These are stories about those places that are noteworthy either as public attractions, or perhaps even quiet personal places that make a difference in people’s lives. They are the places that give us energy, sustenance and reflective moments that help us to live richer lives.

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Lucca is an unforgettable Tuscan town. As if time has stood still, in many ways. The ancient brick walls enclose the old city, keeping their promise to protect it. Now rather than being closed off with enormous wood and iron doors, the wall is punctuated with open arches through which people flow freely to enjoy the unique beauty both inside and outside the wall. Whether going for lunch, an afternoon stroll, window shopping, or antiquing, Lucca offers a soulful brush with history and a guaranteed good time for all. (more…)

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There was a strange high-pitched noise in the engine. Proactive is always better, so we drove down to Sieci where the local autofficina, mechanics shop, is located—tucked in just beneath the residences above. We asked Moreno what he thought about the noise. Moreno knows everything about cars. We trust Moreno. (more…)

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Our friends down the hill Sabrina and Roberto, hired Alessio Merciai, a local historian, to research and write the story of their beloved villa, Il Trebbiolo. They have been working non-stop for 10 years to restore it to the grandeur of its finest hour in the 16th century, and they’ve done a fantastic job. The book is now finished, so we picked up a copy the other day to check it out. It reads like a reverse murder mystery—instead of trying to find out who done it, as in something really bad, they are trying to solve the riddle of who done it so good, because it is such a beautiful place today. That alone makes this story very different from any other. (more…)

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Abundance!

We go for a walk each evening, just to check in with each other and with ourselves. There is something about the rhythm of walking that coaxes out deeper feelings and more creative ideas. We do some of our best work when we walk. We have a number of different choices depending on our moods and available time. But, there is nothing like the meadow walk for inspiration and soulful engagement. (more…)

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Saturday night was my big event of the week—dinner at Torre al Sasso, Stone Tower. My celebratory meal consisted of a calzone farcito with birra, beer followed by the ever popular caffè normale, espresso which is a cultural requirement. Of course I did start off with a complimentary glass of prosecco, champagne’s Italian cousin, because that’s just what happens when we go to Sasso. Even though I was solo, alone tonight, I still got special treatment and even warranted a table for four right in front of the calcio, soccer game. As you can already see, I wasn’t kidding about this being a big night. (more…)

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There are some people in this world who are absolutely unforgettable. Even if the encounter is brief, the experience becomes indelibly etched in memory. Perhaps you meet someone with a big and charismatic personality. Maybe their line of work has a memorable quality as well. And then there are those who combine the two. Dario Cecchini is one of those people. (more…)

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Friday morning we tossed the last few items into the car—sweaters, sunglasses, maps and cameras. Three doors closed one after the other and we were off on a road trip to the Tuscan hilltowns of Cortona, Montepulciano and Pienza. Our dear friend Scott’s visit inspired this tour—drawn to the allure of the ancient Tuscan countryside. Rolling down the white road from the house, we began our journey with rocks crunching under the tires. The adventure had begun! (more…)

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It was a beautiful spring morning, so we decided to take a walk down the hill to check on the progress of the canale antico, antique channel. They started the work a couple of weeks ago, so the project is far enough along to see how it’s shaping up. The channel will connect to the piccolo lago, small lake (really it’s a pond) to provide for over-flow in case of an emergency. (more…)

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Time for a break from the writing.

We decided to go to Fièsole, which is the closest town to our place. It’s only a 10 minute drive and easy enough on the spur of the moment. When we need some hot schiacciata, flat bread, verdure fresche, fresh vegetables, or alimentari, groceries, we sometimes zip into Fièsole for a few minutes, assuming that it’s not between 1 pm and 3:30 pm since everything closes for a mid-day break (lunch, followed by a siesta). But today is domenica, Sunday, and all of the stores are closed anyway, so it’s the perfect time for lunch at Vinandro. (more…)