Romito Experience
Romito Experience
(Living with Ann and Chris Seddon)
"I find it hard to put into words just how spectacular the view is from this spot, affectionately known here as The Belvedere, for obvious reasons. I sit facing the open countryside of Tuscany; vineyards, olive groves and beyond the towers of Siena protrude skywards in the distance, Meravigliosa.!"
"My time spent here at Romito with Ann and Chris has been more than an experience. It's been a joy to be welcomed so warmly into very much a family environment. I have felt more like a daughter than a helper."
"It all began with a wonderful trip to Amalfi, where we visited many beautiful gardens and sights; Ravello, Positano, Casserta, Paestum and the Ninfa Gardens to name but a few."
"I have had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful, beautiful, interesting and often quite eccentric people. All of whom have their own stories to tell.
I have organised parties, cooked many delicious meals, eaten on beautiful terraces, draped in vines, driven many miles, read and written hundreds of emails, watched countless breathtaking sunsets, prepared (and eaten) rustic bruschette, made new friends and enjoyed superb company along the way."
"A few anecdotal words to describe my time here; Giant Lemons, Tre Sorelle, Snake Skin, Gavi Girls, Sunsets, Emails, Parties, Horse Riding, Gazebos, Power Cuts, Gucci Shoes, Electrical Storms, Swimming Pool, Scooters and Battipaglia! (Thanks Brenda!) And lastly, 'Is there a little more cheese?' "
"I would recommend a Soggiorno with the Seddons any day... INSPIRING!"
Claire Hart
(June 2009)
"Tuscany, what an amazing place! Three and a half months spent eating, drinking and experiencing the best Italy had to offer. It is a traveller's dream to temporarily reside in one of the most beautiful places in the world, perched on top of the Tuscan hills, and living such a peaceful existence. Once you arrive, the hustle and bustle of the big cities, along with any worries, all disappear, and you are left with the picturesque landscape and the Italian old fashioned way of life.
"All this came about from applying to an ad on gumtree.com. It was seeking a PA to live in Tuscany for three months and to assist a couple in their daily routines. At the time it seemed too good to be true and an opportunity not to be missed, and looking back at it now, it was a dream come true!"
"The property is a 250 year old farmhouse, called Romito, and is nestled at the top of the Tuscan hills, set back in the bushland and surrounded by olive trees and grape vines, with a (12 x 6m) lap pool at the far end. It is situated only half an hours drive from Siena and an hour from Florence, where regular site seeing day trips were made."
"The daily routine began with assisting Chris, who is vision impaired, with the reading and writing of emails, carrying out internet searches, and some basic technical assistance. The rest of the day was then spent at my leisure for reading, writing, drawing, cooking, or what ever I chose to do. The lady, Ann, who is an amazingly caring and passionate person, also required a bit of assistance, with shopping, cleaning and preparation of meals. This all came completely natural to me, as I felt more like part of their family than a hired help, with friends always popping in, casual lunches and dinners out at restaurants, and the odd dinner party."
"The whole experience was a truly magical time, and even though my Italian was non existent at the time, I found all the local people to be very warm and hospitable. I would recommend this adventure to anyone with an independent streak who wishes to escape the city and have the true Italian experience, taking pleasure in the small things in life, and following their strong values that 'eating should never be done alone'. Especially when it comes to a drink or two under the Tuscan sun!"
Gai Palmer
(December 2008)
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