CASA DEL CASTAGNO "It was pure magic" Dear Olivella, Sorry it took me so long to write; we've all had to readjust to the "real world" after our wonderful visit to Tuscany. We rented Casa del Castagno with a group totalling 10 friends, from the US, France & Ireland. While getting everyone to commit to a time was a challenge, once we arrived it was pure magic. Some of us took the two weeks to travel the Tuscan countryside seeking out art in small towns, some of us relaxed by the pool reading and writing, but all of us came home in the evenings to long nights of talking, drinking local wine and enjoying the warm balmy air of Calcione. Three of the group were dedicated cyclists, and biked every day to Monte San Savino for cappuccino and pastries at Caffe della Luna, while the rest of us drove in. It became our favorite place to enjoy breakfast on our way to or from a local market. I would recommend this trip to any groups of friends that wants some time to visit together, and a big house where there is enough space for everyone, yet plenty of "living space" for group meals, conversations, and music! Oh, and did I mention that two of our friends, previously unknown to each other, fell in love and are planning to marry? What better endorsement of the magic of Calcione can there be? Feel free to let guests email me at melanger@nmhu.edu if they want to ask any questions. Sincerely, Miriam Langer New Mexico, USA email: melanger@nmhu.edu