Gelato!

It's been a minute since my last post, but I traveled to Richmond, Virginia, last week for the Road2VA quilt show and spent the week hanging out with my "The Best Daughter" and co. There was little time to write as the days flew by in a NY minute, with two classes I took at the show, and hanging out with baby Bodie! Hubby Bill was shaking his head when I slipped my computer into the backpack, and I retorted, I think I may have time to use it. Nope.

However, I wanted to get at least two more stories out of our trip to Italy. I am savoring these moments as I write about the specialness under the Tuscan sun.

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Gelato! The favorite treat in Italy and anywhere else that makes it from scratch, but hey, Italy has the best, amiright?! We were fortunate enough to find amazing gelato during all our Italian travels, which is ubiquitous in both big and small towns. As mentioned previously, I am weirdo when it comes to creamy bakery and ice-creamy products. I can’t seem to get over the looks of those items, and never eat them. However, I did imbibe almost two times with my own cup of the crazed gelato, you know, loved my millions.

On Mother’s Day 2025, the posse that traveled by car into the Tuscan countryside that day consisted of my daughter, Olivia, her then 14-month-old son, Bodie, and my sister-in-law, Beth. We took a road trip from our villa in Poggibonsi to San Gimignano, a charming walled medieval town in the province of Siena, known for its ultra-cool vibes and apparently having the world’s best gelato. I am not kidding. Of course, every shop and traveler in Italy has their top three, five, or ten all mapped out for anyone’s consumption, including Gelateria Dondoli - The World’s Most Famous Gelato 2024. This “famous” small gelato shop is located in Piazza della Cisterna. It's a must if you're in the area.

Olivia noticed as soon as we turned the corner of the Piazza that this was a good time to get the gelato since there was practically no line. I stayed with Bodie, pushing him around in his stroller, while Olivia and Beth entered the small shop. Right before I stepped away from the placard indicating the flavors, and trying to do this order ‘right’ for myself, I selected the mango. I like mango Italian Ice from the Rita chain, so I figured it may be as good as gelato.

I was right! The mango was delicious! I finally had my cup of gelato, the first one in my life. It was a pivotal moment since it took me years to finally eat ice cream (only hard-packed). I was thrilled that everyone in our small gang loved their chosen flavors as well, even baby Bodie.

Oh, and San Gimignano is a great place to visit, despite buying the top-selling gelato. Known as the Town of Five Towers, San Gimignano is famous for its medieval architecture, unique in the preservation of about a dozen of its tower houses, which, with its hilltop setting and encircling walls, form “an unforgettable skyline”. It sure does. WOW!

My Mango Gelato!