Hi everyone! Between days filled with Tuscany and poor internet reception, we have been remiss in updating our blog. So here we are now, in our last week in Italy. We have had such an amazing time, it's hard to describe. The countryside is so beautiful--lots of open space, vineyards, olive trees, and rolling hills with quaint hilltop towns with narrow streets to the south of us, like Montepulciano, Montalcino and Cortona. To the north of us-- winding roads (ugh), plunging, beautiful green valleys filled with vineyards and small towns with beautiful views from places such as Greve, Caste [View Full Entry]

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Everyday leaves us enjoying Tuscany in new ways. Weather during the day has been in the mid 70's to low 80's with some rain periodically later in the day. One late afternoon and evening we had heavy rain, thunder, and lightning. But nothing has stopped us from eating most days out by the pool overlooking the Tuscany hills and valleys. We have had just the 2 of us at the villa and for a few days we grew to 12! Always a challenge to plan and feed the different size groups but everyone has pitched in and helped in some way. [View Full Entry]

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Rural Italy can have it interesting charms. Cell phone and internet access is part of it. The term (how many bars do you have?) is really important. Finally found a spot on the top floor that gets a consistent 1 bar and connection to internet so here we are. Shopping for grocerys, etc has been fun and we found a huge store IperCoop that is bigger then a Walmart to satisfy every need plus more. One interesting point was the fruit and veggie section. You take a plastic hand bag for picking th itme up and putting into another plastic [View Full Entry]

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Our first night at the villa---sitting outside by the pool, glass of wine in hand (of course) sampling fresh pecorino cheese and italian bread, with a gentle breeze and the full moon rising. This is heaven! The villa is as beautiful as we hoped. Not the Ritz but lots of room, a functioning kitchen and hot water. We think we could get used to this! Shopping at a store (the Ibercoop) larger than a Walmart was an experience. The prepackaged rooster with head attached, fresh porcini mushrooms, and 10 eggs in a carton instead of a dozen, were all unique finds. [View Full Entry]

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Looking forward to heading out this coming up Thursday, Sept 3rd and wanted to send out our first blog entry with a picture of "our" villa 2 Laghi. If you want to follow our adventures, please do. We will also use this for information to those of you joining us for part of this adventure. Like: there is a swimming pool.....bring suits! (or not...after all it is Europe :) ) You all have the directions by car but if we see easier directions or more detailed directions as we get there, we will inform you here. Our contact info: Bev 909 [View Full Entry]

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