We were disappointed that our idea of sitting in a vineyard in Italy never materialized. So we came up with our own plan.

The VRBO we rented is called Agriturismo L’Elfo. It is just outside of Siena, but far enough to be surrounded by the beautiful countryside. We highly recommend this place if you are planning a trip there some day.

Originally the itinerary was to tour Florence with all its rich history and beauty. But after two days exploring Siena and Montepulciano, we were ready for a day to relax in our well-appointed villa.

Our host (in the doorway) is the 5th generation of farmers on this 70 acre plot of land. He and his soon-to-be wife (front left) have worked four years to restore the old barn to the gorgeous villa it is today.

When we arrived they gifted us a basket of fresh laid eggs, home-made honey and a bottle of wine from a family member’s vineyard. It’s interesting to note: eggs are not refrigerated in Italy—even in the grocery stores. Also, the wine is super cheap in Italy. We enjoyed it all the more!

Our villa had four bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms. Which if you’ve traveled much in Italy this is hard to come by.

They had every kind of fruit bearing tree, but being early spring it was impossible to tell, for as yet there was no fruit.

We learned from one of our friends that on iPhones you can take a photo of a tree or plant and click the “i” for more info. It will tell you the name of the plant. I was hooked and started taking photos of everything.

We also enjoyed the different types of birds. For this we used the Merlin Bird ID app to record their song, and it would pull up what bird or birds we were hearing.

There was one bird in particular none of us had ever seen or heard before, the Eurasian Hoopoe. I spent about an hour following it all over the farm hoping to get a good photo.

Finally, he stopped for a pose—I think he looks quite prehistoric.

We relaxed all day listening to the birds, enjoying charcuterie and wine overlooking the beautiful rolling hills of Siena.

Our room had a surprise out our window; a wishing well. We felt as if we were in a fairy tale. Everything we had imagined Tuscany to be was that and more.

The property also boasted herb gardens, grape vines, olive trees, Italian cypress trees, a fishing pond with geese, chickens and honey bees.

We watched as the fields in the distance were plowed for their new crop of grain to be planted. All under the watchful eye of the antique farming equipment no longer used, but valued just the same.

We listened to the owner help his son learn to fish in the pond. Although he spoke in Italian, the tone of this father’s love would have been familiar to us in any language.

There is a rhythm to life on the farm. The first light of day beckons one outside to do what needs to be done as the sun makes its trek across the sky. Mundane chores aren’t cumbersome, but necessary; this is what keeps the beat alive. Time is precious and the fruit of this family’s labor is abundant. We enjoyed every bite.

As the sun set on this perfect day, we joined in its dance of gratefulness. Here, hard work brings with it its own reward. And we were the recipients of time well spent.

The kiss of the sun for pardon,

The song of the birds for mirth,—

One is nearer God’s heart in a garden,

Than any where else on Earth.

From The Garden, by Dorothy Frances Gurney

Until next time—when we head to Lake Como,

Ciao