Italy Farm Stay

Wednesday, 22 July 2009

Left Rome this morning. Although there was still much to see (the inside of various churches, the catacombs…) Rome was making us tired. Everyday seemed to involve walking, waiting, sweating, waiting, walking….. Not that it wasn’t beautiful and romantic also, but I was drawn to ideas of country villas and a small town for a break between Rome and Naples.

Although not exactly the villa from “Under the Tuscan Sun,” I did manage to find us a farm stay just out of a small town called Sora. It is an organic farm perched on a hill, with a modest 3-story home where visitors lodge. Jeff and I are actually staying up the road a bit, in a private “apartment.” Though also modest, I was enchanted by the narrow cobbled streets between buildings and the veranda bordered by walnut and plum trees. Immediately, I imagined Jeff and I enjoying a bottle of wine, the outlook, and each other’s company in the evening.

Getting here was certainly a warm ride, and there does not seem to be a plethora of opportunity to cool off. Of course Jeff is suffering more than I, but there is still some light in his eyes when he sees me smile. This afternoon is a quiet one on the farm, with little energy or motivation to move in the breezeless heat. I did take a look around to find goats, sheep, olive trees, tomatoes, grapevines, squash, etc. Tonight’s dinner will be completely homemade with most ingredients coming from the farm.

We are here for two nights and already have great plans for the morrow. Unfortunately, it will involve more walking in the heat…. It will be disappointing when I find that I have gained weight (I’ve eaten a giant ball of mozzerella nearly every day for an appetizer….) despite the fact that we are sweating plenty…. And not just because of each other!