Sometimes, when we travel, it's the moments that are completely unexpected and unplanned that turn out to be the best parts of a trip. I experienced one of those days on my recent trip to Italy.
After our wonderful time in Colle di val d'Elsa we were to transfer, by van and private driver, to the spa at Fonteverde. We knew the trip would take a little under 2 hours and since we weren't expected at Fonteverde until late afternoon, decided at the last minute to hire the driver for the whole day - the plan was to have him take us to an olive grove and a medieval village along the way. First thing Friday morning, Manuele, our driver, arrived to pick us up. He spoke impeccable English and we immediately felt comfortable with him.
 |
| Cinta Sinese - rare Tuscan piggy! |
We had been told ahead of time that the olive grove and production facility were closed for the season, but that they would open it up and give us a tour. To be honest, I wasn't that excited about seeing a closed olive oil factory, but decided to just go with the flow. When we arrived at the processing plant, a wonderful little Italian woman named Anna Rita met us and gave us a tour of the plant, explaining how everything was done - she was very interesting and I think we all immediately liked her. After the plant tour, Anna Rita invited us back to her estate, Casamonti, to view the olive groves, vineyards and the special Tuscan pigs, Cinta Sinese, they raise which are then processed into delicious salamis, and prosciuttos on site. This turned out to be the most delightful tour and we were all surprised afterwards when we were shown to a small room and the most beautiful luncheon had been prepared for us - complete with the wines and olive oils produced by their estate. It was, in my opinion, the most delicious meal we had on the whole trip! We were all so overwhelmed by the kindness and hospitality shown to us 4 girls - we were, after all, only expecting a tour of a closed olive oil plant. This was far and above anything we expected - and at no cost to us!! Anna Rita explained that many of the things we were eating were her mother's recipes and then told us she had just renovated the kitchen in the 200 year old house because she dreamed of opening a cooking school - well sign me up!!! Seriously, I would love to spend some time with Anna Rita learning the secrets of her Tuscan kitchen - and I have a strong feeling she would have so many interesting stories to tell at the same time...all in the most beautiful setting imaginable in the Chianti region of Tuscany.
 |
| Beautiful to look at - Delicious to eat!! |
After our luncheon, we all made some purchases in the shop, and were preparing to leave, when Anna Rita asked us if we would like a tour of the 200 year old farm house - we had no idea that she had never invited anyone inside the house - this was a first for her. What we saw was completely unexpected, but let me say that some museums in Italy would be more than happy to have some of the items that we saw there. The house belonged to her husbands parents, who had passed away several years ago, and had remained virtually untouched since. It was in amazing shape and I loved seeing such a wonderful example of a historical Tuscan home. We felt honoured to have been invited inside. After touring the farmhouse, we reluctantly said goodbye to Anna Rita, but all of us have the feeling that we will be meeting again.
 |
| Anna Rita, centre, and Sandro, her right-hand man |
 |
| Beautiful views in Pienza |
After our visit to Casamonti, Manuele drove us to Pienza - his hometown. Pienza was a delightful town, small and easy to explore due to the rare fact that it is flat - most unusual in these medieval towns which all seem to have a steep slope, which can be tiring when exploring. We enjoyed some gelato, the beautiful views, and of course made some really neat purchases - a couple of hours is all you need to see most of Pienza, making it a perfect stop if you have limited time.
It was a pleasant afternoon and a great complement to our morning .
After our afternoon in Pienza, it was finally time to head to Fonteverde, the spa in the Siena hillside, and our "home" for the next 3 days. But what I truly loved about this day was that we were really expecting it to be one of our least exciting days of the vacation and it turned out to be on of our favourites - I love it when that happens!!
No comments:
Post a Comment