IL DOLCE FAR NIENTE

Arrived in Tuscany a couple days ago. Had a fabulous drive from Orvieto, meandering along the country roads. It is such beautiful, peaceful scenery. We stopped in Montalcino and walked around the Fortrezza, the 14th century fortress at the top of the hill. We carried on to our next destination, the little town of Panzano in Chianti. Our B&B is overlooking a valley, filled with vineyards and villas. The four

of us sat on the deck last night taking it all in. We are trying very hard to adopt the Italian way of life ... "Il dolce far niente ...The sweetness of doing nothing"... But there is so much to see that we are having to force ourselves to slow down. It is becoming easier each day.
Yesterday we visited Castellina, a town about 10km away, and lunched in Greve, another short drive. Tom and
I walked down the street to buy some cheese and salami from Dario Cecchini, the famous butcher of Panzano. We had heard he was quite entertaining. When we walked in the door, we were immediately handed a glass of wine. We sure dont have butcher shops like that back home! I asked if we could buy some of his
famous salami, but were told " we are closed, we are just giving stuff away now." He told us to help ourselves to the meat and cheese on the table and enjoy the wine, then off we went. Today we headed off to San Giamangano, a medieval town (3rd century) and arrived just before the rain. We caught the view from one of the 14 remaining towers.... Amazing.
We wandered around, checking out the market and shops, stopping for the best pizza yet. It was raining off and on most of the day, all the more reason to shop, I say! Regardless of the weather, there is still so much to enjoy. Might dampen the ground, but not our spirit.
Tonight Tom and I walked to a little restaurant in town, again passing by the butcher shop/ restaurant we had visited yesterday, and heard Dario the butcher singing to his customers. A great way to cap off a great day.