Life in Tuscany

Life in Tuscany is life itself – the beautiful green rolling hills, the wines, the foods, the people, the fresh air – Tuscany is truly heaven on Earth.  And I feel so blessed to be able to venture back to Tuscany for some bella vita.

Some of you might remember that I was in Tuscany last August (1, 2, 3), but what you don’t know is that I actually went to take some Italian language courses (in addition to eating of course).  I have been studying Italian for almost 2 years now, and the timing felt right to come back to Tuscany again, to study a little, drink a little, and eat a lot.

So I have been doing just that.  I have set up shop in beautiful Montepulciano, where my mornings are filled with school (and amazing coffee), my afternoons are filled with long lunches, wine tastings, a bit of studying and walks around town or the countryside; and my evenings are filled with the many amazing courses that Fiorella (my “house mom”) so graciously cooks for me.  Hours of eating and talking in Italian about my day, and before I know it, it’s time for bed.  Could life get any better?!?

this beauty is for sale, and she is quite tempting

gnocchi bolognese

post dinner treat – cantucinni and vin santo

asparagus risotto

strawberries and fresh cream

For those of you who haven’t been, Tuscany is simply breathtaking.  Besides all of the rolling hills and vineyards, the other thing that always blows me away is the crisp freshness of the air.  The air is so fresh that you literally want to just drink it in.

The people in Montepulciano are kind, warm and welcoming.  And they all seem to get such gratification from making sure that you are enjoying every moment.  No better place to call “home” for any bit of time.

my typical breakfast

lunch in the garden at la grotta

fresh peas

homemade pici

But come prepared (which I hadn’t on my last trip), and remember that you are visiting a hillside, mountain-top town.  Sneakers are definitely a must for making your way through the countryside here.  Although I must admit, many of my teachers bravely conquer the streets in heels, but nope, not me.  Because as I have quickly learned, in Tuscany there are 2 directions: hiking or going down.

market delights

But all of the hiking and walking is well worth it.  Because just as at the end of every rainbow is a pot of gold, at the top of every hill in Montepulciano is a cantina with amazing Vino Nobile, a shop with fresh cheese, or a vista with a welcoming view.

the wine tasting at crociani

pecorino cheese

What else can I say with pictures like these?  Can’t you just smell the Spring blossoms…just breathe in that fresh crisp morning air…and don’t you feel the sun beaming down on your face?  Close your eyes and just for a moment enjoy this piece of Montepulciano heaven.