Art and Alfalfa: Tyrrenian Sea

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Should one try to relive a perfect experience?

Would we be disappointed?

It's been a year and it was Spring then.
Now it is Fall.

Would it be as perfect?

Yes, Relais Sant Elena, Bibbona, Tuscany, Italy is perfect.

After hugs all around, Moira, the owner, told us that our favorite suite was available after all.

We visited last when Spring had not yet arrived.

Every single morning a sumptuous, delectable, abundant and beautiful breakfast awaited us.

Nothing is missing. From Blintzes to cheese cake, from poached eggs to exotic fruits, from fine cheeses to champagne...

it was all there.

Be sure to be back for dinner. So delicious and so wholesome.

Nothing has changed. It is all so perfect. Same familiar faces and same open smiles.

You wonder why we would want to be away from this gracious place. But explore we did.

Splendid medieval villages whose origins date back to before the year 1000

To name only a few. All within a very short distance.

Casale Maritimo, Bolgheri, Bibbona, Suvereto,

Castagneto Carducci.

Rich in history and art.

If you come from the sea you will soon come on to the famous avenue of cypress trees planted in the 1800s . It is a breath taking experience, venerable trees stretching for 5 km and culminating at the city gate of Bolgheri.

Bolgheri

Guiseppe Moscato, Italy

And only 15 minutes west of Bibbona is the Sea, the Tyrennian Sea,

where you will also find a fishing shack,

a one michelin star restaurant "La Pineta".

And after you have spent the day climbing ancient walls,

Relais Sant Elena is a welcome oasis.

Maybe a dip in the pool will refresh your senses.

The staff even remembered, without being reminded, that we like a little snack in the afternoon.

I love these arugula and prosciutto tea sandwiches.

You can see this image in the swimming pool (above) photograph. I don't think that there is a guest of Sant Elena who has not climbed this little hill.