We said we’re coming here to live. With health and fitness atop our priorities, naturally our first drive-to-the-store experience was for a Yoga Mat. Anne’s smile can only be attained with her spiritual-physical-emotional and mental energies in harmonic balance. That positive-aura was brought about by focused Yoga. NAMASTE!!!The Villa surely is beautiful, but lacks the Amperage needed to power the heaters within its chilly rooms. See those blinking lights on the control panel? Those signify you will be heatless until the Villa’s manager, Antonio resets the breakers. So, Signore… shake off that jet-lag insomnia and your compulsion to the scale couch-back to reach the RESET BUTTON and just crawl under the duvet. Sunrise is merely in four hours… you won’t freeze to death.These two photos are taken within the Cappelle Medici, the same chapel where the city’s Oligarchs, The Medici are buried. The ceiling is nice… as were Michelangelo’s sculptures, but… “MEH” 😑. The real miracle is that these pics were taken with my iPhone. Ten years ago, I’d carry a separate a pocket SLR camera that cost twice as much and shot grainy dark pictures.https://www.visitchianti.net/the-legend-of-the-black-rooster/?lang=en
We drove south to lunch in Chianti… where the regional symbol is the Gallo Nero (Black Rooster). Not to be confused with Merlo Nero (Blackbird) our Villa’s name. Click the link in the caption to read the full story of the famous Chianti Cock. Most importantly, DON’T DRINK ANY CHIANTI without the Gallo Nero. Lacking this designation means it’s a fake, probably formulated in a Wuhan Laboratory.
Who could ever grow weary of the Tuscan Countryside? This stunning hilltop villa sits within Greve in Chianti. (photo unretrouched)Salume Piccante & Prosciutto… the meaty foundation of a great Antipasto plate. Formaggio and pastas are the next room. Mangia, Anne!!I’m sure every ‘local’ takes pictures of the produce at the COOP Grocery store. With this new discovery, we now have our second option for grocery stores. The first being the Carrefour Express which is about half-mile away from the Villa. This COOP is about 1.5 miles away and has a very nice parking garage. The first two hours of parking are free. !!
On Sunday, we decided that we’d make our first dinner at ‘home’. Our original plan was to grill the fish, but it was too darned cold outside and thus, we took it inside to the broiler instead. For side plates we used a butcher shop’s sauce and then heated vacuum packed veggies from the store. In the ‘Ville, we cut/prep/cook everything – but with these great pre-packed options we, in our tiny little kitchen were able to make a really tasty, fresh and healthy meal. READ: I’M STAYING!! This dinner was a great ‘experiment’ because even with a million choices of restaurants, it’s nice some nights to stay in. ASIDE: the food everywhere costs less and tastes better than it does at home. I’m still not sure where Sunset buys tomatoes that taste like water balloons.
No water here. Nope.Yes… the kitchen is cozy. The only things hidden behind the camera are the sink and fridge. BTW – the oven is in front of Anne’s legs.
The riding has been fabulous… I rode to Castellina in Chianti on Sunday (about 30 miles south of Firenze). The roads are in generally good shape with courteous drivers and a lot of cyclists with whom to share the roads. This pic is about 2000 feet elevation – giving a spectacular view of the countryside. Like I said above… Tuscany just never gets old.
I was very happy to see on this fellow that pegged-pants are making a fashionable comeback. My joy turned quickly into despair when this fashion trendsetter engaged a filthy, schlock-peddling street merchant. Still, I prefer white socks over exposed ankles.Thanks for reading! Salute! Grazie Mille! Ciao! Arrivederci!
Your laundry and electricity issues are bringing back painful memories but those are balanced by the pleasant experiences at the COOP and Carrefour. Looks amazing, I hope it is warming up and you are eating and discovering little Italian nuggets each day
Ha! But the water quality/pressure are amazing! BTW – We’re a Carrefour Express famiglia for the quick-grabs on the way back from Centro… but COOP is the heavy hitter in our neighborhood.
The Brandt Blog 
January 24, 2022 at 18:04
love Anne’s new Italian scarf-look like it’s coming in handy there brrrr. and of course the yoga mat!
January 24, 2022 at 18:07
Glad to see you are enjoying it all!
January 24, 2022 at 20:18
Excellent
January 25, 2022 at 12:32
You wear that scarf like a true European, Jeff! Looking like locals 🙂 Miss you guys!
January 25, 2022 at 18:20
You were in the trash!!! Thank goodness I was looking for something else!! Loved your comments. Makes me feel like you’re near!
January 27, 2022 at 09:45
Two lol’s-Wuhan laboratory and water balloon tomatoes. The wit!
January 29, 2022 at 11:41
Thanks for reading – and sending my first bit of fan-mail. 😉
January 30, 2022 at 18:24
Your laundry and electricity issues are bringing back painful memories but those are balanced by the pleasant experiences at the COOP and Carrefour. Looks amazing, I hope it is warming up and you are eating and discovering little Italian nuggets each day
January 31, 2022 at 16:22
Ha! But the water quality/pressure are amazing! BTW – We’re a Carrefour Express famiglia for the quick-grabs on the way back from Centro… but COOP is the heavy hitter in our neighborhood.
January 30, 2022 at 20:44
Italy looks good on you both. That meal you cooked up looked delicious! ❤️ Trey says looks super cool 😎
February 1, 2022 at 19:16
Italy looks great! I love your detailed blogs! The pictures are beautiful!!! The father/son restaurant is so cute!!
February 2, 2022 at 02:04
Hey Mar – I think Bob would have loved the whole fish dinner. ! 😛. Glad you’re following our posts❤️❤️