A Relaxing Day at the Farmhouse and a Visit to Abb. M. Oliveto Maggio

Monastery

Wine Cellar at the Monastery

I guess we were tired.  We awoke at 10 a.m. to a beautiful sunny morning.  We have a lovely terrace that overlooks the Tuscany hills.  We enjoyed having our coffee and eating whatever is in our breakfast basket along with fresh eggs given to us by our hostess.  We take advantage of our weather and wash out a few things and strategically hang them in the sun.  There’s a chicken coop and garden nearby, along with young olive trees.  The oak trees remind me of my parent’s property.  My grandson would definitely enjoy the insect population.  During our brief stay, I must have seen at least a dozen varieties.  After all, it is farm country.  I don’t walk around the house without socks on (and neither does Steve)! 

We have a picnic lunch and then head out to Abb. M. Oliveto Maggio—a monastery.  In the church, a Gregorian chant takes place at 6:15 every evening.   As we drive through the towns toward the monastery, we’re also in search of a COOP--grocery store.  It’s Saturday and the stores aren’t open on Sunday.  The monastery is set off the main road in the forest.  By the church, there is a wine cellar for tasting and sales and a gift store.  The monks work in their own vineyard and sell the wine on site. 

This evening’s chant will be at 7:30 pm.  We are the only onlookers.  Inside the church, there are wooden sculptured stalls which have individual standing positions with armrests.  There were about 48 monks, each in their own individual stall, dressed in their white robes, responding to one individual’s “chant”.   After a half hour, the monks depart and we are told that the church is now closed—at least that’s what we think he said.  He quickly locked the door behind us. 

We arrive back at our house for beer, wine and a snack.  We’re the only people on the property tonight.  It's very quiet and peaceful. 

Glad this one is outside

Stink Bug!
Do Not squish these guys

All three of our heavy wooden doors close out the outside world, except for the bugs that manage to find their way in.  Oh, did I mention the large centipede that sent me screaming back to Steve?