Nowhere Can Compare - It Is Divine.

Bougainville in Papua New Guinea and Brisbane in Australia had been our homes throughout our 40 plus years together, and working in businesses that were seven day per week, we did not have time for lengthy breaks. Then in 2010, in our fifties, we were both confronted with the BIG 'C' and the knowledge that we had worked hard, brought up two fine independent children and had never taken ourselves on the desired trip to Europe - to Italy.
Immediately, I started looking for the ideal Tuscany Villa, the place we could use as a base from which we could tour the area and to where we could retreat for some quiet time, when all the beauty needed time to percolate and be savoured.
Through Easy Reserve we viewed Borgo Del Castagno. It was in the area we desired, at a price we could afford and it looked fantastic - and it did not disappoint.
Our stay in Tuscany was a highlight of our trip.
Exploring the ancient alleyways of Cortona - the antique market of Arezzo, the 13th century church of San francesco - the delights of San Gimignano and the stunning views - the fountain in the campo of Sienna and her magnificent Duomo built n full gothic style - the Castello wines of Monteriggion - and the Vino wines of Montepulciano. We were always in awe of the history, the food, the people. It was a delight.
From driving up a one way lane and relying on the local inhabitants to help us retract ourselves, to enjoying the companionable lengthy, delicious meals in the Piazza Del Campo, to witnessing a noisy wedding in San Gimignano - throughout our stay the Italian people were helpful, entertaining and forever patient with our inability to speak Italian.
We soaked up the history, the art, the architecture. We loved the enthusiasm of the people and the stories they had to share. We lingered over meals full of the flavour of recipes developed over centuries and lush with the aroma of sunny days and wines full bodied and intoxicating.

I only need to open up my computer and linger awhile over the photographs to feel the joy of our time in this enchanting place.
There is so much of Tuscany we did not have time to explore, and there are so many places we could return to and if at all humanly possible we will one day endeavour to do so. . . . .
I had heard the phrase La Dolce Vita and had not really understood. . . . now I am certain I know what 'the good life" is, and Yes! It is very sweet. Thank you.