When Women are in Charge

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!

Sam showing us around at the Alterio Winery

 

 

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

 

Lunch in the garden with Nora
Karen can’t keep the smile off her face! Wait until she visits Florence tomorrow  and then Lucca on Wednesday

TO BE CONTINUED……Next days:  Firenze, Lucca, special dinners, Siena, San Gimignano, ……..

6 thoughts on “When Women are in Charge

  1. 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. 🙂

  2. Marcella – you put together such great experiences for your travellers. I simply must figure out how to schedule one of your trips!!

  3. Hope you can join us next spring or fall!
    You would love it here….. Talk to Silvina
    She’s planning to run away! lol

  4. Hi Marcie This sounds too good to be true. all that I imagined and more. Hope I can join you.
    Donna Birney

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