Cortona

This photo was taken from a hotel down the mountain, and shows Cortona perched up on the hill.

For anyone who has read Frances Mayes’ “Under the Tuscan Sun” and wondered about it, I am here to say that I can see without a doubt why she moved here.

The views are breathtakingly beautiful and the town itself, although filled with tourists, is well preserved.

The painting is a sketch from the grounds behind the hotel.

The painting is a sketch from the grounds behind the hotel. Why I happened to be at that particular hotel is a little story meant for another day.

Tomorrow I hope to report back on the dining experience and a bit of the local wine, although Florence and Rome will be tough to match for that!