Our introduction to Italy began in 2016, and we planned the trip that would take us through the regions of Toscana, Liguria, and Lombardia. Our journey begins to unfold when we meet Clara, her daughter Eleana, and her husband Muriscio. They own a small winery outside of Montalcino in the region where the Brunello wines are produced. The manager of the wine bar in downtown St. Pete, where we frequented, arranged for the wine tour in Tuscany.
When we arrived at Corte Dei Venti, we were unsure if Clara even knew we were coming, as this is Italy; who needs a reservation? Although Clara speaks no English, she treated us as if she knew us her entire life. Eleana was only 9 at the time, and she was studying English in school. She was our interpreter for a while, but she soon became bored and declared she was no longer going to participate! When communicating in Italy, we soon learned that speaking louder or repeating the same word over and over has no effect on the non-English-speaking folks. Best to resort to Google Translate when pointing isn’t enough to be understood!
After 5 hours of the most wonderful experience, we parted with the promise to see each other again, hopefully soon. Such promises, although truly heartfelt, often find themselves lost when one returns to their normal lives. Thankfully, this promise would find its way back to America, and we would find ourselves moving closer to what is now our Italian life!
