We missed the blog updates that last couple of days because there wasn’t much to write about.
On Saturday, we drove from Positano to Benano in the Tuscany region. Our regular driver Franco was waiting for us at the hotel and drove us to Sorrento to rent a car. Another beautiful town on the sea. It’s a bit flatter but just as old with remarkable views.
We actually arrived early and our car wasn’t ready. There was some walking around to see a small part of the city. When it was ready, the “car” became a large van that holds 6 plus their luggage. Lots of room for everyone except the driver (Bob) trying to navigate the tiny roads of Italy.
The drive to Benano took over five hours with a couple stops. The Autostrada (highway) was very nice with no real speed limit but we didn’t know that until after the drive. Determined to NOT get a ticket Bob refused to go over 100kph.
The Villa is spectacular. It probably isn’t possible to get more remote. When you sit outside the only sound is the birds and the wind in the trees (or an occasional dog bark). Lynn enjoys listening to the villagers (many women in their late 80’s), speak in Italian outside our Villa windows, We have all the amenities of home. It’s very clean and modern.
We’re now joined by Connie Wiles and Steve Floto. Connie is President of the Cincinnati Wine Festival. Steve is a financial planner and wanna-be chef. It’s great to have them join us.
Our arrival on Saturday was highlighted with a welcome dinner cooked by two young Italian ladies. It was wonderful. The tomatoes in the brouchetta are so fresh, the eggplant Parmesan was great and they topped it off with spinach tortellini.
Sunday was a cool, cloudy day with on and off light rain. Bob and Lynn stayed in the Villa to relax while Barry, Jackie, Steve and Connie went shopping in town. The report from the field says not a lot of people around here speak English. And shopping become quite the experience. But…Steve cooked an outstanding pasta dinner for us. It was outstanding!
