Party Under the Tuscan Stars

Today was scheduled to be rainy here in Tuscany. It has been interesting watching the landscape changed quickly over the week – bright and vibrant greens slowly gave way to yellows and browns as wheat ripened and hay was baled. The sunflowers have started to grow; we pass fields and fields of them so the display in a few months should be spectacular.

This morning we had the art class that we missed on Tuesday (we were ballooning when the rest of the group enjoyed their class). Liz Cochrane, a talented local artist, spent close to four hours patiently working with us as we tried to produce some art. We managed to produce a painting each although I don’t know if I would call it art! LOL

After a bite of lunch we decided to head to Montalcino for some wine tasting. First we went to the famous abbey located south of Montalcino - Sant Antimo. It was a simple but beautiful building. When we got there we looked at a service schedule and noticed that the monks were about to pray in about 15 minutes. The monks at this abbey still use Gregorian chants that have been used for hundreds of years to pray so this was something we wanted to see! They filed in and chanted their prayers, something they do 7 times a day. It was a stunning experience – if you are in the area do check it out.

Next up was Montalcino and some vino. This area is home to the famous Brunello grape and makes some of the finest (and expensive) wines in the world. After parking the car we made our way to the fortress where sampled a number of amazing wines and managed to find some within our price range to bring home!

Back at the villa we napped before the big party.

One of the special features of a week with Gail Hecko is the party she arranges for the Thursday evening.

Gail invites locals from the town, slow travelers who are the area, and anyone else she can think of who may enjoy a party to the villa. She sets out lots of food .  .  .

Although with Palma in the kitchen you can bet that the table was fully laden with food. People were full with just the appetizers alone. There was more to come and we enjoyed sausages baked with mushrooms, cheesy polenta, and zucchini baked with more cheese. Amazing food!

The wine flows . . .

Later in the evening Pino broke out his guitar and we are treated to live music – songs by Pino, Liz, and any of the guests who wished to sing. It was a very special evening.

It is because of events like this that a week with Gail Hecko is as good as it gets!

We crawled into bed at close to midnight, full, exhausted, but wishing that we were NOT returning home on Sunday. L

Comments

[diana]

Jerry and Paul, your adventures all sound wonderful. We so enjoyed your time here with us and boy, you have really done a lot on this Italian adventure. I should send greetings from Domenico who stopped by yesterday and am happy to inform you that the sun is finally starting to peek out of the clouds. So if you miss your plane on Sunday, you know where to high-tail it to!! Big hugs to our friends in Montisi. Diana Micha Max

[sandrac]

Sounds like a wonderful day, and a fabulous party. Someday I would love to see the Abbey Sant'Antimo, it sounds fantastic.

[Rose]

Ahhhh....another wonderful adventure! I am truly enjoying your posts. It's almost like reliving an adventure. Have a safe trip home Sunday.

[Jerry]

Thanks Diana - you have no idea how many times Paul has mentioned his plans for returning to Acqui Terme!

Sandra - we visited about 4 abbeys and monestaries this trip. Each was unique and powerful.

Thanks Rose - wait until you see the pics - I think that there are more than 1000!

[angie]

Gail told me that Liz was a great singer. What a treat!

[Jerry]

Liz has a lovely voice - she is quite a talented lady. She and Pino have such a fun rapport with one another, it was a perfect evening.