To say I was excited was an understatement. I couldn't wait to get there and see if all the things I had read , seen and heard about Italy were true. Our trip took us to Rome, Cinque Terre, Tuscany, Umbria and all the places in between. 13 days of exploring medieval villages, Duomo's unlike anything I have ever seen, views that took us above the clouds, over the Mediterranean ocean, vineyards lined with lushes grapes, mountain tops that glistened with marble. There were sunrises , sunsets, harvest moonlight, sunflowers and even wild poppy's. Locals sharing their artistic talents from painting, ceramics, wood making, copper making. Countless flavors of gelato...I made it thru 20 and each day I found my new favorite flavor.
We stayed in quaint little hotels that were filled with warmth and charm.
My favorite being the Villa in Fabro.
Agriturismo Il Colombaio http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1006066-d969369-Reviews-s1-Agriturismo_Il_Colombaio-Montegabbione_Province_of_Terni_Umbria.html
How do I even describe the Villa other than if you are ever in Umbria, this is a place to stay. Irma and her family are simply delightful and made each of us feel at home during our stay. A peaceful place with stunning views no matter what direction you choose to face. The meals were outstanding. I cannot say enough about the place where doves fly.
Every expectation I had was blown out of the ball park. It was beyond my wildest expectations. Pamela had indeed taken us off the Beaten Strada and shown us a side of Italy that was unique and special. The history beyond my comprehension , my senses opened and awake.
Beyond the views, the food, the wine the most special of all was the people. Each person we met was warm and kind, happy to share their culture with us. They were patient as I attempted to speak some Italian and I am sure sounded pitiful but they were happy to help me learn .
Most of all, we arrived to spend 13 days with 12 other ladies we never met before. As many of us ladies know that can be a disaster.
It was no disaster. In fact , a special thing that happened.
We laughed until our stomach's hurt, we shared stories over wine and the most amazing meals, we listened to music as the sun set,we walked for just 5 more minutes every day..and fell in love with our four legged friends Miele and Oliva
... by the end of the 13 days became new friends and we departed our journey and went home. This was the most unexpected gift of my dream..to meet such beautiful ladies who carried themselves with grace, each unique in their own way.. even in such a short time touched my heart and taught me a great deal, more than they will ever know.
Had I not decided to follow my dream and book this trip...I would have never had this journey and never met this group of inspiring ladies. The other nice thing..I think it was a trip of a life time for my sister too!!
“You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for
others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
If you are thinking about a trip to Italy and its your first time..I highly recommend you contact Pamela Haack and invest in a personal tour guided trip. I promise you , you will not be disappointed. This lady's love for Italy , her knowledge and contacts she will ensure you see Italy in a way no one else can!!
I wrote a poem to capture my 13 day journey, words that come from my heart and dedicated to the ladies that made my dream that much more special. I hope it inspires others to visit Italy one day.
I
had a Dream…
I had a dream to one day visit the shoe
In Sept 2014 that dream came true
I feel the passion ooze from each person
we meet
So patient and kind and incredibly sweet
Vatican gold and secrets of sin
Here is where the history and stories
begin
Marble sculptures detailed to perfection
Grand Roman Piazza’s and Fabio’s blushing
complexion
Bruno takes us away from the crazy Roma
city hustle
At a gas station Genny attracts
Some studley Roman muscle
Toilets are different and now we must
squat
Melissa gets stage fright to be honest
This position is not all that hot
Majestic views of the Tuscan hills
The smells of the Mediterranean ocean
gives me warm Sept chills
Cyprus trees the staggering shades of
green
Like detailed patchwork on my
grandmothers quilt
Its unlike anything I have ever seen
Monterossa your roads scared us so
Winding around the mountain we survive to
find your beauty below
Cinque Terre does not disappoint, looking
over the sea my heart skips a beat
We explore 5 villages with uneven cobble
stones
Wobbling under my feet
Sweet Gelato is sinfully piled
So many flavors to drive the palate wild
The smells of leather in the Florence
stores
In Montepulciano the vino and art galore
Senor Ceazare is charming Attentionné
s’il vous plait
On this
little copper shop I stand in awe, generations of excellence
What more
can I say
Every meal
is flavorable a taste beyond compare
I close my
eyes and savor
Eat more if
you dare
Orvieto
treats us to handmade ceramics and olive wood
So pleasing
to the eye
As I roam
through her Duomo, I take a breathe and sigh
I touch the
history this structure contains
Centuries
of artwork its mind-blowing what remains
I admire
the picturesque land at each stop we make
My senses
are blissfully awake
Etched in
my mind are the memories of this trip
I will
remember with a smile with each glass of vino I sip
Time has
come to harvest the life of this land
I can’t
believe I held such sweet fruit deep purple and yellow in the
Palm of my
hand
Like a
child with great love the grapes are nurtured until the grow
Careful
steps taken to mature them and when it’s time to sell
They
proudly let the wine go
The Etruscan tombs eerie a serene somber
place
Names of the dead engraved in stone I
can’t help but
Touch as I explore with curiosity upon my
face
Fields lined with ochre yellows and
sienna brown
The sunflowers gracefully bow their heads
to the ground
Cornita’s filled with surprises, I feel
the contentment
Glide across my face
We listen to Pamela share stories
How do you say in English?
With such theatrics & grace
With Marletta’s shoulders covered and her
knees left open
Sandra and Ella drink wine like the pro’s
Terry is charming and full of wit, what
flows out of her mouth
No one ever knows
Nina gives lessons on the each electronic
device
Capturing shots of everyone and posting
on facebook
She is really cool and so so nice
Poor Donna got bit and had a shot in her
bum
Debbie spots a flock of parrots in
Palisade park
Will we ever get out of here before dark?
Judy needs a bank is there one in this
place
Virginia is off wandering with a smile on
her face
The fabric in Fabro is eloquent and
unique
Rosanna treats us well in her chic little
boutique
Pienza the pecorino and chingale are
everywhere we go
The rain is upon us so off to Pope
Piccolomi castle,
The strategic plan walk real slow
Despite the cold and wet day
We find a quaint little restaurant hidden
away
It’s here I find my handsome Italian man
I might have to come visit again this
magical land
Emanule and Ermano drive us around with
such care
Finding such gentleman back home is often
quite rare
Our day in Montalcino with the ladies of
Pianello
Was for me a highlight
For the record my favorite gelato just
might be lemoncello
Yet after today, I think I might change my mind the trilogy of
flavors
The Vanilla was one of a kind
Donkeys are braying , in the churches
locals are praying
A peacock exists that I never did see
Cornelis the goat he rides in the car as
content as can be
The vino flows as stories are shared
about our day
The harvest moon shines brightly as we
manga and laugh the night away
Feeling blessed my heart is over flowing
13 precious women have come into my life
And I am leaving my dream
Better for knowing
Not one day has been taken for granted
The love of Italy and all this history
The seeds now planted
Irma and family the hospitality they show
Going above and beyond
Makes it harder to go
Time at their villa was amazing and
unlike all the rest
Lisa and Pamela you are truly special
And simply the best
How can we forget little Miele and Oliva
They have stolen our hearts, the cutest
by far
I really hope those teeth marks on
Pamela’s hand don’t leave a scar
In San Casciano dei Bagni Daniela gives
us a treat
A secret visit to her home and marvelous
Lunch at her restaurant on the street
The spa was a relaxing superb end to the
day
Water treatments and massages I feel like
floating away
Our time here has ended and who knows if
the Wally’s
Were every truly found
We only care that our Bella Genny is with
us safe and sound
So Ladies tonight lets raise our glasses
To the Friendships we made, go home and
extend the passion of Italy
She tenderly gave
To good health and to the pictures we
will share
Remember each story with kind loving care
Ciao amica mia’s may your memories of our
time spent together always last
As this moment in time will gently fade
into the past
I had a dream….
And it came true, with great love and
gratitude I thank each one of you.
Love Tracey (Sept 14, 2014)
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