There are places that call to us, perhaps even from far away. We don't know the reason, but even before seeing them, we know that by following their call, we will rediscover a piece of our soul.
Silvia Montemurro

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And here I am, ready to develop the topic for WEEKEND EXPERIENCE, just like every week!

By the way, this week, I should also find some nice photos to include, hehe!

Today, I will talk to you about the place where I would like to live—a location where I have already lived for a year and mentioned in previous posts.

The place I hope to return to one day is located in Tuscany, in the Val d'Elsa, and it's Montaione.

We're talking about a charming little village nestled in the mountains, with a population of about 2,500 people. It's a beautiful hamlet where you can breathe immense peace, as you can see from the following image.
Imagine, I used to live just two windows to the right after the Italian flag, right in front of the church.

Right from the start, I felt at home in this place. It's where I opened my establishment, "Abracalabria," for a year. Perhaps, thanks to my business, I had the opportunity to get to know practically everyone in the town. I confess that when I left, I left a piece of my heart there.

Moreover, in the village, there is a place that I have always considered my soul's place, and it's the Belvedere of Montaione. I loved this part of the town even before coming to live here, and it has always conveyed tranquility, serenity, and joy to me. In my opinion, the view from this point is pure beauty!

From the photo, you can catch a glimpse of the landscape, but I assure you that sitting on that wall, looking out at the Val d'Elsa, has something meditative about it. Among other things, at night, thanks to the lights of the towns in front, it feels like looking across the Strait of Messina. So, when I gazed out after sunset, the feeling of being at home was twofold!

In Montaione, as I mentioned before, you breathe an air of home, an air of family. Personally, I was welcomed and accepted as if I were a local, someone born and raised there.

Among my favorite spots, in addition to the belvedere, there is the pub "Lo Strettoio," owned by my friend Fudo. After a day of work, I have always loved stopping there to have a beer and eat something in the company of friends who populate the place every evening. Besides my coffee shop, I believe that "Lo Strettoio" is the place where I spent the most time in the town. It's located practically just below where I lived; by going straight down

the road you see in the photo, you can reach it in exactly two minutes.

Other places that I adore are the football field where I used to go to watch the local team's matches every Sunday and the Almond Grove Park. You should know that Montaione has this beautiful park that hosts many events during the summer.

Naturally, the fact that Montaione is located in Tuscany is not a coincidence. I have always loved this region with its cheerful and simple people, welcoming and willing to give you their heart.

With Reny, we dream of spending our old age in this fantastic town.

I know it's still early to plan it, but it's always good to have a plan for when the time comes, right?

As I mentioned, I have left many friends in this splendid place, some of whom are more than friends—I consider them true brothers. That's why I want to thank my dear Marchino and his family, Ademaro, Anna, and Andrea, before concluding my post. They welcomed me into their home and treated me like a son and a brother, and I will never forget that. I will always be there for them, and they will always be with me. I carry them in my heart!

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Well, for today, I can conclude. It was truly wonderful to remember the place that holds a special place in my heart and where I would like to live. I hope this dream can come true. Do you have a place that you particularly love? A city or a country where you dream of living? Why do you like it so much? If you'd like, share your answers and thoughts in the comments below.

Hug You!

🔘 🔘 🔘

A brave heart and gentle tongue will take you far into the jungle...

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English is not my first language but I try, please forgive any errors.