Lunch in Lucignano

 Often the best travel days are those where there is no deliberate agenda. Living 'la dolce vita', the sweet life, is simply that. Slowing down, no reason to rush, go where the day takes you, enjoy the small moments.

After doing the necessary laundry this morning, we decided to drive to a hilltop town 'Lucignano'. We took our time wandering the charming cobble-stoned streets, stopping to look inside a church, admire the festive doorways and greet the locals. 

We were getting hungry, so our wandering took us in search of somewhere for lunch. We had only seen a couple of bars open on our walk, so weren't too hopeful we'd find anything open. But just around the next corner was a 'Taverna', so we tried our luck. We got the last table in the place, in the doorway, but we didn't care. It was warm and inviting, and the smells coming from the kitchen were amazing. It is these small, family-run places we love most in Italy. Family photos adorned the walls and the lady who appeared to be in charge was incredibly friendly, and also impressed with our attempt at Italian. She spoke back to us in English, recognising our efforts. We were both thrilled to see 'Ribolitta' on the menu, a Tuscan-style vegetable soup with bread. We had tried this once before in Florence and were keen to try it again. It came served with an onion on the side and a knife, so you could cut as much or little as you like to put on top. Although it isn't the prettiest dish to look at, it was delicious.

Ribollita

For the second course, Shannon chose a Pork fillet and I had Veal carppacio (thinly sliced, raw meat) in a salad with lettuce and parmesan. Both were incredibly tasty dishes. We have found the most simple dishes are the best. We hit the trifecta with desserts of Tiramisu and a Chocolate fondant cake, with espresso to finish. A long, slow, very memorable lunch. 

We made our way to our Fiat Panda and mapped out a trip home that included a few stops in little towns along the way. We visited Monte san Savino and Foiano della Chiana. The streets were lined with Christmas lights and paper mache Nativity figures. It didn't matter that everything was closed, for us, tiny towns like this are a feast for the eyes, as everything is so different to home. Church bells rang out, and families met at the tiny bar that was open with shouts of 'Buona Festa!' to neighbours and friends along the way.

                                                                       

No you are not seeing things, yes that is a wine vending machine! Only in Italy!

We have had a relaxing day and now looking forward to dinner with our friends Stefano and Rosalinda.

Under the Tuscan sun

Who would have thought we'd be hungry for breakfast this morning after the feast Lilla put on for us last night? But we both woke hungry and looking forward to our first day out and about in Tuscany. Last night was our first dinner at La Maesta and Lilla's food was every bit as good as we remembered. We started with Pesto Lasagne, Turkey with beautiful green beans and creamy mashed potato for main and panna cotta with a warm raspberry sauce for dessert. Of course the wine was flowing and Stefano managed to talk us in to a grappa (Italian rocket fuel) the first night this time, not the last!

A ladybird popped in for dinner

After a lovely breakfast this morning we all headed off to Lucignano to explore. Last time we were here there was only one other couple. This time there are 10 of us here at once, making for a lot of laughs and fun. It turns out we're all Victorian's too - small world! We couldn't all fit in Rosalinda's van, so we had to split between the van and the car with Stefano, or as Shannon and I call it "the pope mobile", because of its huge glass windows. Lucignano was a lovely little hilltop town, largely untouched by tourists (not as much as Florence that's for sure!) We wandered through the local market that was running and I got talked in to buying a dress...okay she didn't have to twist my arm too hard! Jury's still out whether I got myself a bargain or not - it was only 8 euros but I'm too scared to try it on in fear it will be too small and the money wasted!

Fresh produce at the market

Stefano and Rosalinda

Gato

Enjoying a beautiful lunch

We bought a fresh apple from the market and they were so juicy straight from the tree! More wondering of the pretty streets followed, then we found a restaurant to have lunch. The food there did not disappoint either. Gnocchi with a simple sauce, bruschetta, spinach and ricotta dumplings - delicious! The afternoon and evening was spent relaxing at La Maeste, enjoying the sun, the pool and a lovely throw together dinner with our fellow guests of cold meats, breads, cheese and salad.

Tomorrow - Perugia.