Welcome to My Italian Adventure
Join me as I explore the beauty , charm and unique quirkiness of all things Italian from my base in Panzano in Chianti.
Church of Santa Maria Assunta sits on Panzano’s highest point. Its bell tower was part of the 11th century castle fortress.
Ciao! I’m excited to share with you the discoveries and adventures of my time here in “The Boot” from my base in Panzano in Chianti.
To celebrate turning 70, I wanted to do something as challenging, exciting and inspiring as beginning a new decade. So, I moved to Italy!
I’ve traveled to Italy a number of times over the past 20 years for vacation. The week or two always seemed to pass too quickly. I promised myself that if I ever had the opportunity, I’d try a longer stay to embrace life as a native. Retirement and freedom from any pressing responsibilities opened that door.
So here I am. I invite you to share with me the joys of “La Dolce Vita”!
Soprabelli
My Panzano “Home Away From Home”
Why Panzano?
Because of Monia Piccini, my landlady!
I first met Monia in 2003 when my husband at the time and our good friends Sharon and Bruce stayed at Il Palagio to celebrate our 25th anniversary (discovered thanks to Sharon’s research). In 2006, I returned to Panzano, with my friend Janet , my daughter Cory and two of her grad school friends who were celebrating their graduation. That time we rented Monia’s bed and breakfast in town.
When I reached out this year to ask if she knew of an available apartment, I was delighted when she offered me Soprabelli!
Monia is a kind, generous and accomplished woman. Everyone in Panzano seems to know her!
She has been my translator of not just language but also the befuddling morass of Italian bureaucracy!
With her husband Franco, she is the third generation owner and operator of Il Palagio, a vineyard and winery just outside town. Il Palagio is also an ancient agriturisimo venue where Monia and her family host vistors from around the world in its five apartments which have been beautifully restored thanks to Franco’s exceptional skills as a fine craftsman.
Franco’s same mastery for enhancing the beauty of historic spaces is evident here in Soprbelli.
This 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment with a cozy living room and well-equipped kitchen is just perfect. The private terrace off the kitchen is bordered with planters filled with greenery and flowers. Located on the historic Chiantigiana, its an easy walk to the village center.
Take a tour of my “home away from home”
Via Chiantigiana 33
Push hard on the handle and step into the hallway
Take two small flights of stairs to arrive at my door
Step throughthe door into the kitchen
To the left is il soggiorno- the living room
off the kitchen is the private terrace
The downstairs bathroom, off the kitchen
from the living room take the stairway to the 2nd floor
To the right at the top of the stairs is the larger bedroom
To the left at the top of the stairs is the second bedroom
The upstairs bathroom has a bidet in addition to everything in the downstairs bathroom (shower, sink and toilet- with overhead tank!)
