goodbyes and new adventures

Just said goodbye to the twins after a whirlwind overnight stay. So nice to see them so independent, happy and resourceful. We had a lovely afternoon seeing a few sites in town - the Torre Guinigi (tower) and the Cattedrale San Martino, an antipasto lunch at home and a siesta before a wall stroll, shopping and appetizers at a wine and cheese bar before 9pm dinner at Locanda S. Andrea's. Kids are enjoying the wines, the pizzas and pastas. Regional specialties include the tordelli lucchesi - a meat stuffed 1/2 round shaped ravioli covered in more meat sauce and farro anything - soups, cold salads, hot side dish. Have had fresh asparagus, fennel, baby artichokes...I love how they eat what's in season in a myriad of preparations until it's gone and you just can't eat another bite - and the next crop is ready to eat. Enjoyed almond biscotti dipped in vin santo after dinner last night. Owner just plopped down the bottle of the locally made sweet wine and 2 plates full of mini-homemade biscotti and there we were. I swore I'd never eat again, but then breakfast came and there we were w/ fresh bread, prosciutto, tomatoes and espresso before saying arrivederci to the girls. Off to cinque terra today. Weather holding up - cool in the morns and warm and lovely in the afternoons - some nights no jacket needed. Perfecto!