Goodbye Tuscany, Ciao Sarteano 別了意大利

My 9-day trip in Italy was brimming with fabulous food, stunning views and awesome friendship. The last day in the medieval hill top town ended today.

For Hong Kong people, Italy is renowned for shopping but the brilliant Tuscany scenery is my cup of tea.

My friends' medieval house located in the village is artistic

"Portoncello" is the name of the house, from there......

Early sunrise to start a day.......

Beautiful sunset to end the day 

That's life of living, tranquility and simplicity 

My last day of lunch ended with the typical Italian food in the balcony. My stay in my friend June's house was inspiring and fun, not only I can enjoy their style of living, I was delighted to share the common of interest. We worked together to experiment the fun of Eco printing and wool felting.

We tried the local leaves for Eco printing, some euc, some grapes, rose and oak leaves.

We shared the techniques of nuno felting

Prints and dyes on silk scarf 

Prints on paper

Mittens and warmer making and dyeing

Nuno felt shawl with textural surface.  June said that it looks like galaxy, planet. I said we name it "Universal".

June you're amazing and artistic. You made such beautiful items. I was so happy we shared the fun and creativity.

Thank you June and Dick, you made my stay in your house so memorable.

Your lovely Vespina was fanatic to warm my bed almost every night before me!

Today I'm leaving for England for another visits then to Holland for a couple of days to meet my admired artists.

Goodby my friends in Italy, Ciao !

Fabulous Tuscany going on 精彩旅途- 繼續上路

Haven't updated my blog for a while. My friends not on FB may not know how fabulous I'm  now! A few days after Florence I was heading to Sarteano, a medieval little town in the hill top of Tuscany to continue my main purpose of the European trip for interaction and sharing my eco printing and wool felting as well the cultural visit.

此行歐洲之旅雖然部分日子獨行但好享受個人自主行程，然此行最終目的是到意大利山城小鎭Sarteano 與藝術家友人交流，朋友夫婦原居英國，現在此鎭享受退休及創作生活，二佰年前建造的房子座落中世紀風情村莊，偶然一兩聲打獵槍聲， 清晨公雞啼鳴，幽幽的燻草氣味，這幾天的天氣美極，景色宜人，一會兒遊覧一會兒創作，就是這幾天的活動。

On the train from Florence to the town already impressed with the stunning views.

Arrived the station, my friend June picked me up. We jumped into the jeep. She said that the house is on the hill top and rough road thus jeep is used nd be aware of the rough ride. Haha... such short fun rides each time up and down to the town. The house is of typical Italian, more than 200 years old cozy house.

Sitting in any corner of the house will find oneself immerse in the poetry.

In day time I smelt the grass buring, heard once or twice gun shots because now is hunting period and rooster "wake up" calls.

My friend June and Dick are couple from England, have been enjoying their retirement life for a few years. They have olive grove and some own grown produce. Meals sometimes with their fresh picked tomato, figs..... wow.... so tasty.

Artistic host and the house

We've sometimes Italian food, sometimes Thai and this Indian dinner was fabulous!

A day out for the scenic view - that's the only place I viewed from post card. How great I was able to see it!

View of Val d'Orcia

Picturesque ! Isn't it?

Beautiful vineyard is next in the town. Looks tempting.....

We picked some wild flowers for Eco printing

Demo on iron mordant and laying

The first sample prints

Not only we played fun with local plants, June's so nice to show me around the nearby medieval towns and the shop she has her  nuno felt and Eco printed scarves.

Fun time in the mid, yet to come more.....

We also made nuno felt. What so fun to play with? Will share more next.

On going vacation Tuscany Italy 繼續上路意大利托斯卡尼之行

Right after England, arrived Pisa by Rynair. Stayed overnight in the airport B&B before heading to Florence. Next morning took a bus to the train station to explore the town.

Less than a 10-min bus ride from the airport, bus arrived at the train station. Walked towards the streets I stopped by and bought a handmade ring, very unique weaved wax thread with stone and a nice chat with the artisan.

Going on ........the Hanging Tower is in the sight.

After sometime in Pisa I took an hour train to Florence downtown.  Checked in the B&B at 3pm, immediately went to explore the beautiful city. The city itself is of history, art and culture. Strolling you'll immerse yourself in the ambiance.  

Michelangelo's sculpture - David, is one of the master pieces.

Through the squares to the famous bridge Ponte Vecchio

Lovers locked their commitments on the bank

I shared the Galeto with the pigeon. 

Views of the river and bridge - Ponte Vecchio.  

Next morning took the bus no. 12 from the train station to Pizzale Michelangelo on a hill to see the splendid overview of Florence.

Stunning and brilliant

It's dusk, time to go.......

Today on my way to meet a friend and spend a week for an exploration in Chianciano T, medieval towns in the other side of the Region Tuscan. Both of us are expecting to do some Eco print experiments. Thrilled and can't wait.