Easter

Villa Cafaggio’s Super Tuscans Rock Panzano

July 18, 2013 by Deborah Mines

Buonvenuti a Panzano! — Benvenuti a Panzano!

My draw to the tiny hamlet of Panzano was two-fold…. one was to meet Dario Cecchini, the touted celebrity butcher featured on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations show, and revered by travel guru Rick Steves. And, also to explore the many boutique wineries hidden off the SR222, the Chianti Wine Trail. As a point of reference, Panzano lies a few kilometers south of Greve, about 45 minutes from Firenze (Florence).

Picturesque and quiet....Panzano in Chianti — Picturesque and quiet….Panzano in Chianti

I visited over Pasqua (Easter) weekend and the weather was cool and misty, with scattered showers. Not ideal, but with umbrella in hand, I made the best of it. I enjoyed sitting in the village bakery with a cappuccino in hand, watching the local women scurry around town preparing for the big Pasqua family dinner. Shop windows were lavishly decorated with giant chocolate eggs with hidden toys inside, all festively wrapped with pastel ribbons. [Read more…]

Bella Tuscany ~ Captive On The Carousel Of Time

April 26, 2013 by Deborah Mines

Il Poggio ~ Agriturismo in Celle Sul Rigo -population 300 — Il Poggio ~ Agriturismo in Celle Sul Rigo Medieval town population of only 300

Many of my friends found it hard to believe that I was travelling all the way from California to Italy by myself. Travelling solo (sola in italiano), was never really an issue. I was returning to Il Poggio in Celle Sul Rigo, approximately 50 km south of Siena, for my second visit, so there was a sense of familiarity. Luckily, I made friends easily, meeting fellow travelers along the way. www.ilpoggio.net

Many of the other guests at Il Poggio were either couples or families but everyone seemed to be exceptionally friendly, no matter what language they spoke. The staff at Il Poggio was very genuine and welcoming, but spoke little to no English. By default, I was forced to speak Italian and really enjoyed the challenge–my mind was always engaged!

One of my first italian amiche, (friends) was Ramune, who spoke English commensurate to my Italian. She freelanced as a concierge and tour guide of sorts at Il Poggio. Originally from Lithuania, Ramune was fascinating and enthusiastic, eager to share her time, offering guided side trips throughout southern Tuscany. [Read more…]

Marzo Pazzo Indeed!

April 17, 2013 by Deborah Mines

View of Radicafoni from Il Poggio — View of Radicofani from Il Poggio

When I told a family friend in Firenze (Florence) that I was returning to Tuscany in mid-March for the Easter holidays, he said, “Marzo Pazzo”! which roughly translates to “Crazy March”. Indeed it was, at least weather-wise. Not knowing quite what to expect from the weather, I packed lots of warm sweaters and a heavy jacket.

Stepping off the airplane in Firenze, the thermometer read only 1 degree Celsius! Surely it wasn’t cold enough to snow, or was it?

Medieval Borgo of Celle Sul Rigo, Population 300

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