Big Girls Trip to Italy!

Today was a reflection day. Today represents why I love Italy so much. My morning started with a prayer while at the bedroom window, with the sunrise and renewed faith that family and friends are safe, dry and out of harms way. Susan decided to go to Chianti with me. Driving in Italy is easy, but you really need a co-pilot. There is a lot going on at the 150 million roundabouts in this country!
Reflection. So, I discovered Panzano through Alessandro Cammilli Wine Tours. I have missed him on this trip, but I am grateful he has taught me so much. Not to worry my friend, I appreciate you and I would prefer you drive me around! Reflection: salt. So, the girls ( Taylor Kate Clark and Onna Yates ) don't get salt. That's okay. They haven't lived enough. This journey to Panzano in Chianti, the beautiful layers of the town, the artists, the wine, Nonna's lasagna, and the sweetness in the air IS the flavor of salt. We stopped in a small town, almost a splat in the road, Talente, on the Chianti Classico Road. We were looking out at the views of Chianti and a little man, Marcello, peeked around the corner of his garden gate, his wife, was upstairs, motioned for us to come over. Marcelo has a twinkle in his eye and a very firm handshake, Franca, his wife, is someone I would want to know. She has secrets...you can just tell! They are very proud of their home, the lemon trees, the cistern for rain water and most of all, the olive trees! They wanted us to stay and have lunch, pasta with tomatoes and wine. They couldn't speak a word of English and our Italian is limited, but we were able to communicate beautifully. We met Sabine, a wonderful artist from Findland, but has lived most her life in Italy. She is starting to branch out to abstract watercolor. She is authentic, soulful and talented. Next we want to Savingola Paolina, a winery about 4 miles from Panzano. Alice, who I've met previously, represents Paolina, the woman who created the Ora Chianti Classico back in the 40s. She never married and she was the first woman to manage the agricultural and vinoculture process in this region. She set the standard for Chianti Classico. In fact, Ora was the first Chianti wine to receive the DOCG, the highest level of quality and has continued to have one of the earliest designations in Chianti. With shipping, the average price per bottle of Ora is around $18.00.
So today was about salt. I hope when you go wherevever you go, You find a memory like salt. I use it everyday at home. I do have to say this particular salt is like no other. It is a special recipe and is not found anywhere in the world, except Panzano. It has made lifelong friendships, such as Kristy Hannahs Feil (we actually met thru Alessandro, and finally met after about 4 years in April! All because of salt!Read more