Tuscany - June 13

I did vineyard laps for my run today.  Every circle I made I discovered new deer prints - but have yet to see one of the deer!  One set of prints was really tiny, so hopeful to discover a baby deer soon!

We had an omelet with prosciutto, tomatoes, fresh Italian cheese and bread.  Yum.  Then the kids got out the chocolate straws they found in Arezzo yesterday.  The straws have little chocolate beads in them and holes at either end, so the chocolate melts as you such up the milk.  Genius.

The weather forecast for today and tomorrow is 100% chance of rain.  I love these forecasts, as you mostly will get a little rain at some point, but it has been gentle.  So gentle umbrellas are optional.  As we waited for the rain to roll in, the kids headed to the vineyards in search of butterflies.

Just FYI that no enhancements were made to the color of these photos!

We were able to connect with our dear friend Lou from Wilmington yesterday and headed out immediately to follow his recommendations.  He has not disappointed yet!  We headed to Monticchello to eat lunch at La Porta - a restaurant Lou's friend Daria runs.  The food was incredible!  Between the five of us we were able to sample the risotto, the black truffle pasta, the wild boar pasta, the lamb, the t-bone, and the appetizer with pate, bruschetta, and sausage.  And the house wine from the sangiovese grapes was the best we've had so far.  We brought a bottle home.  And a few leftovers too.

Looking up the street from the restaurant.

The kids were a little chilled from the damp air, so Corey made a quick sprint back for another scarf.

The UNO tournament continued...and lasted the entire lunch!  Finally Caden pulled off the W.

Homemade tagliatelli pasta with fresh black truffles (tartuffo nero).  One of the best things I've ever tasted.  Period.

 This girl devoured her lamb.

 The perfect cappuccino afterwards.

After lunch we strolled around the town.  Unbelievably picturesque.  It is almost as if there is a city ordinance for your residence to be perfectly quaint and ready to be photographed for an Italian postcard at any moment.  Seriously.

 Entering the village.  The restaurant is the first door to the left once you enter through the arch.

The kids were delighted to find flowers and petals throughout the village - and to try and make Caden wear them :)

 

 

A path behind the garden of some of the houses.  So tempting to keep following this winding path into the valley. 

 

The kids had a ball running through the streets playing tag.

I loved this message inside the church.

The view from the city walls -

 Looking back at the village - safely protected by the Polizia - which looped the little cobblestone streets while we were wandering about.  I think we must have looked suspicious :)

The drive out of town towards our next stop - Perenza.  Seems like a good place for gelato.  Actually, anywhere in Italy seems like a good place for gelato :)

Who lives here?  And how do I get myself invited for Christmas dinner?!?

 

 

 Walking into town from the car park.

 I love how the rain sparkles on the stone streets.

 

It finally occurred to me that the kids could take a photo of just Corey and me :)

 

 

This is beginning to feel cliche, but such stunning countryside today!  Coupled with great food and wine, I took my customary afternoon nap on the drive home.

Kids took a swim.  I finished grading.  Corey got some work done.  Then kids worked on some water colors.  Now bed.  Please slow down time!  We go home Monday!!!