Last summer, Don and I went to Austria and visited good friends, and we spent a few days in Italy. We had two nights in Trieste, which were nice. And two nights in Conegliano, which were sublime.
Let me tell you about Conegliano. It's a town of 35,000 in the Prosecco region. We stayed at a vineyard, Mani Sagge.
We arrived in the afternoon on a regional train and took a cab to the vineyard. There was a roadwork crew about a kilometre from Mani Sagge, so the driver dropped us off and we walked the rest of the way in the northern Italian heat. Our little adventure.
Once we climbed the hill and spotted the buildings, we knew it was worth it. The complex is designed for subtle tactile and visual comfort in that Italian way, with new, beautifully appointed rooms. There are cooling breezes, and an expansive patio and grass to sit on.
We spent out first evening outside, finishing plate after plate of charcuterie from one farm over, homemade spicy marmalade, local cheese, bread, and lashings of ridiculously good prosecco. We were early in the season, so the kitchen was not yet open but they were so welcoming. After this lovely cocktail hour / dinner, and we slept the sleep of gods that night.
The next day, I hung around, relaxed, and read while Don went into town and explored. That night we had a beautiful dinner at a restaurant in a laneway in Conegliano. We sat outdoors on a small covered terrasse. We listened to badly behaved German tourists. I had a local (everything is local) spaghetti dish with raw squid and octopus - it was so incredibly fresh. We asked our waiter to choose our wines for each course. Of course, he chose well.
In the laneway were families and groups of buddies chatting, enjoying the summer evening.
And then at the end of the evening, we looked for a cab, couldn't find one, so we walked back. A lovely hour long walk.
Why this matters
The reason I'm telling you about Conegliano is because it all came back to me today. These details, the feel, the experience. It all came back flooding back to me as a balm while I dealing with the side effects of one of my meds. Instead of pain or anxiety, that amazing memory just took over, and filled me with peace. I was back in Conegliiano with my beloved by my side.
I knew this brain cancer journey would be rich. I'm just blown away by how rich.
I am at a loss to know how I can help you. I researched the topic but I will refrain from giving you any advice. It looks like you have access to the best possible care, anyway. It is admirable that you are at peace, unencumbered by daily preoccupations. Even if we haven’t talked in a while, you are my dear friend and I wish you the best recovery.
Christian Stauter
Sounds lovely! Now that you have time on your hands, perhaps you can squeeze in another trip this coming summer, to the same region or other vineyards in Southern France, or Spain ? ;-)