You’d think that taking a bus just 25km out of Florence would be so much easier than travelling half-way across the world, but that would be wrong. My trip to San Casciano in the Chianti region should have been simple. I’d been in touch with Elisabeth, my host, who had offered to pick me up from the bus station in the town. All I had to do was get on the right bus and get off at the right stop. I’d looked at the timetable, boarded the bus with the appropriate number and away we went. As we travelled, I watched the road ahead. I saw a sign … San Casciano to the right and Siena to the left. The bus veered left! After a few seconds of panic, I pressed the stop button. I would get off at the next stop and somehow find my way back.  How hard could it be? Five minutes later I was dropped off in the very small town of Bergino.  Google maps told me I was a ten-minute drive from San Casciano. The bus timetable told me it would be a 90-minute wait. I contacted Elisabeth and relayed what had happened. ‘Sit tight,’ she said, ‘I’ll come and get you.’ I was so relieved and grateful for her generosity.  On the way home, she stopped at the supermarket so I could buy some food and wine for the next few days. I was going to need the wine after that experience! It had already been a long day and I was so very happy to finally arrive at her farm. I later discovered that many buses have the same number but go in different directions so it’s important to look at the destination as well as the number on the front of the bus. I will be much more careful next time.

This week I have been living in a little stone cabin that was once used to house pigs. It has been transformed into a cosy studio apartment with a small semi-private yard. I am free to wander around the property which is planted with olive trees, vegetables and climbing roses. It is perfect! 

San Casciano is an easy 30-minute walk away and I have been into town several times. I have also explored the surrounding properties including an old stone crypt and abandoned villa.  On one of these walks, I stopped to take a photo of the crypt. As I stood deep in concentration, I heard a loud grunting noise and turned around to see a very large pig staring at me.  Behind it were quite a few others … they’d appeared out of the olive grove.  I didn’t know if they were tame or wild but certainly wasn’t prepared to stay and find out.

One day I took the bus to nearby Greve in Chianti. The town is a popular destination for hikers, cyclists and food and wine lovers. The triangular Piazza Matteotti at the centre of town is framed by stone arcades that provide shelter from sun and rain as you shop or stop to eat at one of the many restaurants. Antica Macelleria Falorni, which translates to ‘Ancient Butcher Falorni’ dominates the piazza. It is a meat lover’s paradise, with an amazing number of cured products hanging from the ceiling, a cheese room as well as many other local products for sale. There are also tables where you can sit and order from the menu.

The ancient stronghold town of Montefioralle is 1.6km away and according to Wikipedia, one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. Although the weather was damp with misty rain, I had a raincoat and an umbrella, so decided to take the hike up the hill to check it out. Sections of the road were very steep and I had to stop occasionally to catch my breath. The rain began to clear as I strode into the town and I was surprised at how few tourists there were. It was lovely … but one of Italy’s most beautiful towns? Not in my opinion. The walk back to Greve was a little easier and I returned to Falorni for a well-earned charcuterie board and glass of local wine.

Today I ended my country sojourn.  It has been a wonderful week of relaxation and exploration, but I am excited to be returning to Florence for four more weeks … to live, learn, make new friends and have lots of fun.