Watching the video of how to get to Dimora del Bugiardo in the Valpolicella wine region of Italy is a lot of fun. I’m not sure who made the video, but I love it. I did have my doubts I would actually be able to find this agrirelais (a cross between an agriturismo and a…
Uh oh! An email from the owner of the hotel I was to stay at in San Vigilio di Marebbe, Italy. He needed to close the hotel early for the season (summer) as his wife was about to have a baby. What did this mean for me and my reservation made a month ago? Well,…
More love of the Val d’Orcia, Italy – this special region of Toscana that is definitely a favorite. Yesterday I drove to Sant’ Antimo, a church and abbey that dates back to the late 1100’s. It began to decay in the 15th century, but restoration began in the 1870’s. It’s a stunning place, simply decorated, yet…
Everyone falls in love with Toscana. What’s not to love – fortressed towns perched on hills, vineyards with world class wines, beautiful churches, the cradle of the Renaissance. I, personally, love Tuscany. But, my favorite piece of Toscana (so far) is the Val d’Orcia. This UNESCO world heritage site is the valley that sits just…
As I drive from the far north to the far south over these weeks, I truly get to see, and more importantly, experience, Italy in all its diversity. I know I’ve written of this before, and I can guarantee I’ll write about it again. But, it’s true. Italy is incredibly diverse. Close your eyes. Go…
As I walked out onto my balcony tonight, on a clear, cold night, I knew the stars would be out in full force. I heard the sound of the cow bells, clanging in the chilly, dark mountain air. The stars, so many, twinkled at me – so many that I couldn’t make out the constellations. I will…