I have always thought those romantic pictures of Tuscany were rose tinted. But they are not! It really is a stunning place. We are lucky enough to be doing a volunteering stint in Chiusi at an old farmhouse owned by a delightful family. David and Alex are from USA and England and have lived here for 8 years with their daughters Thomasina and Isolde.
The house is typically Tuscan and has been added to over the years. Parts are a hundred years old. Jan is helping with the renovation whilst I tackle the large terraced garden. The house is in the hills near Chiusi; an old village with Etruscan and Roman features. We love going to the old town; strolling the streets and having coffee with the old men in the centre cafe. It is Italy as time has forgotten. The little houses are beautifully kept and people dress up to stroll. Bambini are shown off to neighbours and tiny Fiat cars try to creep through the streets.
Weekends we are free so have been walking and did an excursion to Siena (the train system is fabulous here). Siena evokes all the typical old Italian sights and sounds with a massive open piazza area. Next trip will be Rome.
I nearly forgot to add that the area the house is in has not one but 3 swimming pools too! Luckily it is warming up and we can swim most days.
