Tuscany 2012

I just spent the most wonderful week in the little Tuscan hilltop town of Cortona.

Last year the Boy and his Big Brother were at a charity auction where they did what brothers do- drink lots and goad each other. Luckily for me, this resulted in them winning two auction items: a week in a villa in Tuscany and a week in a villa in Bali (trip date TBD). Our Tuscan villa was gorgeous, with an incredible view.

Wine has never been more enjoyed. This was after a red-eye, a tour of the Vatican the day before Easter and a two-hour train ride. 

The city was small but had lots of charm and the best food I’ve ever eaten. Everything in the restaurants was hand-made and the city had a local farmer’s market.

We relaxed and hung out and enjoyed the company of our travel companions and friends we made on the road. We didn’t have any plans but managed to go to wine tastings and take a day trip to Montepulciano.

Montepulciano

One of the treasures we found with the help of the driver who took us to Montepulciano was a monastery  near Cortona that was founded by St. Francis in the 13th century. It was built into a hillside and absolutely incredible. It was the kind of place where the energy just feels different and you know you’ve stumbled upon something special.

We finished the trip with a quick stop in Rome because other than our speed tour of the Vatican at the start of our trip The Boy had never been. It was pouring cats, dogs, hogs and frogs but we managed to see the Colosseum and the forum.

All in all it was an incredible trip with great people.