Yesterday Antonia and I went on a longer walk than usual. We walked up to the Villa Beatrice, on the hill called Gemola (there is quite a story here, but I didn't get it all) where Saint Beatrice was born in the 12th century. The existing buildings date to the 17th century. Lots of "sunday drivers" out for the day--hiking, biking, or auto touring. We stopped on the walk back at a friend of Antonia's--Elena, who has a small farm with lots of animals--I got a great tour!
Villa Beatrice is the location of the Calice e Stella festa that I attended last year with Corrado, on my first night staying with Antonia and Michele. There were hundreds of people that night, enjoying wine and food and music under the stars. Yesterday there were only dozens, enjoying the start of spring on a beautiful day.
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| At the well at Villa Beatrice with Antonia and Josh |
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| The courtyard at Villa Beatrice |
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| Villa Beatrice |
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| Enjoying the view from my pallazo! |
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| Antonia |
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| View from Collina Gemola |
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| Leaving Villa Beatrice |
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| Typical scene on a walk with Antonia and Josh |
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| One week old goat--I got to pet her and she's soft as a bunny! |
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| Cute, right? |
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| Donkeys--all females. The male can be seen behind in another pen. |
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| In the barn |
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| Cute little chicks |
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| On the walk home--I thought this was interesting--using natural plant materials to tie the grape vines. This vineyard had recently been pruned and tied... all ready to grow grapes for this vintage! |
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