2geonomads

Monday 26th May 2014

 Need to tick more off our wish list so we set off to drive to the very impressive town of Cortona, set high on a hilltop north-west of where we are staying. John and Maureen had stayed a week at Cortona a few years ago so they were able to provide us with some advance information. Somehow or other we had managed to miss this absolute gem on our previous visits but we devoted some considerable time in making amends for this omission.

Cortona has been well and truly put on the map courtesy of Francis Mayes book, Under The Tuscan Sun, and tourist numbers have risen dramatically in recent times.

After completing the demanding hike up to the Santuario Di Santa Margherita we meet up with the Beaches from Tampa , Florida and John Beach gives us a quote to remember when his wife tells us that he is always getting lost to which he replied that he “isn’t lost but just misplaced !”

 We also meet up with an English guy who lives within the walls of town and who gives us some interesting info on Cortona. Amongst other things he advises us to visit Eremo Le Celle, a retreat  high in the hills above the town where St Francis of Assisi spent much of his time and gathered his disciples around him. It is set in some magnificent scenery and is very reminiscent of his Eremo dei Carceri near to Assisi.

Maureen & John buying ‘vino rosso molto buono’

Return to find the Conad store open and we are once again able to stock up the larder at the villa. Finish off a most enjoyable day with pasta washed down by a very fine red wine, Amarone della Valpolicella, from Verona. This had been recommended to John by some friends in Busselton.

Travelling in a group of four always throws up some amusing moments and while we are shopping in the Konad store in Ponte Pattoli Gail is reduced to a fit of giggles as she sees me carrying some bottles of wine and vainly trying to catch up with M to put them into the small trolley that M is dragging along at some speed. Every time I get close she seems to accelerate leaving me in her wake. It reminds me of one of those situations where a hitchhiker approaches a car which has stopped only for the vehicle to pull away at the last minute, leaving the hitchhiker stranded. Little things amuse little minds!

Cheers

The Obese Ferret.