UMBRIA, TUSCANY, Italy — Kiki is off the grid and beginning her trip back. Her initial holiday reports are from Dec 15th and before, and these right here are her final reports as she was winding up her time there in central Italy and saying goodbye. Sounds like it has been a great trip and her first person reports could be a motivation to anyone who is thinking “Hmm. Italy. Winter Holidays. Wonder how that would be?” She was there Dec 6-28th so that is a pretty good view of the season. As I said before I feel like we are there when I read her emails and thought I could spread that happy holiday feeling around.
Villa Envy
OK, so we went to La Porta Sunday in the fog. Completely beautiful. Then,
dear Stew, we were thrilled that the kitchen was still serving at 2:45
(whew, it closes at 2:30.) We had the most delicious lunch: polenta with
melted pecorino and funghi … potato and pumpkin gnocchi with truffles
… fabulous amaretti with marscapone and chantilly … cafe … and a
gratis sherry. When Daria asked where we were staying, we said Panicale,
that Aldo Gallo had recommended her place. We also told her we saw it on
your web site. She said the only people she knows in Panicale are ….
Australian. Then she showed us the promotional piece for Casa Monte. Oh
my. It is so beautiful. Todd now says I have ‘villa envy.’ Sigh.
Love,
Kiki
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Nicest Christmas Ever
Dear Stew,
Todd and I are winding up the most wonderful Christmas day. First we
walked through the woods to Paciano … then we had a fabulous meal at
Patrizia’s — perfect … then we went to Passignano chasing the
ever-elusive Presepe Vivente. Missed it but saw a beautiful twilight
over the lake from the castello.
Tomorrow we head to Florence and the Pensione Annalena, which I realized
(after booking in a panic) has mixed reviews online. Could be a hell
hole. We shall see. Report later.
I’ll be signing off the wonderful world of wireless tomorrow morning our
time. Looking forward to seeing you and Midge soon.
Love to all,
Kiki
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beam me up, Styooie
OK, dear Stew, this is my last email. We’re tidying up now and will
leave in couple of hours. It’s absolutely still here this morning. Aldo
is open, but everyone is sleeping in and getting ready to celebrate
another holiday.
Loved reading about, and seeing, your Christmas. Pomegranates and 60 degrees!
Wow. I’m so glad Daniel will be there, too. Perfect. Please say hi to
everyone for me.
More a presto.
Love to all from both of us,
Kiki