We had arranged to meet my sister and niece at Rome airport but it didn’t happen – it’s a long and rather fraught saga but it turned out fine the next day when they took the train up to Siena and we picked them up there. Three lovely days together in our house just west of Siena was delightful and we’ll have heaps of good memories to share.
In our kitchen – Kelli, Mellita, Phil, Christy, Cherrie
This week Christy and Andy are staying – it’s Andy’s half term holiday from school and they have got into the swing of things quickly, finding the best gelati shop in San Giminagno with no delay.
San G is a delightful old town – wonderful frescoes on the interior walls of the church and great views of the countryside from its hilltop position – pity about all the tourists though.
Of course an ice cream needs to be walked off so we hit the track soon after.
About 90 minutes into this walk we lost the track and what should have been a circular walk turned into a ‘there and back’ one. But it didn’t matter. The countryside is just spectacular. Extremely lush at present.
We’ve had some fabulous meals this week. The owners of our house know the area well and have guided us to excellent restaurants. One looked like a truckies’ café but had great pasta and risottos. Last night we went to La Panorma in nearby Radicondoli, perched on a hilltop and ate on the vine covered terrace watching the sunset while we ate wonderful food. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Yesterday we did another walk from Bagno Vignoni, an old spa village which still has a colonnaded spa pool at its heart - into Pienza – a 3 hour walk across beautiful rolling farmland. Pienza is a beautiful little town which provided an excellent lunch for ravenous walkers.
We seem to manage a drama or two most days here. Yesterday we lost our way on the road twice, both times while trying to find the route around Siena, NOT THROUGH IT!!!– I just drive – it was my 3 navigators who didn’t shape up. Then to top it off, we were stopped at a police check by armed police who told me I was driving with my fog lights on. They were armed to the teeth ( I guess traffic control must be a hazardous job in Italy) but fortunately decided that my offence didn’t warrant capital punishment. I was so exhilarated to get off with just a warning that I promptly drove up a one way street – the wrong way!!
Today we are having amore leisurely day in Siena. I’m also hoping to find an internet café so I can post this!!
