an expert basket maker and incorporates glass and metal into her work. She also produces cosmetics from her iris rhizomes. In the spring her iris are breathtaking!
Malo shows Silvina how to make a basket
On top of everything else, Malo is a great hostess and fed us well.
Monday morning we stopped by the town of Panzano, on our way the Nora’s Cashmere goat farm.
Nora teaches us about the difficulties of raising cashmere goats while we explore her shop of treasures
Karin feeds some babies
Linda deciding which baby goat to take home
TO BE CONTINUED……Next days: Firenze, Lucca, special dinners, Siena, San Gimignano, ……..
I’m getting travel sick, that’s the opposite of home sick. Marcie, what a wonderful travel log. Please say ‘Ciao’ along with a big squeeze to the amazing people you introduced me to a year ago. I look forward to meeting them all again. Tell Malo, I’m still using her products.
Here’s to Women in charge. Pasqua
Pasqua! lovely to hear from a “woman in charge”.
Had a lovely visit with Daniela in Lucca last week. She is still just as amazing as ever. See you soon in Canada. I’m taking a vacation there. 🙂
Marcella – you put together such great experiences for your travellers. I simply must figure out how to schedule one of your trips!!
I’ve been waiting for you!
Hope you can join us next spring or fall!
You would love it here….. Talk to Silvina
She’s planning to run away! lol