We have been focusing on day trips with just myself, mommy, and daddy. But we wanted to spend some time with the rest of the family and try a day trip with the whole clan. After a leisurely lunch in Greve again, we set out in three cars to tour some of the local hilltop towns. Nearest to our villa are the the villages of Radda in Chianti and Valpaia.
Radda is a beautiful little town right out of a movie with tiny cobblestone streets, tiny twisted alleys, and absolutely stunning views. We walked around for a while with my Uncles Kurt, Chris, and Steve and my aunts Joyce, Chloe, and Beth. Boppy and Grandad were there too, of course. Daddy was snapping away with camera, unable to get enough of the scenery.
We went from there to Valpaia, a little "factory" town on the next mountain over from Radda. Everyone who lives in this tiny village works for the local winery. Unlike most of the touristy destinations we had been visiting, Valpaia had only two stores: a wine tasting "enoteca" and a little cafe. We all sat down in the sun together to enjoy our requisite afternoon cappuccino at the outdoor cafe, served quickly by a delightful and funny elderly woman. Everyone agreed that it was one of the best single moments of the trip- all 15 together and we were the only non-locals in sight.
That evening, a local chef came over to the villa and taught a cooking lession. Mommy learned how to roll gnocchi and daddy took notes on making pannecotta. We've been home in Iowa 4 days now and still no sign of Tuscan cooking- Get on it, Parents!
Radda is a beautiful little town right out of a movie with tiny cobblestone streets, tiny twisted alleys, and absolutely stunning views. We walked around for a while with my Uncles Kurt, Chris, and Steve and my aunts Joyce, Chloe, and Beth. Boppy and Grandad were there too, of course. Daddy was snapping away with camera, unable to get enough of the scenery.
We went from there to Valpaia, a little "factory" town on the next mountain over from Radda. Everyone who lives in this tiny village works for the local winery. Unlike most of the touristy destinations we had been visiting, Valpaia had only two stores: a wine tasting "enoteca" and a little cafe. We all sat down in the sun together to enjoy our requisite afternoon cappuccino at the outdoor cafe, served quickly by a delightful and funny elderly woman. Everyone agreed that it was one of the best single moments of the trip- all 15 together and we were the only non-locals in sight.
That evening, a local chef came over to the villa and taught a cooking lession. Mommy learned how to roll gnocchi and daddy took notes on making pannecotta. We've been home in Iowa 4 days now and still no sign of Tuscan cooking- Get on it, Parents!
1 comment:
Sophie,
I would agree that Mommy and Daddy need to get with the program and prepare some of those wonderful foods for you :)
Your Gran, Uncle Mike and I do love Italy and of course the Tuscan countryside is so beautiful- a perfect back drop for you-
Love you much,
Ada
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