Our neighbors had mentioned to us a nearby Abbey in conversation. When someone tells you to check out a place, always venture out. We’ve put it off for no reason at all. We really haven’t gone anywhere, we’ve focused on the house so much. Not that that is a bad thing, we just needed a day out to unwind. We just learned that our region, Lazio will go back to Red as of Monday. This means only essential outings to the grocery store & Dr. Appointments are allowed due to flippin covid. So, we thought we should get as many errands ran early today … yes that involved another trip into Rome to IKEA & Brickoman. Mike may not love that as much as I do. There’s something about being in Ikea on a Saturday …and then there’s being at ikea in Rome on a Saturday. After the rat race, we came back & dropped off the bags. We made a few sandwiches, packed the backpack & headed out to find the Abbey.
It’s about 15-20 minutes up the mountain road, in the Sabina’s hills. The road offers the most beautiful views of the valley & villages set within. You have to actually see it to understand just how beautiful it is. Once you arrive, there’s a parking lot and just ahead you see the most peaceful setting. There are picnic tables to just sit outside and take in the scenery and fresh air. You follow the path down to the Abbey which is lined with stunning trees, quaint shops and a restaurant & cafe. It’s truly a special place. We were able to go inside the church, the Basilica dedicated to Mary. The fresco on the arch representing the Madonna & Child (1508) is gorgeous. This impressive setting was founded by Monks in the 6th century, on the ruins of a Roman villa ~ and rebuilt in 680. Abbey of St. Mary in Farfa.
We had our 1st cappuccino today. Yes going on 3 weeks and we hadn’t even stopped for one yet! One little cafe on property had a very charming courtyard to sit and enjoy free WiFi with our cappuccinos. Of course a stray cat found us and had to join our lunch date. It felt so nice to enjoy the sunshine in such a beautiful setting. We walked around taking photos… and tried to take a self timed one.
We found the perfect spot for lunch on the hillside picnic tables. Picturesque. Well…. we didn’t realize or (we didn’t think – should I say) 2 dingbats sitting on the downhill side of the bench together, nearly rolled down the hill into the Abbey, including the table and our lunch. Our hillside lunch nearly became “lunch in the Abbey” . The table actually lifted and it was like being a little kid, when your best friend jumped off the seesaw on you. At least we had a good & much needed laugh today.
Leaving we took a different route home. I was able to take the most beautiful photos from the other side of the Abbey. Again, I can’t wait to download once on WiFi. The road back was truly breathtaking. Postcard worthy for sure!! All I could think of was my wishlist had been Tuscany. I do believe Tuscany is gorgeous, what I saw of it. However, the more we explore our region, our village & our surrounding setting. It is perfect too.
Sometimes what you think you want or need is just a wishlist. Be open to new possibilities and options. For us, Tuscany wasn’t in our budget. There is nothing wrong with that, and there is nothing wrong with Poggio Nativo. We’ve met the kindest neighbors who have welcomed us into their homes. We’ve found now 2 of the most beautiful settings within 20 minutes from our village.
Lago Del Turano & The Abbey.
Today was a great day. Today I got to pray for my family & friends in a stunning historic church and thank God for all the blessings in our lives. I also thanked God for NOT letting Smartie & I roll the picnic table down the hill into the Abbey.
Today, I felt content and at peace. I do believe we found our Italian dream home. It’s exactly where we were meant to be. I know my dad is proud of me, of us. I feel him with me and that’s a wonderful feeling. I can’t wait to share all of this with our loved ones. Bringing family & friends here to enjoy the simple things, like sitting at the Abbey and having a $1.30 cappuccino. Even the drive through the hills taking in such beautiful surroundings it will all be extra special when we can share it with everyone.
