Junefinnigan's Weblog

Benvenuti to all my Lovely Loyal and New Followers

A harvestor collecting grapes below our villa. Photo J Finnigan

Well, it is Monday morning and no sign of any workers yet in Certaldo.  This week will see the mass return of people to the offices, shops and cafe bars after the two-week August break, which always spreads itself into mid-September.  It being a Monday, it is perfectly normal for nothing to be open, even at a normal time of the year and I recommend that if you want to go shopping in this area, do not bother on Mondays or Wednesdays.  But our faithful Caterina and Elena at Bar Solferino never let us down.  Laura’s bar/alimentare in Fiano was also open, so things are coming alive again.  However, it is a return to hot humid weather after heavy rain and the odd earthquake, so summer is not yet over.  Last week my man was complaining.  “It’s so cold I’m going to have to wear long trousers!” He sulked.  “Mind you, when I was twelve, I didn’t want to wear short trousers either….”  Don’t you just love him?  I do.

Meanwhile, the Vendemia is at full throttle.  The red grapes are now being harvested and the noisy trucks are back clattering past our kitchen window.  But this is good, we do need to keep our stock of Chianti replenished regularly, you never know who might turn up!

Italy’s Tennis girls.
La Nazione

Back at Bar Solferino I was reading La Nazione newspaper and was delighted to read that we have two Italians in the final of the American Open Tennis tournament.  Now we may not offer the very best rugby team yet, but our female tennis players are something else!  Bravi Flavia and Roberta!

The towers of San Gimignano.
Photo P Finnigan

Now whilst the Italians have had an extended holiday, my man and I continued to work right through August and into September.  So last friday we agreed to take a day off and go for a really nice lunch in San Gimignano, which is just half an hour from here.  But we were not prepared for the hoards of tourists; coaches were spilling out masses of grey heads.  If you are not already aware, San Gimignano is hugely popular with tourists and the guided tours of Tuscany always include this city of towers.

Ristorante San Martino 26 in San Gimignano.
Photo J Finnigan

Thankfully we had booked a table at ‘San Martino 26 Ristorante,’ which is down a little side street called Via San Martino.  We arrived early and found ourselves in a haven of peace away from the madding crowd.  The food and service were second to none and satisfied my longing for a bit of sophistication.  I will do a five-star review on Trip Advisor , however, in the meantime you may like to visit http://www.ristorantesanmartino26.it

The crumbly cliffs below the villa available for rent.
Photo P Finnigan.

Ok, you may recall that we are looking for a new villa to rent as our contract here ends in February.  Tomorrow I am going to view a lovely place, which sits on its own with a stunning view and is only five minutes away.  However, my man and I went for a sneak preview and walked around the outside of the empty property.  On one side of the property there is a sheer crumbly cliff and I have no head for heights.  So the inside of the villa will have to be very special for me to deal with this!  I’ll let you know….

Finally, I just want to tell you how pleased I am to have started a three months fitness course with Alexandra Merisoiu and we are having weekly sessions via Skype.  This is brilliant for all you hard-working female executives as you will only need one hour a week with Alexandra, and then do the daily exercises in your own time!  visit http://www.alexandramerisoiu.com

Ok, time to go.  A busy working week is calling me and the deadline for my current novel ‘The Italian Connection’ is rapidly drawing nearer!

Have a really great week and do drop me a line.

Salute June x

PS Don’t forget to visit my author page at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.