We said our good byes to Napoli and took a taxi to the airport where we picked up our Fiat 500L from Europcar, reserved through Auto Europe.  It was easy getting on the autostrada (freeway) from there to head north on the A1.  We drove  west of Rome stopping at an AutoGrill somewhere about half way for a sandwhich and a quick coffee.

We got off the A1 at the Chiusi exit and headed east.  Of course, even with Lady Google directing us, we made a wrong turn somewhere and drove for a while on some lovely white roads with gogeous, classic Tuscan views.

Finally, we arrived at Poggio Etrusco.

This place exudes rustic charm.  And, espcially compared to Naples, is so quiet.  Hearing the doves reminds me of home.  We have a sweet one bedroom apartment furnished with antiques and beautiful tile in the bathroom.  Meeting the owner, Pamela Sheldon Johns, was a treat.  We have “known” each other online for years and she and her husband Johnny were the perfect hosts—willing to hang out some with us and talk while still getting their own work done.

Here is Pamela WITH her lipstick on as she laughingly insisted.

We took a nice walk up the street through an organic apple farm.  The trees are all in bloom but mostly covered with some kind of protective cloth.  You can still smell the sweetness in the air through the cloth.

Walking back to Poggio Etrusco bordered by Pamela and Johnny’s olive trees made me take a big deep Tuscan breath.  We haven’t been back to Toscana for a  few years and it is lovely.

Dinner was right up the street in the little town of St. Albino.  Tre Stelle was filled with local families and we enjoyed watching all the kids as much as the delicious food.  The highlights of the meal were the pici, a thick hand rolled ropey pasta with a wonderful garlicy tomato sauce and a bottle of Rosso di Montepulciano wine.

Came back to our peaceful home and read in the comfy bed til we fell asleep.