Addio Italia

BUONGIORNO!

 As some of you who follow me on social media know I am just back this week after an incredible 10-day family vacation in Italy.  I am not to be confused with any world travelers as this was my first trip across the Atlantic Ocean since I was a 15-year old sophomore in 1971 when I went to Spain as part of a huge tour group.

This was a well-planned trip with 14 of us from my 8-month old grandson to my 91-year old mother-in-law.  The back story is my sister-in-law moved to Panzano in Chianti in the spring and rented an apartment in this charming hilltop town which is part of the Tuscany region.  Turns out the woman who owns that apartment (and many others) also has a wine estate which includes a Villa with five apartments which is exactly what we needed.  So this incredible place would be our home base for a week.

However before that we spent three days in Venice, known as the “city of canals” and built on small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea.  There are no roads (and no cars) and your travel through the town by walking or taking a water taxi.  Time does not allow but it was unique and yes we took a gondola ride.  Venice is sinking at the rate of 1-2 millimeters a year so there will be a time when it’s under water.

However the highlight for us was the week at IL PALAGIO which is described as a small family-owned wine estate.  The 32-acre property includes 18 acres for growing grapes which are usually picked in early October.  The five apartments are in one very old structure with part of it dating back more than a 1,000 years.

Monia who is the owner and our hostess became part of the family by the end of the week and Valentino our chef was so amazing we tried to talk him into coming to New Jersey for Christmas Eve.  It was extraordinary and the views in the morning and at sunset were priceless.  Needless to say we enjoyed great food and wine and each other’s company as we all got along.

I would need much more time but let me sum it up: The Italian people were wonderful and we could learn a thing or two from them. For me this was the trip of a lifetime and that’s how long the memories will last.

Addio Italia...goodbye Italy.