Good morning, afternoon, evening,

our last class with Cecina's students was a long walk between two farmhouses owned by two of them in Castagneto.

The perfect way to be enchanted  by charming Tuscan landscapes, vineyards producing some of the best wines well renowned all over the world. We learned a lot listening to Stefania while walking and smelling perfumes. The history of the places, how vines are grown and wine is made. 

After a very nice lunch at Stefania's premises, Podere S. Maria, we went to Colle Donatucci, where Francesco had a surprise for us: a friend of his, a retired University Professor from Scotland, William, came to visit us so to give everybody the great opportunity to listen to a native speaker of English and practice the language among swallows flying under the porches from nest to nest.

First a little uncertain, after a little they became confident we were there only to enjoy the whole environment, including their darting flights.

Bolgheri and Castagneto  Carducci are among the 70 remarkable places all over the world that the New York Times invites not to miss. We wouldn't like to. 

On July 16, on occasion of the feast of the Madonna del Carmine, we have read on the Internet Castiglioncello di Bolgheri is open to the public. We called the owners and understood it is a pilgrimage; pilgrims walk up to the church after the opening of the gate early in the morning, and after the service they leave the place.

Some news about the castle.

It is first mentioned in the 780 AD. It is on top of a hill overlooking Castagneto and Bolgheri, solitary and almost inaccesible, quite striking. From it the eye can range from the vineyards below going down to the sea and the islands of Elba and Corsica. 

Inside the castle there is the armory where the stone coats of all the families who have had the property are kept, Gherardesca's, Pannocchieschi's, Soderini's, Incontri's, Gherardesca's again.

Unfortunately we did not take good photos of our Walk & Talk Class in Castagneto's surroundings, we mainly have memories to be kept and shared with you at any possible occasion.

Anna - Coordinator

Eleonora: thanks for your comment. Quite likely the pilgrimage is only for residents, and at the castle they do not like having strangers with them, even if interested in religious celebratiuons.

Android hack games: it is a topic close to so many hearts, I believe, like yours, yours like ours? Both? 

Gianna:   just something to change. Thet the whole world, article - were born in this countryside, past - visit cellars and, no singular indefinite article - I have so many memories of beloved people (more common than persons), there. Great job! 

Anna - Coordinator