I thought I would change things up a bit and just post some recent pics that capture the incredible scenery here.
The harvest is in full swing and each day a group of townfolk arrive and work their way through the various vineyards around us. The Sangiovese seem to go first, on the hilltops and then into the valleys. The Cabernet grapes seem to be a little hardier. We taste them on our walks and it is amazing how sweet they have become in the last several weeks.
At the center of Villa Arceno, is the primary residence. Now closed, it is a palatial country estate with gardens, a chapel, and a mile-long driveway that is a regular route on our walks. It is deserted. We look through the windows at enormous tapestries and grand ballrooms with no one to appreciate them. It's for sale. Hmmm...
We never get tired of the views and pause to appreciate them whenever we can. The view of Siena from our backyard changes daily. Sometimes it is golden in the sunrise. At other times, a misty set of layered blues and oranges. This would be an outstanding area for artists that liked to paint light and landscapes...
The sunsets are pretty awesome.
We walk by this old door on an outbuilding on the way to town. I love how overgrown it is.
And speaking of doors, this is our favorite little local restaurant. After a few visits the owner asked how long we were staying and we seemed to finally bridge the gap between short-term visitor and folks that are here long enough to trade names and smiles. Now he tells us what to order. He brings fresh crates of mushrooms out to show us. And the other night he brought us some steak that was flat out the best I have ever had in my life. As for the door...the other night we asked him how old the building was. Old. The door to next to us, for example, was original. From 1200. 12 HUNDRED. For perspective, Dante Alighieri was writing a little poem called Inferno about Hell and Salvation. Ghengis Khan was bopping around making a nuisance of himself in Asia. And the middle ages were just getting warmed up.
I have yet to fall on this, although it is on the edge of our driveway and passed on our daily walks.
The fall harvest in the yard is coming to a close. The pears are all picked. The apples are nearly gone. Few tomatoes remain for salads. And, sadly, the last remaining figs are on their way to the oven with fresh blue cheese.
The church tower in our little town is getting a make-over, but the bells still sound at noon every day and echo across the valley.
This is still one of our favorite buildings. A little stone chapel, it seems, with an ancient sculpture on the side of a Faun, the mythical Greek creature that is half man, half goat.
The coast is close. And while the temperature isn't Caribbean, the colors certainly are.
Not that cool water has ever dissuaded Hannah from a swim.
This is one of Lindsay's pics that I love. When you don't have a yard, I guess you make the best of the wall.
I too am enjoying your trip vicariously -- thanks for all you share. My neighbor is in Siena area now gathering ? up wines and vinegars for their business in Chatham and Mashpee; mlk
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Connie Knippelmeyer
10/15/2014 09:51:39 am
OMG those are the most beautiful photo's you are living a dream! You are all so talented but looks like you have some really spectacular sneery. totally off the charts beauty. So sad we are going to miss seeing it.
Great images Scott and Lindsay! What wonderful walks you must have.
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grampy
10/16/2014 12:36:06 pm
I do not have the words to discribe what your letters and pictures have meant to me.....just so wonderful..you have planned too perfection and have become the perfect American am bassadors,,Those last pictures tell a beautiful story...too bad we, in the USA do not cherish what we have..Have we become to greedy..??? YTHANK YOU ONCE AGAIN...I look vforward to your book, Scott.....
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This is the official Coe family blog for our Tuscan adventures.