TUSCANY: After all of the museums, crowds, restaurants, trains, ferries, cabs…. It was time for a change. This lovely rustic farmhouse “Agriturismo ” Tenuta dei Cavalieri was the perfect place to slow down and relax. The owners Stefano Del Pela and Christina Baj-Macario, have transformed an ancient watchtower of the nearby Castello del Trebbio, owned by the Baj-Macario family, into a lovely B&B. The rooms are all so unique and retain the historic beauty of a historic villa with all the modern conveniences. It is situated on a small hill overlooking the entrance to the Valle del Sasso on which Castello del Trebbio towers, not far from Florence. It is a perfect base for touring the gorgeous Tuscan countryside.
I was able to finish a study of the hillside. Because of the kindness and warmth our host Stefano showed my family I gifted this painting “Tuscan Hills” to the family. I have never seen such a hard working man. I asked Stefano if he ever took a vacation, a holiday from the farm, restaurant and B&B. His answer was “Never, this place is my vacation”. There was always work to be done but he added His work was his “love”. Here was a man that knew his calling and truly loves his family and his life. How lucky can one be and how lucky we were to have found this charming place.
FLORENCE: I fell in love with Florence the very first time I came here in 2020. Surrounded by beauty everywhere you look. We stayed at the Hotel Panorama Artinside. It is a charming little 3 star boutique hotel, which I prefer. Centrally located and very easy to walk to all places of interest in Florence. Most of the rooms have magnificent views of the Duomo. The breakfast is delicious and is served on the scenic veranda. In the evening I love to relax on the terrace and watch the sunset in front of the Cathedral.
I think my grandson, Merrick, fits right into the Italian Quattrocento. Botticelli would have loved to paint Merrick. I guess I will have to try. June was an extremely overcrowded time to try to visit the sites but we managed to beat the crowd by pre-booking our tickets. A visit to see Michelangelo’s “David” at the Galleria dell’Accademia is a must and it was a very easy walk from our hotel. Firenze is such a vibrant and beautiful city filled with art , just to walk around it’s charming streets is so special. On my last visit I did visit the Uffizi Gallery which is another must in Firenze.
Our lovely adventure in Italy was coming to a close and not without a little drama. My grandaughter Elora contracted Covid while we were here. We were very careful to keep her isolated in her own room and waited the requisite travel time before boarding our plane. Luckily it was a very mild case.
Arrivederci Bella Italia ……………. until we return!
Jeanean Songco Martin Painting Blog 
Dear Jeanean, a/k/a “Fearless Leader”,
I continue to be in awe of you and family for your energy, excitement
for adventure, attention to all details when planning these marvelous
tours, etc. etc. etc.! Kathy and I try to keep up with your travel news
– it’s hard to do because you rarely rest! You’re like the Energizer
Bunny, you keep going and going and going, never seeming to tire! Or to
age (except for hair color)😁 I think all of the travel you and Carl did
during Covid, before and now after, keeps both of you young and vital!!
I love reading your blog and watching your family grow and mature. I’m
seeing some unfamiliar faces this time. I didn’t recognize Merrick,
until you tipped me off with the “portrait”. He was short the last time
Bill and I saw him at CG. I can’t pick out Georgie – is she in the
photos? I think I can catch a glimpse of Elora – is she wearing glasses
now? I was so sorry to read that she got Covid during your trip – I
hope she’s completely well by now. It’s such fun to see Josh with their
little ones. He’s always been such a sweet and special young man!
In 2018, Kathy and I hooked up with the Ocean City Art League for a trip
to Lucca/Tuscany and then we went on to Florence on our own It was a
memorable trip. We could have stayed all summer😁 That was the last
trip I’ve taken my paints, and only took very small watercolor
supplies. There just was not time to really paint, like we used to do
on your trips. But I’m also 77 now and really don’t want to lug art
supplies – or my own luggage!
So, Kathy and I have turned to river cruises with Tauck for the past 2
years. The first was Brussels to Amsterdam in April, 2022. And this
past April, 2023, on the Danube from Budapest to Prague. This is
perfect for us now. All details are taken care of, just like with you,
but we don’t have to handle our luggage from the time we arrive at the
airport until the time we leave for home! We cruise leisurely from
site to site 😁 And all expenses are covered, including any gratuities,
in which Tauck planned – except, of course any shopping or meals in town
on our own. It’s very relaxing. Other passengers & staff are
especially nice and welcoming. Food onboard is amazing; all land tours
are guided by knowledgeable local guides and groups are small. We’re
looking into maybe staying in the US or maybe Canada for a trip in 2024,
maybe a train tour or another river cruise? As long as we are both
physically & mentally able, and, of course, Bill & Chris are agreeable &
well, Kathy and I hope to travel together each year. We’ll see….
Please keep me on your blog list and whatever other lists you might have
so that I can continue to stay in touch and “travel” with you and your
family.
P.S. Bill taught beginning bodhran via Zoom the first week of CG and
then went in person for the second week of teaching. He had a wonderful
time and saw many of our “old” friends. I’ve stopped going, at least
for now, because I haven’t seen any class offerings I’m interested in
taking and no oil painting. Of course, I really miss seeing so many of
our wonderful CG friends, especially you and your family 🙁
Stay well and stay in touch. I miss you!!!
Love, Dottie
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Dear Dottie, life certainly keeps me challenged. I love travelling because it continues to amaze me in the beauty of the landscape but also the variety of lifestyles. Most recently I was impressed with the farmer in Tuscany who was so sweet and jolly despite his heavy workload he truly loved his work and family. It doesn’t take much in life to be happy. You just have to appreciate each day. I still get very sad at times especially hard around music. That is one reason I have a hard time going to common ground. I feel so guilty not teaching or participating but I know I would just be upset missing our dear Claude. So for now at least the kids can enjoy. Lydia taught 4 classes Isabel took Slims jugband Elora and Merrick took Guys blues guitar and loved it. Merrick also played bass with Ralph. Elora performs on the Irish flute with Emily and lydia. She is in her Jr. Year at Loyola. Georgie did not come to Italy. She is living in L A. In fact I will be on a plane to see her and little Fiona tommorrow morning! It’s the only chance we have this year to see her. Very sad she lives so far away in Oregon. Erica has remarried. We have drifted apart but we are determined to stay in Fionas life. Carl and I will be travelling West in the Fall in our little RV. I am also planning a painters retreat in Padula, Italy 2024. Will keep you posted but those river cruises sure sound nice. Sending love to you and Bill and say hi to Kathy so glad you two can travel together!
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Let me know if you got my reply. I pressed send but not sure.
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Thank you for sharing your wonderful family trip. I love seeing the places to stay and the food and the everyday life.
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So nice to hear from you dottie! Glad you are staying active travelling too it keeps us energized.
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