TUSCANY

 TUSCANY-WOW SQUARED





SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

We are really appreciating the natural beauty and quiet of Tuscany. It's such a contrast to the noise, lack of green space, and busyness of Trastavere and Rome in general. We are once again surrounded by peaks, albeit smaller ones than in Austria. Our Secret Garden lodging has been perfect; a friendly, happy, oasis of goodness. We have met friends here-especially one Pierre from Quebec. He is an ICU nurse taking a break from the difficulties of nursing during this season. He's biking all over Tuscany, taking a 4 day respite and has given us many tips about where to go and what is wonderful to see. He knows the terrain well from having biked this area many times. We have exchanged many life stories (story-stones!) while sitting in our beautiful little courtyard sipping espresso. There is a pet rabbit named Todd who nibbles at our feet and many tiny lizards scurrying here and there; birds flying to and fro. It's edenic.  

 


We started this leg of our journey on a complicated note, so this garden spot is just what we needed. To back up a bit to Saturday, our car rental agency at Fiumicino airport refused to let Tim be the driver because he only had a temporary (valid) license. He had applied for his "RealID" in Hennepin County weeks before, but it hadn't arrived by the day we left for Munich. He also had gotten his International driver's license, but that wasn't enough. We had waited an hour in line (after experiencing many delays en route to the airport from our apartment), so our resilience was wearing thin -mine was anyway. I had not applied for an international driver's license and was beginning to wonder if our week in Tuscany was not going to happen-then what would we do??? We both felt stuck in our thinking and I was near tears. The agent gave us a couple of options and we left the line and got in touch with our car rental company after many tries. Thankfully, they agreed to switch the driver and insurance to my name and the agency waived any need for an international license-US licensing was enough. WOW! Such an answer to prayer...the agent and I had become collaborators and we hugged and I cried. We were now over 6 hours late from beginning our supposed 1 hour trip to secure the car! But off we went with ME at the wheel. That's another story altogether, but let's just say we've made it over many a winding and steep road with a brand new 6 gear manual VW with NO mishaps, except a dented front license plate from parking a bit too close to a light pole. We love our little VW and it has served us well so far. However, Tim is quite taken with the old Fiats!

 


We have experienced such joy and refreshment. We visited a Benedictine Abbey (a 45 minute drive from Pienza) for worship Sunday- Gregorian chant, incense and all. Afterward, we sat near the Abbey for lunch on a terrace in a wooded glade; pinching ourselves at the sheer sensory gifts the day had already provided. Even today, as I placed my N-95 mask on to enter a cheese shop, I could smell the aroma from Sunday's service! How appropriate to have that reminder of the Holy Spirit on a routine (sort of!) grocery trip. Speaking of cheese, pecorino is one of the prides of Tuscany and we have been treated to the fragrant, pungent, aged flavor in many different dishes. It's delicious, like we've never tasted a great hard cheese before this!

 


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Our crossroads in Pienza has also been full of wonderful contours and amazing views as it sits above the Val d'orcia with openings to the Tuscan countryside in every direction. The Val d'orcia is known to be one of the most painted landscapes, perhaps, in the world. The town itself is an historical and architectural treasure. We are blessed to be here!

 




Pax Christi!

 

 

 

 

Comments

  1. UnknownSeptember 29, 2021 at 8:26 PM

    Hi, you guys! Just catching up on the blog now.... Cyd, your writing has been such a pleasure to read as you have crafted beautiful word pictures... thank you for taking the time to give words to some of what you're experiencing! I also can't help but think of how glad you'll be as time passes to have these written snapshots into your weeks of sabbatical! Love to you both! ❤

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  2. Nancy NOctober 2, 2021 at 1:23 PM

    Cyd, I love that you’re doing the driving! All you describe—other than the car/license fiasco—sounds like such a balm, such joy. Thank you for sharing it with us. Also, I agree with the commenter above, that this written record will be of great value to you I’m for years to come.

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    Replies
    1. Cyd Cole JohnsonOctober 6, 2021 at 2:18 PM

      Thank you, Nancy. I'm so relieved to be done with the driving part all in one piece, no mishaps! But, it was incredibly freeing to be able to explore on our own. Tim would have loved to drive the 6 gear VW around those crazy curves and tiny lanes...will have to be another time!

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