Having returned from a hectic 'holiday' in the soggy pastures green, we needed a night away to relax and aclimatise. We headed up into the mountains north of Pistoia in search of a cool breeze and fresh porcini. Quite by luck, struck gold.
Owing to extreme hunger and three frustrated children we stopped at Cutigliano. Clinging to the mountain side with no HGV route barrelling through its centre its the type of place we would stop off for lunch at , make a quick tour of the main sqaure, exclaim 'how lovely and quiet ' and then move on. However this time that wasn't an option, our three boys were no way getting back into the car for another long slog to find somewhere to stay.
We wandered around the square in and out of very individual shops, tempted by last years ski wear that we didn't need. Through narrow streets where cars were no go and locals sat on their front steps chatting of this and that, through some woodland to discover a meadow had been set aside as play ground shaded by mature cherry trees dripping wth fruit. Three clay tennis courts with people playing at 3 in the afternoon... is this still Tuscany? Not to mention the dramatic view across the valley.
We spent a very lazy afternoon under the cherry trees while the boys made friends. Found the perfect rest house for the night and sauntered down to a patriotic trattoria where signed photos of Zeno Colo and formula one filled the walls.
Can't wait to return to this deceptively bustling community. Next time on our list is the cable car up to the lake, a walk to the shepherd festival, the aerial walk way and I must remember to pack our tennis rackets.
Owing to extreme hunger and three frustrated children we stopped at Cutigliano. Clinging to the mountain side with no HGV route barrelling through its centre its the type of place we would stop off for lunch at , make a quick tour of the main sqaure, exclaim 'how lovely and quiet ' and then move on. However this time that wasn't an option, our three boys were no way getting back into the car for another long slog to find somewhere to stay.
We wandered around the square in and out of very individual shops, tempted by last years ski wear that we didn't need. Through narrow streets where cars were no go and locals sat on their front steps chatting of this and that, through some woodland to discover a meadow had been set aside as play ground shaded by mature cherry trees dripping wth fruit. Three clay tennis courts with people playing at 3 in the afternoon... is this still Tuscany? Not to mention the dramatic view across the valley.
We spent a very lazy afternoon under the cherry trees while the boys made friends. Found the perfect rest house for the night and sauntered down to a patriotic trattoria where signed photos of Zeno Colo and formula one filled the walls.
Can't wait to return to this deceptively bustling community. Next time on our list is the cable car up to the lake, a walk to the shepherd festival, the aerial walk way and I must remember to pack our tennis rackets.
3 comments:
I love magic like this Liberty. When you just stumble of perfection and all needs are met.
On a much smaller scale, Boyfriend introduced me to Cornwall a few years ago. After a week swooning in luscious gardens, we were on the way home when I realised I had not had a Cream Tea! Oh NO!
Moments later an unlikely looking hand daubed sign at the side of the duel carriageway offered Cream Teas next right. I didnt hold out much hope for anything good as we were in the middle of nowhere on a duel-carriageway and surely this this place would be a sad cafe?
Boyfriend pulled off the road and we found ourselves on a winding country lane. Another handpainted sign suggested we were on the right route. Suddenly we entered a tiny leafy valley with a river running under a stone bridge and ancient cottages and farm buildings and some fine 17thc buildings. The cream teas were sumptuous. We sat outside the little cottage (the "cafe" was her front room and pavement) and drank excellent tea, listening to the buzz of insects, the birds and the rushing of the water. Idyllic!
My blog isnt allowing me to post just now.
Breath taking scenery, how lovely.
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