Week # 9

The beginning of the month was marked by adventure. We visited a beautiful Tuscan city called Volterra. Twilight fans may recognize the name; though the city itself has no actual ties to vampires, the books and subsequent movie reference it in a way that suggests otherwise. In reality, Volterra is simply another charming Tuscan town, complete with a stunning palazzo, winding streets, and of course, excellent gelato.

One thing Volterra is especially known for is its alabaster. It’s abundant in the region, and local artisans transform the stone into incredible treasures. After spending the day wandering through the city, we headed to the coast on our day off and discovered a breathtaking beach. The water was a tranquil, crystal blue and surprisingly warm. Having spent five years in Southern California, I have to admit; the beaches here are on another level. Every chance I get to dip into the sea feels like a gift.

As July gives way to August, the region come alive with festivities. This is the time when Italians take their summer holidays, and nearly every nearby town was buzzing with celebrations. Amid the excitement, I had the chance to work on a fun project at the hotel. The owner had the idea of creating garden boxes on wheels to divide the restaurant space and provide guests with a little more privacy. I had never built garden boxes before let alone ones that rolled but the project was an absolute blast, and I was so proud of how beautifully they turned out.

Later in the week, we made a little discovery in Grosseto, one of the larger cities nearby: a spot serving incredible hamburgers. I know hamburgers in Italy! But trust me, they were amazing, with so many creative and delicious options.

Every day here continues to leave me in awe. Even in the dry, hot weather, the Tuscan landscape remains impossibly green and breathtaking.

Until next time.

Holly