A Trip to Tuscany

 Hello, Dear Friends. 

I thought you might like to come along with me

on a lovely trip to Tuscany

 as we try to forget the many troubles

 of the day, for just a little while. 

xx

 I've meant to share this trip from 2018 

so many times, but life got in the way.

Then, as we entered into Covid 19, and 

Italy suffered so, it just didn't seem to be a good time.

Now time has passed, and although we can never forget the trauma, 

we can try to focus on all the good that remains, 

including the resiliency and kindness of the Italian

people and their amazingly beautiful country

and culture. 

xx

It was the trip of a lifetime for my family and I, as we made 

so many wonderful memories. 

To say it was magical is an understatement, 

but I will let you decide...

Over the next few posts, I invite you to join me

as I walk down memory lane in the beautiful hills of Tuscany. 

You can see my previous post, On the Road to Tuscany 

by clicking on the link. 

 I left off as we arrived at our destination, 

a 10- room villa 

in the hilltop village of Montisi. 

Click on the link to see the whole village

and information about this charming place. 

xx

The doors to our villa are to the left. 

You would never suspect the delights of what lies beyond...

The back side of the Villa. 

You can see my son, Dustin and wife, Jen

on the balcony of their room. 

A wider view...

And the rest of the Villa to the left. 

This was the view...

 180-degree views. 

We arrived late in the day, and as the sun went down I took

these photos of the amazing, breathtaking view. 

We woke up to beautiful light streaming through the arched windows. 

Some fruit, veggies and wine we picked up along the way. 

This beautiful room was my favorite place. 

Along the back wall (out of sight) were shelves holding cookbooks

and lovely books with information about the area,

including books on birds, plants and flowers. 

This villa is a second home to a family 

that live in Seattle. Through a mutual friend, my eldest son, Gabe 

discovered that they rented it out to select people when they weren't using it. 

When I got home, I ordered one of the cookbooks through Amazon. 

It is full of simple, delicious recipes. 

A peaceful corner. 

Come along and I will show you the courtyard...

Looking back. 

A wonderful place to enjoy a meal under the cool of the grape arbor,

or have a glass of wine with candlelight in the evenings. 

A bubbling fountain streaming from a large earthenware pot. 

My sweet little grandson

loved feeding the goldfish that lived there. 

A lovely sitting area with the view beyond. 

Amazing. 

xx

Beautiful vines. 

View from the garden. 

The long table is straight ahead, hidden behind the greenery. 

To the right is the beautiful breakfast room and the fountain. 

Right past the fountain is this hidden, step-down enclave,

under a large fig tree. 

A nice place to enjoy a cozy afternoon, 

away from the hot Tuscan sun. 

The guys enjoyed a few cigars here. 

xx

Daughter, Jennie enjoying the quiet in the morning. 

A lime tree. 

Ripening olives. 

Luscious grapes. 

One of several large rosemary plants. 

Beautiful pots. 

Beyond the fence, a steep drop. 

Inside this mysterious place...

Gardening tools. 

 And I think this is a well - hence the hanging watering can.  

I didn't look inside the ancient doors. 

I was a little spooked. 

_    _

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Right above was the vine-covered balcony to our room. 

With its own private staircase. 

Next time I'll take you inside.

xx

I hope that you enjoyed this little escape, Dear Friends. 

Thank you for coming along with me! 

xx