Italy: Cortona Arrival

We said "arivaderchi" to Venice and hopped on the train to Cortona, a little slice of Heaven nestled on a hillside in Tuscany, Italy.  The clouds parted and a bevy of birds covered in glitter swooped down from the sky when our train rolled into the station.  The place was that dreamy.

But, not only did we love Cortona for the great food, scenery, and townspeople.  We loved Cortona because we received red carpet treatment.  I quickly understood how celebrities must feel.  And, I quickly realized that I could get used to a lifetime red carpet treatment.  I wanted... no, DESERVED it.  (I hope you read that as emphatically as I wrote it.)

The red carpet rolled out for us because of two people.... Megan and Sebastian.  

Ben's cousin, Megan, lives in Cortona.  She's originally from the States, but studied abroad in Italy about eight years ago.  While there, she met an irresistible Italian man (Sebastian) and married him.  They work with his family at their jewelry shop his family has owned and operated for generations in Cortona.  Sebastian, Megan, and Sebastian's family design and create every piece of jewelry in the shop.

With Megan and Sebastian, Ben and I dined at the best restaurants. Chefs served us special meals.  Restaurant owners joined us at our tables.   Specialty wines made by monks appeared in our glasses. Locals greeted us in the street.  We appreciated every, single moment.  Who wouldn't?

Megan and Sebastian