Welcome and Benvenuti to all my lovely Followers around the World,
I would be impossible to start the day and feel balanced, if one had not gone for morning coffee here in our little bit of Chianti. Now I had reason to go to Certaldo yesterday (Saturday) so we made a beeline for Jam Caffe for our early morning fix. And, what a beautiful day it was, glorious sunshine and cheerful chatty Italians. Foto J Finnigan. The Chef at Jam Caffe is called Andrea, and is a brilliant cook and all round lovely guy. They bake all their own pastries, so you can be assured of really fresh and delicious pastini. I am so lucky to have persuaded Andrea to do a finger buffet for my Concert Party on the 22nd June. Rock on!
At the weekend, and assuming the weather is good, we do like to pop over to Montespertoli for aperitivi. Foto J Finnigan. The town will shortly be hosting the annual Wine festival, which is really worth going to, however, I should warn you that historically it tends to rain a lot during the two weeks of festivities! You can also book a Horse and Wagon excursion, which will take you on a wine tasting tour! The dates are 26th may to 3rd June; enjoy. For more info visit the town’s Website
And on the subject of wine, did you know that one hundred and sixty-two thousand tourists visit Italy every year and consume seventy-three thousand bottles of Vino Rosso (red wine)? The bulk of these visitors are American, German and French. Well, I wonder how they come up with those figures, but anyway, that’s a lot! Then there’s also the Brits that are increasing in numbers each year, bless them! Foto La Repubblica
Now on a completely different subject, although you may want a glass of the red stuff after you read this, Silvio Burlesconi is back! I mean really back. I heard a whisper that the courts have allowed Silvio to run for local government again! Well, something dramatic needs to happen, we still have no government as such, as the two leaders of the largest majority holders cannot agree to work together! Luigi Di Maio, leader of the 5* Movement has confirmed that he has no desire to become Prime Minister and quoted “I’m very satisfied, we brought to our government the program that is.” He said on Facebook, underlining that the prime minister will be “a person who must be a friend of the people.” Stop Press – I’ve just been told that a new Prime Minister has been selected – watch this space! Could this be Silvio, I wonder? But I also heard that he, Silvio, has to appear in court on 1st June on more corruption charges. Hey ho, I doubt if that will deter him, such is the way of things in Italy! Foto La Repubblica.
The Madonna Lily and Poppies below our Terrace. Foto J Finnigan
On a much lighter note, and for those of you who are keen to hear about the countryside this time of year, wild poppies are everwhere. We spotted a big field of the lovely things, but the road twisted and turned so quickly that we lost track of it and could not find it again to get a foto for you! You have to experience these country tracks to understand what I am saying! Also masses of Broom are painting the hedgerows yellow. Anyway, I took this lovely foto below our garden for you to enjoy.
The Rock Chick Band 2017 – Foto P. Finnigan
Well, it’s only four weeks to my 8th annual Rock Concert Garden Party! So if you are hoping to come from afar, you had better get those flights and accommodations booked! We have a great repertoire this year, covering George Harrison, Robert Plant, Pink Floyd, Patti Smith, The Pretenders, Dire Straights, and many more! Good food and local wines will also flow! If you do not already have an invite, email me at june.finnigan@virgin.net. The date is Friday 22nd June; see you there!
Well, must now dash off to Montespertoli and then who knows, maybe lunch at C’era una Volta in Lucardo on the way back.
Have a great week and do drop me a line. Oh, and don’t forget to visit my official author website at June’s Site
Salute june x
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