We will go to St. Remy to visit an olive oil shop where there are tastings of different olive oils just as there are tastings for wine, a novel concept. Of course we will shop for the charming fabrics of Provence and buy lavender soaps and santons, those cute country figurines so popular in Provence.
We decided to explore Lucca like a local and rent bicycles. Inexpensive and easy, it was a wonderful way to experience this charming city, and have the ability to actually ride on top of the medieval walls, which is now a pedestrian park.
We were greeted with a typical Tuscan bounty of delicacies which included fresh baked brick-oven breads, a sort of Stromboli salad medley, various frittatas, fresh fruit tarts and of course wonderful regional wines. Everything was homemade from local ingredients. Our villa owner and caretaker warmly greeted us and encouraged us to make ourselves at home. We were off to a heavenly start in Chianti.
We ended up in a mountain village, cobbled streets, red tiled roofs, and in the midst of a Cherry Festival market filled with colorfully striped tents and a jubilant holiday crowd. Ripe creamy cheeses, the local specialty of hot pepper jam, ruby red cherries galore, hand-made pottery, locally made espadrille shoes, golden fragrant honey, and wine, of course, accompanied us back to our villa in our bursting shopping bags.
From the moment of waking up in a beautiful villa, opening the shutters and seeing the beautiful views of the gardens and hills all around, I was assured that it would be splendid day. Whether the sun was shining or there were raindrops falling, I felt the charm and warmth of this special place called Cortona immediately.
