We have returned from our latest adventure in Italy. It never ceases to amaze me how different each experience is. This time it was a blend of stunning views, delicious food, obscure and charming towns, and the warm embrace of friends. Towns so remote and unassuming such as Seravalle, Montecarlo, and Sassi tucked away in the hills of Tuscany were introduced to us by our dear friend, Lidia. She graciously permitted us to stay with her at her lovely home for four nights, cooking sumptuous meals and treating us as family. We experienced equally gorgeous, but much less obscure villages in Cinque Terre and environs such as Monterosso, Corniglia, and Portovenere. We discovered why everyone loves the Hotel Villa Steno in Monterosso, as it is situated amid beautiful views, and hosted graciously by the owners Carla and Matteo. Florence exuded its usual warmth as our friends from the region and somewhat beyond gathered to dine with us. Franco Sala, owner of Trattoria Antica Forno in the extraordinary hill town of Civita di Bagnoregio, met us at our favorite restaurant in town, La Spada, driving for hours from his home in Orvieto. Our friends Luca and Mary treated us to a delightful evening at their home in Figline Valdarno, with Mary cooking one of her masterpiece dinners. When we arrived in Lake Como, staying at our favorite town of Varenna, we relaxed amid the most beautiful scenery, excellent dining, and delightful breezes, staying at the wonderful Hotel du Lac. We became closer friends with Simone and Silvia who own the glorious Bar il Molo right on the waterfront.
All of these themes will be explored in depth during the coming year on Alan's Italy beginning probably during the summer after we have had the chance to sort it all out. In the meantime I have several shows nearing completion for your viewing pleasure on Youtube, which will be broadcast live on Woodstock Public Access.
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