October Blues.. and reds and yellows

Here are a few pics I took today - it is a rainy, gray day but marvellous atmosphere here in Tuscany... we are travelling Italy for one year, volunteering in farms in different regions through the WWOOF Organization. Here in Val di Chio we are doing the olive harvest - till end of November, then moving to Sicily. The autumn is giving us so much free fantastic food, figs everywhere, walnuts, apples, almonds, mushrooms.



These are the gorgeous Rani (Female Labrador), Shiva (Male German Shepherd, Sokki(Young mixed breed of the 2) and Kolleken (young female Ladrador), staying at Querceto di sotto, the farm we are house/dog-sitting for until tomorrow - we are then starting the olive harvest. We have now spent 2 weeks with them and it has been the most pleasurable time ever. They are so curious, active, sweet, loving, protective. Each one of them has such a different personality and it is amazing to discover it little by litte and getting their confidence.



This is the view from our living room/office - we are nomads for a year, but we are still running Pure & Authentic Holiday Rentals ... so each farm we go to is also our office... We are really getting to the real essence of P&A with our own experience!
We look forward to sharing it with you!



These are the crab apples I collected on Saturday whilst making bonfires with olive tree pruning waste... I'm loving it!!!!

I also attach a link to the recipe for the cake I have just baked with the crab apples... which normally just feed the wild boar whose dwelling these woods are at night (you can use any apples but it is better if they are juicy - these crab apples were too dry actually) APPLE TART RECIPE

Car rental at Pure and Authentic

Italian car rental information

While renting a car in Italy can be an uncomplicated issue, we advise inspecting your vehicle thoroughly for dents, scratches and other damage before you take possession of it. Make sure all damages are noted on the rental papers you receive.
We have found Holiday Autos to be the best rates around and you get the additional benefit of having someone to help you in case there ever is a problem. We have helped customers rent hundreds of cars throughout Italy with Holiday Autos over the last and we recommend them over any other company. Believe me, we've tried them all.
Please use the booking engine below to locate a responsible car rental in Italy.

Some Italian driving tips

• The heavier vehicle has the right of way on narrow roads.
• Maximum age for all car groups is 75 years.
• As it is in much of Europe, the legal limit for being intoxicated in Italy is 0,5 mg/ml.
• In Italy, cars drive on the right side of the road so it is especially important to be very careful when turning left.
• Seatbelts front and rear are required and speeding laws are strictly enforced with immediate fines.

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Style and Privacy at country house in Siena

Casale Siena is an old farming building on the hills of Siena. It sits in a panoramic, secluded area that offers maximum privacy, quiet and great walking opportunities in the surrounding woods overlooking Siena's romantic silhouette.
Pontignano, one of the most beautiful Carthusian monasteries in Tuscany is just 1 km away.
Shops are in Vagliagli, just 5 kms away, or Siena 7 kms away.

The barn develops over 3 floors, with several entrances.
The main private entrance is made of panoramic glass doors opening from the panoramic paved courtyard onto the sitting room.
Down one step is a the living room with fireplace, a studio and a steel staircase leading to the first floor with a double bedroom and full bathroom with bathtub.

For more information click HERE

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Travel Insurance | Pure & Authentic | Italy holiday rentals, Tuscany self-catering and catered villas with pool, Tuscany country houses, Tuscany farmhouse accommodation, Venice apartment, B&B in Siena area, advice and a free travel guide with all bookings.

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