Hot, hot, hot...

August has been a great month (if a tad warm!) and we've had some lovely family groups as it is of course the UK school summer holidays so one of our most popular months and very busy for us organising yoga classes by the Casa Leana pool or wine tastings on our back patio, birthday cakes, pasta and pizza making classes etc. etc.!  

We have still managed to get out and about and it was my birthday last week so we took ourselves off to one of our favourite towns, Cortona.  Overlooking lake Trasimeno, this must surely be one of the loveliest towns in the area.  And there are some gorgeous clothes, wine and handbag shops there too so a perfect day out in my world!  Our favourite lunch venue with views of the lake was closed so we decided to eat in another great restaurant overlooking the main piazza, it’s a place I‘ve always wanted to try and it didn’t disappoint. In the evening we came back closer to home and had a lovely meal in one of our tried and tested local restaurants, La Civette in Citerna - just a 10 minute journey from Casa Leana - it's set inside the walls of this gorgeous little hilltop village with spectacular views of Monterchi. 

We've managed to get out on a few more bike rides too so I am feeling quite good about myself.  Early morning is the key to exercising in July and August as anything energetic is definitely not on my list any time after 11am other than cooling down with a swim in the pool maybe.

Ooh, I forgot to mention the vintage fair in Castiglion Fiorentino, one of best loved events - honestly I just love this. This beautiful quiet hilltop town springs into life for four or five days and the atmosphere is amazing.  Lots of dancing and live music all over town with really interesting stalls and pop up shops.  Wonderful.  

The last Wednesday in August sees the end of the summer night markets in our local town of Anghiari.  It's always a bit sad but there are lots of other events going on for the rest of season so we're looking forward to those of course. They all sound a bit cheesy to be honest but we love them and again the locals are always so enthusiastic it's difficult not to get carried away and join in the fun!  We have the Palenta Festival in Monterchi next month and in October there is the Chestnut Festival in Caprese Michelangelo and of course the annual Intrepida vintage bike race which starts in Anghiari to name but a few!

We have been arranging a wedding over the last few months and it's finally happening next month. I am very excited and a little bit nervous at the same time. We met the bride and groom in December last year (while we were back in the UK) to go over the arrangements and I can’t wait to see them again and catch up with their family who are all staying at Casa Leana for the week of the wedding.  Watch this space for photos of their Big Day. 

That’s it for now.  
​Have a great weekend.

D I A N A   xxx