Check out our new car…a Fiat 500 L, (cinque cento)
Nice interior
Comfortable room for four
Lift-gate hidden cargo area
Well, it is new, and it is ours…if only for four weeks.
We took the car for a ride today, off to get coffee and find the sun. And that we did. After driving some winding roads, we headed toward Montalcino to find Avignonesi, a winery we learned of from our friend Patricia. We’ve tried some of their wines and like them a lot, so off we went.
From their website:
The winery is named after the Avignonesi family, the founders of the original estate. Constant research and development aimed at expressing the true character of the Montepulciano terroir has, over time, earned the winery a well-deserved place among the flagship producers of Tuscany. http://www.avignonesi.it
As is true throughout Tuscany, it is impossible to photograph or paint the magnificence and simplicity of the rolling hills.
Avignonesi has a lovely tasting room, and offers tours, lunches and culinary classes. And the customer service is wonderful.
After purchasing some wine, we headed toward the relatively quiet town of Castiglione del Lago, which sits above Lake Trasimeno.
In 217 BC, however, the areas was anything but quiet as Hannibal and the Carthaginians defeated the Romans in one of the most successful ambushes in military history. But today, one lone sailboat.
The lovely town above the lake offers local products, dining, and some great old architecture to locals and visitors alike.
Another day filled with sunshine, until we returned to Cortona storms, but no matter, we enjoyed the day, the sun and the Fiat, which handled the curves, hills and AC quite well. Perhaps this is my next car, Mike? Could be a great city car!
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
I was sooo close to getting the Fiat last fall – decided on another Mini, but I sigh a sigh of wistfulness when one of those saucy Italian automobiles passes me. You’re going to LOVE it! Fantastic photos too! Oh, how I miss Italy!
Big hugs,
Debs
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So wish you were here!
Sent from my iPhone
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We were in Castiglione del Lago last spring and loved it for the day that we were there. Great views and very good dining. Have fun. We’ll see you in September
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Hmmmm…. First place you go with your new car is a winery. You want me to check around and find out who are the reasonably priced DUI attorneys in the region?
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Maybe a good idea! But, I must admit, we only ordered one tasting flight for Len since I was the designated…so only sips for me, but they were enough to pick which ones I liked.
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Nice car, but they don’t sell the 4-door version in the U.S., only the 2-door which is much smaller. I bet it’s fun to drive, though!
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It is fun to drive and handles the hills and curves well. Not sure I’d want the 2 door version, although it’s so cute!
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Guess what? Much to the surprise of U.S. auto journalists, Fiat just launched last week a national advertising campaign announcing the arrival of several new vehicles, including the 4-door Fiat 500L. By this time Fall you will be able to purchase it in the U.S. They must have heard you over in Tuscany!
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Yeah…I love this little car!!!!
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Oh Judy – you and Len are having so much fun! I wish we were there. I am really enjoying all the pictures and stories. I’m getting fat just looking at the food! Love your new car – would Larry fit in it?
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Len thinks he wouldn’t but I think yes, just! Miss you too but so glad you were here last year as the weather was so nice!
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Judy and Len – Aloha from Honolulu where I am preaching a retreat to Franciscan Sisters. Back to Chicago on June 13th. Great to read your Blog and the photos – meravigliosi! Mi piaciono molto! –
Did you know: F.I.A.T. stands for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (Italian automobile manufacturer.) May Sts Christopher and Raphel travel with you along with your Guardian Angels.
Was good to see Lago Trasimeno – where St Francis of Assisi spent one Lent in prayer and fasting. I would like to try that – at least the praying part. I have been to the island in Lago Trasimeno where Francis lived for those 40 days. Yes, Peace/Pace, no wars of Hannibal or anyone else.
Ciao and Aloha – Fr Chuck Faso, OFM
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Grazie for your nice note. I am sure the Sisters are glad to have you there. The Lago is so lovely… we did not go to the island yet, and we certainly are not fasting!!! Tonight we are going to LeCelle, so excited to see that. Watch for photos! Thanks for including the STS in the Fiat with us…every bit of safety helps!
Ciao and we’ll have a fun dinner when all back home.
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