Our Friends

Sunrise...Departure Day

As we leave Pienza, we would like to thank all the new friends we made during our stay…people who treated us like neighbors, not tourists.  

Dante, one of Pienza’s oldest resident… (94 anni)…and always good for a long conversation.  We get to reintroduce ourselves each time we meet him, making a new friend all over again.

Rossella, who helped us get settled and never stopped making us feel welcome...with kisses and hugs.  She was a bright light...that was turned on whenever we met.

Giuseppe, our neighbor, who first showed us how welcoming Pietini can be to strangers…and showed Carol how to pick olives.

Valario, leather craftsman…who let Roger pick his olives.  He's a true renaissance man.  We consider Valario and his wife Tina our friends.  Their daughter Anna is a delightful and lovely 13 year old.

Sabrina, a local shop owner, who with her mother Aldina, go out of their way to say hello as we pass by.  Carol met Sabrina when she slipped and fell on wet leaves and Sabrina held her hand until help arrived.

Paola, local weaver whose son works with her.  Paola is a dear woman. She also knits.

Alessandro…who always set aside a fresh loaf of Panne Di Santi for Roger, his best customer for the Fall treat...a bread made with pepper, raisins and walnuts.

Le tre raggazze...Adriana and Delfina, who shared part of each afternoon with Carol.  They got a kick out of Carol calling the three of them raggazze  a term used to describe teenagers unmarried young adults. 

Piero, the sculptor…who taught us much of the history of Pienza.

Alicia and Marco…butchers who never tired of telling us how to prepare unfamiliar cuts of meat.

Ilario, who runs the local taxi company...a jokester and professional cook.

Laura, the town librarian, who also answered at least two questions a week from Carol at the Tourist Information Center.

Arnaldo, manager of the local soccer stadium, who helped care for Carol after her fall.

The twins who ran the friendliest alemantari (grocery) in town.

Roberto, the town barber, who rushed to help Carol after her fall.  He is the cause of Roger’s current handsome condition, beard trim and all.

 

The folks at Friday market who taught us how to cook with unfamiliar ingredients and entertained us each week.

And last, but certainly not least…

Luca, the restauranteur…..

…who Carol considers the best-looking hunk in town.

And a special thank-you to...

Caterina, who let us use the WIFI at her B&B on cold and rainy days, 

..and our landlords Morena and Giulio.