Everyone is included and dinners turn into huge affairs where friendships are made over local wine...
My first visit to Cortona was in the fall 2015. My husband had died the
year before and I traveled the world with his ashes, leaving little bits in
places he would have loved.
Piazza Repubblica in Cortona was filled with
people, tourists, locals, children. I remember it felt so warm and inviting and
I immediately felt at home. The sun was setting and the fall colors spread out
over the valley. A musician played and people were sitting on the steps with no
rush to go anywhere.
It was lovely. I bought a gelato
from Snoopy and sat amongst everyone. I knew at that moment, Cortona was where
I wanted to begin the next chapter of my life.
My children had grown and I could live anywhere in the world. But
Cortona, the hilltop city in the Tuscan countryside was where I wanted to be.
I met with Alison from Cortona International the next day, and the
agency showed me homes in my price range.
I decided on a restored farmhouse residence next to a sunflower field.
It had a private garden with a covered pergola. It was perfect.
Me with Stella and my husband Mike during a recent trip to Cortona
Enjoying a glass of wine at my home
The next evening was Alison's birthday and she invited me to her
birthday dinner at a local restaurant. I thought that was incredibly welcoming
of her. I soon came to realize that this was the fabric of Cortona that makes
it so special. Everyone is included and dinners turn into huge affairs where
friendships are made over local wine and amazing food.
Alison and her husband Mario have since become my closest friends and
when I am in Cortona we have dinner once a week.
A lunch at Alison's
I have met so many wonderful people in Cortona from all over the world. Friendships
that will last forever.
The beauty of Cortona is a given, but it's the people of Cortona that I
cherish.
Mike out cycling near our home
Nancy Thompson, 21/07/2020 17:37:40
