Tuscany Travels

Where to begin? Everything about this trip was amazing. Jill and I are so glad we went! Not for just the obvious--who doesn't want a trip to Italy, but because we were able to really get feel for Montisi, to meet some people there, and to find more suitable lodging. This means we can offer about 4 more beds each week, so if anyone is interested in joining us for the Y2Knit Experience Tuscany, let me know ASAP. We've also reserved the Villa for October 09.

Montisi is a village on a ridge, as are all the villages in the area. At one time it was a fortified village, with a wall and lookouts, which still remain. Curving streets make it seem bigger than it is, home to 315 people. While small, there's a lot of activity, and much of it takes place in the streets so we were able to take it in.

On the main street, just two doors down from the Villa Maddalena are two cafe/bar places, each different, but offering coffee, beer, wine, sodas, snacks, newspapers and magazines. Even locals drop in for a quick drink and to catch up on the latest news of the village. There are clearly peak times (early, midday and about 6pm) when regulars stop in.

Amazingly for such a small town, Montisi boasts three B&B (agrico tourismo) and two fabulous "slow food" restaurants, where the food is local, natural, often organic. We couldn't believe we could eat so well!

We were able to meet locals, both native born and ex-pats, so we developed some resources for making our stay there memorable. I have to say, I miss it already and can hardly wait to go back.