Tuscan Countryside

Our last day in Tuscany was spent wandering the countryside. We went on a hike from Greve that led us up the hillside and along a trail overlooking the walled medieval village of Montefioralle. Along the way we passed Italian villas, sweeping views of the hills, and even a Berlin hiker who was traveling on foot to Rome through the back trails. We rewarded ourselves with gellato from a little shop in our town afterward.

Before we left for Europe, our friends, Dave and Christin Harding, gave us recommendations of their favorite spots. Based on their suggestions, we sought out the tiny town of Volpaia. We were told by a local that only 14 people live on the hilltop. We arrived in the village in the late afternoon and found that we had it all to ourselves. The light was perfect, so I couldn't help but photograph just about every curve in the road, roofline and doorway.

This town is so tiny, the kids ran around the entire area several times, playing hike and seek in the nooks and crannies. We stopped into the only open shop, which was an authentic Tuscan restaurant. We were welcomed by an Italian woman, with a huge smile. When she realized that all six of my children belonged to me, she gasped and then shouted "Bravo! Bravo! Compliments! Compliments!" over and over. After feeding us homemade pasta in her dining room with walls covered by her own family's photos, she sent us on our way with a huge hug and kisses on each cheek.

This slow paced day will be, I am sure, one of my favorite memories of Italy.