In the Countryside near Cortona: The Pilates Retreat. 

October 5-12

There are Ten participants from various parts of the USA here to enjoy pilates mat classes taught by Page Sieffert...my darling daughter! I've followed her, not just to her home in Costa Rica, but all over the world to participate in these retreats. Each year I find myself impressed with the places we are living for the week. The food, the facility,  the owners. Each with their own story and this place is no different.  It is magical even in the chill that has decended upon us. There is a spa that warms the chill from the bones and soothes sore muscles from travel or pilates classes. The food is delicious and different each evening.  There is always a cat to greet us and a fire to warm the dining room. 

Monday...yesterday,  we went on a truffle hunt with a seasoned hunter and his dogs. I had conjured up scenes in my head of mud slicked hills. We'd be tromping up the hills and getting stuck in the muck or sticker bushes. However,  that was not the case. We were out in an open field with views of a mansion in the distance. Two dogs were brought along for the hunt each with their own set of skills.  

The three year old immediately welcomed us individually and then got to work digging for "gold." She did not disappoint.  In the wet clay-like soil she dug up several walnut sized nuggets.  All if us marveled at her well trained skills. Then she was put away and the nine year old veteran was let out to hunt. No sooner were her feet on the ground but what she found several truffles in quick succession. 

My grandson,  Sebastian was just as excited as the dog when a truffle was found. He couldn't wait to try a dinner made from these earthy smelling black balls. He left with his dad and sister with a promise to have a pasta dinner where his dad would use one of the truffles as a garnish. Our chef also used truffles as the star. Each dish was more delicious than the last in this four course meal. 

Each day we begin with a Pilates class at 8 am. One full hour of movement and stretching. And then we have another class in the afternoon. So far we have had five classes. My body is feeling the fact that other than walking I have not moved like this in a year. Add the contussion on my Left hip and butt from a recent fall and there is head to toe soreness.  But it feels good to move again even though my joints are not as limber and my muscles are very angry that I'm asking then to  move and work again. 

Today-Tuesday we had class, breakfast,  spa time and rest. This afternoon we head to the historic village of Cortona after lunch to wander the town, shop, take photos, and have a special dinner at a well known restauran, Nessun Dorma . It is warmer today but there is rain again in the forecast.  Fall is definitely here. 

Pictures are posted on my Facebook page. 

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