We slept in a bit this
morning as I think the toll of travel finally took precedent over the
excitement of being here. Once awake and showered we were off for a quick bite
at the hotel restaurant and then off to the San Lorenzo street market and the
main food market.
This is always one of my
favorite stops. I sure wish we had something like this food market in Phoenix…only
problem is I would weigh 400 lbs. They have everything here from meats, to
fish, to flowers, pastas, seasonings and spices, cheeses, wines…..it goes on
and on. We stocked up on some risotto, spice and seasoning mixtures, and we
were off.
We rushed back while stopping
at a few of the street carts to pick up a few goodies for those back home and
it was back to the hotel. We had an 11 am transfer from the hotel to the
airport where we would get our cars for the trip to Umbria.
Now driving is always a little
initial stress for everyone. We set up two people per car so you eventually
have a little freedom, privacy and space. I love the Florence airport because
it is small and easy to get out of. A couple of turns and you are on the
Autostrada and on your way. This year we have 10 travelers, so 5 cars. I am the
lead car. I have to say this was the smoothest transition we have ever had.
Trust me – we have had some adventures with this little event over the years!!!
But this time, no glitches.
We were off – Goodbye
Florence and hello countryside.
We made our way south on the
A1 towards Umbria – but we had a little stop along the way to the Prada Outlet.
Thank God for the Iphones – they now make my life SO much easier on this trip.
Tracking location is great and with all of Italy on Goggle Maps including
street views – it is a much easier endeavor. In the past all we had was
walkie-talkies and after a mile of separation you might as well be on Mars. I
can assure you we had some separation issues in the past but this trip, at
least in terms of our first day, we all managed to stay together – for the most
part.
We made it to the Prada
Outlet and we turned the ladies loose. Luckily there is a little café next to
the store and so those not interested in taking advantage of the 40-60% savings
were able to relax and grab a beverage and something to eat.
After about an hour and a
half of shopping we were ready to go. Back on the A1 and then across Tuscany
over the hills and down to the Niccone valley and Umbria. We stopped at the
little market in Mercatale a stocked up on supplies – jug wine, coffee, milk,
and whatever snackage needed. Then it was down the valley across the river and
then up, up and more up the dusty, gravel road to the country houses.
I always love arriving and
getting settled in. It’s always interesting to see who picks what spaces for
their week here in the casas. We all figured it out, got settled, and then the
jug wine was cracked open and the vacation continued but now at a very relaxed pace.
I love the crescendo and
decrescendo of this trip. Just like a piece of music this trip amps up and then
winds down only to amp up again at the end. Getting my travelers to the country
is wonderful. It is fun to see everyone adjust and familiarize themselves with
this completely contrasting environment from that of Florence and its tight
streets and constant buzz of Vespas and sirens.
The country is relaxing, calm and rejuvenating.
A quick swim in the pool and
it was time to go up to the main house for our welcome dinner prepared by our
host Elizabeth and her partner Paola. To
start, they prepared an assortment of local cheeses, sheep and cow cheeses and
three honeys - chestnut, acacia, and sunflower. A little dab of one of these
honeys on a piece of the cheese and wow what a delight. Add some local sausage
and melon and proschuitto and a glass of vino rosso and we were settling in for
a relaxing evening. 
Dinner included home made
lasagna with homemade pasta that just melted in your mouth and a delicious
salad with homemade dressing over local
greens from someone’s garden in Umbertide. Fabulous setting as dinner was
served on the big farmhouse table in the La Pietra cocina.
We enjoyed dinner which was
capped off by one of my favorite desserts, panna cotta with fruiti di bosco –
local berries. Anyone who has been on this trip remembers this dessert! Wow
unreal!!!
With one jug of wine gone and
the second jug being cracked open we enjoyed conversation and the cool mountain
air out on the porch terrace. Slowly the tempo wound down and it was time to
call it a night.
