Leaving Le Pianore

Today is August 29th and I left the farm on August 18th. I spent the next 10 days on holiday with Maria and Donna. Yesterday we went our separate ways, them flying home and I took the train to head towards my next workaway on the coast of Italy near Fano. I will be a nanny for two boys. I had a couple of free days before I start that job so I got a hotel and figured it would be the perfect time to catch up on my writing. I also needed a vacation from the vacation as we did not slow down for a minute.

On my last night at the farm, Elena hosted a dinner party. It was the perfect way to end my stay with everyone. I got to make my “Marry Me Chicken” for the group and show Basilia how I prepare it.

Dario made dessert—a baked peach served with homemade lavender ice cream. It was absolutely delicious.

The best part of the evening was spending time with all the amazing people I had met during my stay. Elena gave a heartfelt goodbye and safe-travels speech that touched everyone. By the end of the night, all of the women had gathered in the living room, laughing, talking, and enjoying each other’s company.

As we chatted, we realized that Josh and Olivia needed to be in Grosseto the next day at exactly the same time as my train departure. It felt like a wonderful coincidence and meant I got to spend a little extra time with them before leaving.

I will miss everyone, but I also know that the friendships I made here will stay with me long after I leave Le Pianore. The people, the conversations, the laughter, and the shared experiences are what made this place so special. As I head off to my next adventure, I carry those memories with me and leave feeling grateful for the kindness and connection I found here.

Towns I visited

Monticello Amiata-home, population about 400

Monte Amiata-At the very top is the beech forest, a massive ancient woodland and one of the largest beech forests in Europe

Paganico- the best gelato, Oasi del Goloso

Seggiano- Fermento, home restaurant experience and the best pizza I ever had

Mt. Labbro-magical

Montalcino- home of Brunello

Castle del Piano- great evening strolls with the dogs

Grosseto- the largest town near the farm, it was also the hottest

Siena- beautiful historic town with lots of shopping that I would have enjoyed more if I had not been alone

Pienza- I wish I had seen more of this beautiful town

advice if in Italy

always check for local market days, most towns have them

Galvanina chinotto biologico- drink instead of coke, ask for a glass with ice and a slice of lemon and orange

Enrica, Alceo, and Calypso

Giorgia and David

Francesco and Laura

drink instead of coke