Lee's Tuscan Odyssey: August 2017

In 2001 I came to live in Italy. I had some fun, wrote a journal and this is the blog of my story...

"Tuscany is a state of grace. The countryside is so lovingly designed that the eye sweeps the mountains and valleys without stumbling over a single stone. The lilt of the rolling green hills, the upsurging cypresses, the terraces sculptured by generations that have handled the rocks with skillful tenderness, the fields geometrically juxtaposed as though drawn by a draughtsman for beauty as well as productivity; the battlements of castles on the hills, their tall towers standing grey-blue and golden tan among the forest of trees, the air of such clarity that every sod of earth stands out in such dazzling detail. The fields ripening with barley and oats, beans and beets. The grape-heavy vines espaliered between the horizontal branches of silver-green olive trees, composing orchards of webbed design, rich in intimation of wine, olive oil and lacy-leaf poetry. Tuscany untied the knots in a man's intestines, wiped out the ills of the world. Italy is the garden of Europe, Tuscany is the garden of Italy, Florence is the flower of Tuscany." Irving Stone from my favourite book " The Agony and the Ecstacy" A fictional biography of Michelangelo

265. Alberto's party

Sat 24

For the first time in five years we're going to miss the San Giovanni fireworks... But all in a good cause. Our good friend, Alberto is throwing a beach party in honour of his 'early' retirement. Fifty of his closest friends have been invited to the archaeological park at Baratti.

We arrive after a mammoth journey in time for our picnic lunch on the beach. Alberto and Nadia are there of course. Matteo and his girlfriend, Barbara, their dance teacher, Letizia and all the usual gang are there as well as many other friends and work colleagues. We settle down for a relaxing afternoon of swimming and sunbathing.

At 6 o'clock we all depart from the beach. We check in to our agriturismo, Calzalunga, near Suvereto. A shower and change of clothing and we are ready to party!

A quick drive back to Baratti and the archaeological park, which is a great setting for a fabulous evening. We're normally used to seeing everybody in swimwear. so it's strange seeing everybody with clothes on! Aperitivos get the party started, before a great banquet, complete with retirement cake and then Alberto opens all his presents. We continue dancing the night away...

Happy Retirement Alberto!

Sun 25

We're up nice and early for breakfast, before settling by the pool for some early morning rays and a swing in some hammocks! At midday the pool is invaded by an army of kids on a pre-lunch dip. We pack up and head to Suvereto for a sandwich lunch and then we're back at Baratti (by popular demand) At five o'clock I disappear into San Vincenzo to catch England vs Ecquador in the second round of the World Cup. (A Beckham free kick wins the match for them!) I pick Annette up and we head back to San Vincenzo for a pizza at... yes, the no.1 Pizzeria and we have a stroll and ice-cream, before driving back to Florence.

(Original entry: no. 327 - 24/25/06/2006)

264. Renaissance Man

I have a free morning today and decide it's time to check out the current exhibition at Palazzo Strozzi, before it's too late!

An incredible collection of art from around the globe that support the ideals of this great Genoan humanist, author, architect, poet, priest, linguist, philosopher and cryptographer, Leon Battista Alberti. There are also some of his books here on the treaties of Architecture, Painting and the Family...

(Original journal entry no. 326 - 16/06/2006)

263. Granducato and Davide at 40

Sunday afternoon and we take a drive out to Pratolino for some lolling about on the grass. The mood is somewhat spoilt by a children's festival complete with flag waving and a brass band!

But, hey, yesterday was my good friend, Davide's 40th birthday and this evening he's taking us out for a meal at the very posh Granducato Hotel in Campi Bisenzio. We're being joined by his Chinese work colleague, Kelvin. His book and Brunello wine presents seem to go down well - even if the food is not as spectacular as the place!

Tanti Auguri Davide!

(Original journal entry no. 325 - 11/06/2006)

262. Radda in the glass

This afternoon England are playing Paraguay in the World Cup, but the temptation of Chianti Classico wine proves too much!

And so after my lesson with Stefano Chioccioli I head out to the beautiful town of Radda and indulge in some glass swilling - a fabulous edition and some great new wines!

261. Open Pool

The outdoor pool in Greve has been open for a week now. Friday and a lesson cancellation for our first visit. It's fairly empty.

Sunday 18th and our second visit to the pool and of course its packed!

In the evening we have a great meal at Napoleone in Piazza Carmine.

Wed. 28th and our first visit to a new pool in Campi Bisenzio, the newly opened Hidron. Its only twenty minutes away and has an Olympic sized outdoor swimming pool.

(Original journal entry no: 323 - 09/06/2006)