Sovichilli - A wonderful town

Today was day 2 of the 3 days of markets. Sovichilli was a fascinating town. It is very quaint small town just outside of Siena. It would be the perfect place to live in Italy. The town has breathtaking views of the countryside, friendly people, and a perfect location. The rolling countryside is filled with olive groves, grape vineyards, wheat fields, rice fields, beautiful villas, and a number of surrounding villages.

We arrived at 7:30am to set up. The whole atmosphere was much more relaxed than Siena. Although it was overcast for most of the day, the sun came out in the late afternoon. It was so wonderful to feel warm. The people were so friendly and happy it really made you feel so at home.

I met a number of Americans that were staying at Spannocchia. It is an American run organic agricultural center that raises pigs, lambs, and many types of vegetables. They have a great program where you can go there and learn about farming and the Italian language in exchange for your labor. Not sure I could raise the lambs and pigs and send them to the slaughter house; it would definitely make me a Vegan.

We had a little competition with another bread stand, which sells for much less because it is made from white flour. Being the entrepreneur, I convinced Viola to put up a big sign to let people know that our bread and sweets are made without any dairy. We sold out of most of our products; definitely was not due to the sign. Here bread looks so inviting. Viola was very happy with the day.

There were some unique products at the market (or unique to me). Ceci flour is made from Chick Peas and it makes a wonderful frittata. Agretti is a vegetable that is very different. It looks like grass with a long root. It tastes between spinach and pasta (I know that sounds weird). You eat it just as you would eat pasta by twirling it on your fork. Definitely want to find some seeds to grow at home. Where in the states can you watch someone cutting Salami or Prosciutto right off the bone? The ricotta cheese is right off the farm.

At the end of the market they have a restaurant that serves meals for all the market. We had a great time with some of the people from Spannocchia (I finally could participate in the conversations with other Americans). The food was very traditional; my lasagna was so good I wanted to ask for seconds (not done in Italy). The wine at lunch was local wine, Sanglovese. It was hard to stop drinking (any excuse).

When we finally returned and finished repacking the car for Florence, I started packing for my next adventure. I am really using everything so I consider my packing for the trip a success, other than maybe a few warmer clothes.

Three eggs today... they are happy chickens. I definitely will miss them.

Ciao for now