June 13 - Sunday Market & Making Friends

We wake up early enough to get to the weekly farmers' market in Panzano. Situated on and above the Chianti Strada, where some of the most recognizable and lovely Chianti wines are produced....Panzano is a busy town that appears as a mere bend in the road if you don't pay close attention. It spreads over the ridge and up the hill to an older "Centro Storico".

I make a vow to walk up into town on another day, but today I am distracted by fruit. Fresh, plentiful, with proud signs on the produce that is "locale". And they mean it. In Tuscany, fruite and vegetables from "Lazio", just to the south, are seen as an imports. We buy fresh figs, peaches that you have to bend over when you eat them, they are so ripe. Beautiful melons, and all the basics...including fabulous ripe tomatoes and a basil plant.

We then move over to the purse cart, where my friend buys a nice practical number and I eye the bright yellow backpack for 20 Euros! Great fun!

We unload the groceries and haul everyone out to Osteria di Panzanelle for my delayed birthday celebration (the Game, took precedence last night). My daughter makes friends with an Italian girl her age (they both speak Nintendo:), and my son explains Greek mythological monsters to our friend.

I have my required Tiramisu….without doubt the best I have ever tasted. I leave several brochures and cards and we head back home to relax and watch another game.

Tomorrow it's time to start serious work. I will view a house in Volpaia that Carrara will be representing….to identify potential needs and brainstorm design ideas.

It's been pleasant but not hot yet, a few light showers. It's surprising to find Chianti so green in mid-June.

About Carrara, LLC

Carrara partners with owners of luxury vacation homes in Italy, managing the conversion and marketing of these beautiful homes to fractional, shared ownership vacation properties. We also represent buyers seeking the lifestyle of a European home and the convenience of a professionally managed, shared investment.