70th War End Celebrations, Weddings, Panacotta and Rose Digestivo, Earthquakes, Silvio, My Birthday and The Rock Chick Band’s sixth Annual Concert in Beautiful Chianti
There is no other way to say it, I absolutely adore the month of June in our little bit of Tuscany. Yes, I know it’s my birthday month and the Rock Chick Band’s Annual Concert is in the final week, but it’s not only that.Most of June was warm and sunny with enough rain to keep things green. Of course this was the lull before the weather turned into the oppressive heat and humidity of July. But today, I’m talking about June, so we won’t go there. The mozzies (zanzare) had arrived, but not in large quantities and the evenings were fabulous with our new view looking towards Certaldo Alto and the full panorama of the sunset to the west, which we could not see from our old home. This was our third month in our new beautiful home and we were feeling less in need of sorting, just enjoying.
Meanwhile, down in Certaldo, the 70th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War was being celebrated. We saw marches waving the Partisan Red Flag and the few remaining Partisans who were in the Resistenza then, were presented with memorial certificates. I find these occasions very emotional and it is hard to imagine the Italy of today being overrun by Nazis and Fascists.
On a lighter note, Chianti was even busier than May, with wedding parties staying in the local villas and castles. Unfortunately, we had some ‘Bomba Acqua’, very heavy rain, during the first half of the month and we felt sorry for the English and other northern Europeans that had come here to tie the knot. We met some of these at L’Osteria Casa Chianti, which has vastly improved with the new owners. Visit their website. That particular time I was presented with a bottle of Rosolio alla Rosa Digestivo with my panacotta desert, which was heavenly. It actually smells and tastes like English Roses and is made locally in Barberino Val D’Elsa!
Now, with the weather rolling from Acqua Bomba to dry spells, it was inevitable that we would get a few minor earthquakes. Fortunately we only picked up on the edge, but it’s still disturbing nonetheless. Nothing very serious was reported in the region, so that was a blessing.
Also during the month of June, I changed my morning coffee from my beloved caffé latte to Espresso Lungo, as milk was not agreeing with me. This confused our favourite caffé Bar IL Solferino in Certaldo as they, like most Italian caffé Bars, quickly get to know all their regular customers’ taste in coffee. Over a week I tried different variations of caffé Latte using soya and rice milks, but they were pretty awful compared with the lovely creamy cow’s milk. So, I am now used to drinking my Espresso raw and it’s amazing how one can adjust in order to get that all important caffeine hit! Mind you, I need to wash it down with a glass of water.
Meanwhile, the Gorgeous Silvio Berlusconi was going into hospital for heart surgery. He underwent a four hour operation and is now recovering at home. Of course there was immediate discussion in the papers and bars about finding a replacement leader for Forza Italia, Silvio’s political party. They are the third largest party in Italy, however, with Silvio no longer at the helm the ship may be difficult to steer. Watch this space.
OK, I’ve left it till last, but I am chaffing at the bit to tell you about our great concert evening on 25th June! What with the new garden setting and a definite improvement in the lead singer’s vocals (clears throat) it went down really well. It was wonderful to greet both old and new friends from around the world, loaded up with gifts, food and booze. Thank you to everyone for your continued support and if you did not make it this time, diary date to be in Tuscany on June 24th 2017!
Well, that’s enough of that. Time for an aperitivo before lunch.
Have a great July and we’ll speak again in August.
Amore June x