It’s Raining Chickens!

Ok – not really, but it was raining and there were chickens!

We are staying in a different place this time for our stay in Greve in Chianti. Situated just out of Panzano, this place is very remote (you may have heard Don cursing on the last two kms of vertical gravel road to our restored medieval farmhouse and outbuildings). It is still a working farm, producing wine, honey and olive oil. And fresh eggs apparently.

We only stopped long enough to drop our bags and then took the same (and only) route back out, with somewhat less cursing on Don’s part. It’s going to get better once we are used to it. This road is one of the many reasons we spring for zero deductible insurance!

So back to Panzano to a restaurant that we remembered from previous visits. These days, they are all about the reservations, so as walk ins, we were seated as far away from the view seats as humanly possible. But we know about this and it is just the way it is – when we can, we make reservations.

But because of this seating, we met the nicest Dutch couple (also walk ins) who had just gotten engaged – at the opera in Verona!

And we had the kind of wonderful conversation with complete strangers that you only seem to have when you are traveling.

We were feeling quite proud of ourselves, getting our car at Avis, negotiating the toll gates to the highway, arriving at our accommodations without getting lost, and parking in the lot only the locals know about. And we saved a bunch – Avis offered to take care of the tolls for the sum of 10 euros per day, which would amount to about 190 euros. We’re like – what? – the tolls aren’t that much – so hard pass. She tried to negotiate a few euros off – still no. Then we went through the toll and it cost 80 cents. Won’t face another toll until the one day we head to Assisi – might be a few euro. Now THAT is a racket – designed for travellers who might think the tolls are expensive and Avis is doing them a big favour by taking care of them. Hah!

Panzano is a small village only about 10 kilometres past Greve. And they just happen to be having their annual wine festival while we are here. Almost like we planned it.

So back down our road to our place and out to the pool. We just got settled in the lounge chairs when we started to feel the sparkle of tiny rain on a hot day. None of the guests moved – it felt really nice.

Then there were the free range (and this is the best kind of free) chickens. Clucking all around us, they were here and there finding all kinds of seeds and whatever they were looking for.

Now the sun has set and Don is trying to stay awake by watching girls U20 soccer (China v. Italy) narrated in Italian. Another early night trying to get over geriatric jet lag, which is no joke by the way.

So Buona Notte from beautiful Tuscany – we can hardly wait to see what tomorrow brings. xx