Today in Italy began like many others with Clyde driving around a little village mingling with the Italians. We hopped from the region of Umbria over to Tuscany, all in about a two minute drive. In fact this place we're at now is SO on the border that our landmark is a "Benvenuti in Toscana," (welcome to Tuscany) sign where we turn up our road, into Umbria.
Our private tour guide today was our next house sit host who wanted to familiarize us with the town of Mercatale di Cortona. First stop was at the bakery that her boyfriend is a co-owner of for a tour and tasting of some delectable pastries. Larger than it appeared from the outside, the bakery is well equipped to make breads, pastries, cookies, pizza and more. Against our will (yeah right) we were held captive until we tasted one of the delicious sweets.
Next was a stop at the local butcher where we got a peek of what is offered here for meats and poultry. At every stop our host who is from the UK managed to bump into some of her expat friends who relocated here from their home countries. Actually we are quite surprised to see SO many expats living in this area, but from what we've been told, there are hundreds. We stopped to enjoy a cup of cappuccino at a local café before she showed us around some more.
Later in the afternoon Clyde and I took off to explore more of Tuscany on our own. Our first stop was
Sansepolcro, a town and commune in Tuscany in the province of Arezzo. Situated on the upper Tiber River the town is home to Buitoni pasta, founded by Giulia Buitoni in 1827.
According to the legend the town was founded around 1000 AD by two pilgrims. They carried a stone from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Sansepolcro in Italian) in the Holy Land with them. They founded an oratory dedicated to Saint Leonard on the sight of the current cathedral.
Next we headed up to the ancient medieval village of Anghiari, the sight of a battle with the same name in 1440. This small walled, stone city sits high up on a hill with the Tiber River at it's feet. This picturesque village is enclosed in massive walls built in the 13th century reminiscent of the way life was back then. We strolled up and down the steep cobblestoned alleys to admire the stone houses dressed up with flowers, wooden shutters, and small windows so common during that era. Considered by some to be one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, it's just another reason to fall in love with Tuscany.
Back in our temporary home we cooked up some fresh ravioli filled with spinach and cheese, garlic bread, salad and of course wine. So many reasons to fall in love with Tuscany, Umbria and the rest of the gorgeous country that we are so fortunate to have the time to explore.....along the gringo trail.
Terry and Clyde are able to "Travel The World House Sitting" and so can you! We have created a website to help people who want to learn about house sitting. Information for both the prospective house sitter and for someone who needs a house sitter.
the New Website --> CLICK HERE
How to Get Your First House Sit --> CLICK HERE
How to find a house sitter ----> CLICK HERE
Our private tour guide today was our next house sit host who wanted to familiarize us with the town of Mercatale di Cortona. First stop was at the bakery that her boyfriend is a co-owner of for a tour and tasting of some delectable pastries. Larger than it appeared from the outside, the bakery is well equipped to make breads, pastries, cookies, pizza and more. Against our will (yeah right) we were held captive until we tasted one of the delicious sweets.
The Bakery
Large Ovens
(Sweet Oven) In Italian
And Yes We HAD To Take Back Some Bread Too
Next was a stop at the local butcher where we got a peek of what is offered here for meats and poultry. At every stop our host who is from the UK managed to bump into some of her expat friends who relocated here from their home countries. Actually we are quite surprised to see SO many expats living in this area, but from what we've been told, there are hundreds. We stopped to enjoy a cup of cappuccino at a local café before she showed us around some more.
Butcher Shop
Later in the afternoon Clyde and I took off to explore more of Tuscany on our own. Our first stop was
Sansepolcro, a town and commune in Tuscany in the province of Arezzo. Situated on the upper Tiber River the town is home to Buitoni pasta, founded by Giulia Buitoni in 1827.
Sansepolcro Village
Bell Tower And Church
According to the legend the town was founded around 1000 AD by two pilgrims. They carried a stone from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Sansepolcro in Italian) in the Holy Land with them. They founded an oratory dedicated to Saint Leonard on the sight of the current cathedral.
Next we headed up to the ancient medieval village of Anghiari, the sight of a battle with the same name in 1440. This small walled, stone city sits high up on a hill with the Tiber River at it's feet. This picturesque village is enclosed in massive walls built in the 13th century reminiscent of the way life was back then. We strolled up and down the steep cobblestoned alleys to admire the stone houses dressed up with flowers, wooden shutters, and small windows so common during that era. Considered by some to be one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, it's just another reason to fall in love with Tuscany.
Lovely Hilltop Village Of Anghiari
Back in our temporary home we cooked up some fresh ravioli filled with spinach and cheese, garlic bread, salad and of course wine. So many reasons to fall in love with Tuscany, Umbria and the rest of the gorgeous country that we are so fortunate to have the time to explore.....along the gringo trail.
Terry and Clyde are able to "Travel The World House Sitting" and so can you! We have created a website to help people who want to learn about house sitting. Information for both the prospective house sitter and for someone who needs a house sitter.
the New Website --> CLICK HERE
How to Get Your First House Sit --> CLICK HERE
How to find a house sitter ----> CLICK HERE
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