Is it even possible to put the timeless beauty and the soul of Tuscany into words?
Today the scent of lavender and rosemary permeate the air warranting a deep breath and a moment to slow down. I am convinced that I am supposed to be present in this moment for a reason, when I realize it is this moment that tells me what I want to know.
Tuscany is not a place you are supposed to rush through, or check off as many sites as you can see. In fact, I am certain it is not a place to even see at all. Instead, Tuscany is a place to feel, to experience, to fall into.
Villa San Piero is the perfect example and where we begin our journey. It is what invites us to step into Tuscan living. Many villas, like San Piero, are century old castles or churches renovated within guidelines and perpetuate a culture rich in character. Interior walls and frescos mimic another time, while gardens reflect a message that tells us…stay.
Adventures and winding roads promise endless, sun-dotted tapestries of greens and earth-colored hillsides. The cypress trees are merely a statement and an invitation to wineries, family farms, and chapels that might surprise you in the distance.
Ancient cobblestone streets walk us through medieval fortresses amidst the quiet and simplistic life of it’s locals. And life simply goes along with a promise to gracefully preserve an ancient heritage that compliments modern-day.
And yes…I know…there is wine…too. More on that tomorrow.
Wind Kisses, Donna
Inspired by the people of Tuscany and encouragement by Terri at Sunday Stills
Reblogging to sister site “Timeless Wisdoms”
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thank you.
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😊
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Amazing photography!
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Than you Aditya, the landscape does the work, I just happen to be in the right place at the right time. thank you.
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Well, I guess that photography is just about being in the perfect place at the perfect time!
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This whole place looks so peaceful. the colours in every pic are pleasing I love the 2nd last picture most. Stone buildings and sharp green and red contrast 😍
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Hi there. It really was beautiful. A place to just kind of lose yourself in thoughts. I loved my alone time there even though we were with my husbands family. Its a beautiful country.
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it looks beautiful 🙂
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Oh I missed the pingback! Great that you drew inspiration from Sunday Stills! Your photos and words about Tuscany are so lovely! I am continually amazed at how much it resembles the wine country areas of Northern California near Napa, Santa Rosa and St Helena, although for me a trip to anywhere in Italy is on MY list. However, I can get to wine country in about 90 minutes from here in Sacramento!
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We were traveling with some people who said the same about Napa. And the landscape was not unlike Oregon. It was interesting to hear the history about how “all of a sudden” Americans from California were visiting to learn more of the wine industry in Italy, and it would make sense as the two areas are on the same parallel. For me the difference was to experience a different culture and meet the people who make this part of the world their home. I hope someday you’ll go. Knowing your love of the outdoors, and photography..you would love it.
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Your post reminded me of the movie ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ and all I wanted to do was pack my bags and fly down there. Your blog title was like a siren call to me, soulful and perfect. Beautiful prose and the photo of the chapel at a distance looked almost like a painting. Loved it.
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I felt exactly the same way when I saw the movie years ago. It is really just as the movie shows, and I so respect that even with the tourism it remains a humble culture. I did do some reading on the villa from the movie. Apparently she still lives there, but I guess she said she spends so much of her life avoiding tourists now that she keeps her blinds down and keeps to herself in the tourist season. Kinda made me sad for her. Anyway, there are beautiful places to stumble across that would remind you of the movie and I can’t stress enough about the wonderful Tuscan Hospitality. Thanks again
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Wow! I didn’t know that she was still around. I can imagine the attention her villa must be drawing. Glad your experience at Tuscany is turning out to be so fantastic. My parents were recently in Italy and came away quite disappointed especially with Venice. I think I need to introduce them to your blog for their next travel inspiration.
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Thank you. Sorry to hear of your parents experience. We actually took Venice off our list as we feared there would be too many tourists. We learned from a man we hiked with that it gets so crowded that they close off the road when the numbers get too high. I don’t really like crowds, so we opted out. We really did have a fantastic time, and while we visited some cities, I find I do better in the countrysides.
One of the couples we traveled with, were not quite as excited as we were. For them it was the conveniences of home they missed. Made me sad… For me…life is way to short to not appreciate opportunity to learn about different cultures, and experience new things. And I don’t think it can be done the same way by watching TV. Than you so much for your insight. Donna
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Yes! Tv can only take you so far but travel forces the senses to tingle- of taste, touch, sight, sound, smell, to immerse in the experience and feel something, be it delight or utter boredom. (Heavens no!) One thing is for sure, it’ll definitely give one loads to talk about and who knows in a few years all memories would age beautifully into rose tinted ones.
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Exactly!!!!!
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Beautiful, makes me want to add this to my bucket list of places to visit! xx
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You should definitely add it. It was a breath of fresh air.
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As we say to our guests :”Sentite la Toscana!”
Sentite in Italian means: feel, hear, sense and taste. Embrace Tuscany with all your senses and the Tuscan people will embrace you. Thank you for the beautiful pictures of San Piero. For us it was love on first sight.
Gupa
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And me. My husband and I were the third to arrive from the family. I didn’t even go in the house! As an avid gardener, I just wandered around the yard for a bit, and yes we picked the rope cherries from the tree. It is beautiful. Thank you both! I am forever grateful.WE will be back…someday, as my grandchildren get a little older.
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