Video Blog: Tuscan Festivals

There are many big medieval festivals scattered around Tuscany. All have roots back many hundreds of years, but most of the modern reincarnations date from earlier this century under the auspices of Mussolini. The most famous palio is the one that takes place in Siena (twice a year) where the central square is transformed into a racecourse for a furious horse race with jockeys riding bareback on a horse representing the various contradas (quarters) of the city. There is much rivalry and sometimes a bit of violence too!

Other enjoyable celebrations include a rather boisterous antique version of soccer in Florence. From what I can see, the ball is almost irrelevent and it is just an excuse for a big punch-up. Sansepolcro hosts a big crossbow shooting competition, with the local team pitted against visitors from Gubbio (which then returns the compliment). As I have already mentioned, Anghiari stages a gruelling road race up its steep hill, while Caprese Michelangelo contents itself with a more sedate chestnut festival in October.

For me the most entertaining festival is that of the Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo. This is a jousting competition held in the main square where riders with lances score points on a small target fixed to a spinning mannequin, complete with ball and chain! Again the various quarters of the city compete for the prize of the golden lance. Much skill is needed, and the horses are fantastic.

Video Blog: Making Olive Oil

Well, the olive harvest is in full swing here in Caprese. Our goat-farming, cheese-making friend Brent had already picked and pressed 771kg of olives a couple of weeks ago, and this week was our turn with a 202kg load from our friend Sue's little olive grove. 20 litres of fantastically fresh and totally organic extra-extra virgin olive oil was the fruit of our labours.

Video Blog: Goats!

It's lambing ('kidding'?) time up at Valle di Mezzo, a farm run by my friend Brent Zimmerman. I paid a visit on Sunday afternoon to look at the new arrivals. Doubly interesting of course as Caprese is derived from the Italian 'capra' meaning 'goat' and there is a goat on the village coat of arms.

Video Blog: Arezzo: Fiera Antiquaria

The Fiera Antiquaria is a large antiques fair which takes place every month in the city of Arezzo, near Caprese Michelangelo. You can buy all sorts of things, from antiques to bric-a-brac and modern arts and crafts. People come from all over Italy to see it. This was recorded on Saturday 6th February, which accounts for the rain!

Video Blog: Arancello

My friend Franco came round with some fresh organic oranges from Sicily. We can't eat them all, so we decided to turn them into arancello, the orange version of the liqueur limoncello. If you want to know how to make it yourself, watch the video ...

Video Blog: SNOW!!

I have decided to add a new feature to this blog in the form of a video blog which I will be posting from time to time to give you a flavour of the sites and sounds of eastern Tuscany. As we woke up this morning to a few centimetres of snow I thought I'd share that with you. Enjoy! Later video blog posts will be more informative, I promise!