Thursday, April 19, 2007

Dreams of Tuscany


As I sit here waiting for spring to truly settle in (spring is here, but extremely temperamental this year), I have to admit that all truly looks more golden under the Tuscan sun...even the December Tuscan sun.

As much of Italy seems to move at a frenetic pace, once arriving in Tuscany, movement almost ceases entirely. Existence begins. Life flows seamlessly and effortlessly. It is a place to forget and just be.

Above is the view I had from my hotel room, a fifteenth century well preserved monastery. Inside frescoes enrich the ceiling and the stone steps are uneven and worn, I presume from many a year of monks passing through. At five every evening the bell in the neighbouring chapel would clang wildly as if life itself depended on it, sending the doves roosting in the bell tower off on a mad frenzy over the village. But even in the midst of this predictable sudden chaos, there was an undeniable calmness and beauty. It is so easy to loose oneself here, melt into the surroundings and simply exist.

16 comments:

BurdockBoy said...

Beautiful photos once again.

I sense a hint of itchy feet.

Fuser said...

Hi, Carla. You are right about Toscana. I guess it is because of the ancient villages, the old stones and the timeless hills. What other surprises do you have for me? No, don't tell me. I'll be back. Good night and good luck. Fede

Portrait of Peter said...

Wonderful scenic views together with your beautiful written comments of your observations.

A therapeutic and spiritual scene.

Thank you for your kind comments too.

Blessings.

Peter

Steffi said...

Very beautiful pictures and very nice memories to Italy.really nice to see!
Have a nice weekend!

Carla said...

Burdockboy, I don't know, do itchy feet ever really go away? Thanks for the compliment.

Fede, Yes, I am sure age has something to do with it. It is most interesting to know that you are treading where many have gone before. It is so easy to wonder at the stories the walls hold.

Carla said...

Peter, Thank you for your lovely comment. I found the whole Tuscan experience very therapeutic.

Steffi, I wish you a most lovely weekend as well.

Cheryl said...

Looks like a gorgeous place to lose oneself!

Carla said...

Cheryl, It is a great place to escape...but it looks like your new property could easily serve the same purpose.

The Fool said...

Hi Nomad, you sure know how to travel -

"...movement almost ceases entirely. Existence begins. Life flows seamlessly and effortlessly. It is a place to forget and just be."

Absolutely.

The photos are gorgeous. *sigh*

Thanks, Nomad. You've got your nick. It just took a while to figure.

:)

Carla said...

Fool, It's in the blood, you know. The traveling bit, that is. It is so easy to take gorgeous photos in Italy as there are so many wonderful things to see...so much eye candy.

Anonymous said...

I love your travel posts, Carla.

I read them and look at the photographs and think about packing the bags again...

Wonderful.

jillie said...

You have just posted my ultimate dream....TUSCANY!!! That place just seems to reek romance. I would live there in a heart beat.

Yeah, the tents were really funny esp. after the people had just come back from the bar and they coudln't find them ANYWHERE. We were dying!!!

Have a great day ;o)

Carla said...

Winters, the only thing I really dislike about travel is living out of my suitcase. If I can go somewhere for a month or two and truly absorb life...hmmm...I would leave right now.

Jillie, Tuscany reeks of everything that is wonderful. And a little secret...almost all men there are comedians. They really will make their best effort to bring a smile to your face. It is quite charming.

Anonymous said...

I have planned a trip to Tuscany next year~ the slow travel way.
We will take time for cooking lessons and a chance to relax in that beautiful tuscan sun!

B said...

Hi Carla

I went to school in Florence and I have travelled to many places and that remains my favorite.

beautiful pics on your blog, I found you through jessica's

Carla said...

Sandi, You will LOVE Tuscany. Of that I am sure. Slow is the only way to really do it. I am afraid that even a month would not be enough for me.

B, Thanks for dropping by. I am envious that you were able to spend a significant amount of time in Florence. It's a lovely city. What were you studying? I will drop by and say hello over at your place shortly.