Tuscany Unplugged Take 2

Sometimes it's dry and sunny and sometimes it's damp and cloudy. Well the order of the day today was wet and cloudy but not before we got our first walk in from the town of Asciano. It was a circular 5 km route before lunch and a subsequent 3 km route in the afternoon. An interesting scene which we came across, was a local character out with his dog searching for truffles. He found some, which sell for 2000 Euros ($3000 CDN) per kilo. It's no wonder he lets his specially trained dog, sniff around in the mud. Gone are the days when pigs sniffed out the mushroom delight as the pigs are more inclined to eat them rather than a dog would.

 The sheep on the hillsides, were being protected by their continually yapping dogs but thus is the life of working dogs in the region. The views were still wonderful despite being clouded in and the hike over hill and through dell, over bridges and train tracks was still a wonder as a new discovery is found around every corner and over every hill.

The Monastery at Monte Oliveto, near the village of Chiusure was established by the monks of St Benedictine in 1313. The monks were chanting Gregorian at the time of our visit which gave the ambiance a surreal feeling, which would bring you back to the days of Charlemagne and the invading armies. In addition to the many frescoes and stained glass which highlighted the chapels, the monastery is home to a winery in the cellar. It was only appropriate to indulge in the free tastings and naturally the purchase of two "Monk's Red" were in order. Now the only problem is to see if we are patient enough to bring them home with us or will we succumb and consume while on the continent. Saluti!!

 

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