Sometimes there are not enough words, nor the appropriate words, that can describe an experience that leaves such an indelible impression. We landed at Amerigo Vespucci Airport in Florence, and via taxi , safely delivered to The Turtle House, 81 San Niccolo. Standing at the door to greet us was our host, Monica Cassigoli. We stepped out of our taxi, and into the warm and welcoming embrace of some one we felt we had known forever. What can we say? Never have I/we , met some someone more kind, or more gracious. After five minutes of hugs, kisses , and expressing our apologies for not being better versed in our native language, we entered the Turtle House.
Step back in time. We enter a long hallway from the street entrance , Monica opens the next door, and we behold the amazing beauty of this 13th century Tuscan courtyard. Monica explains that the Villa has been in her family for over 5 generations. We now enter this place to be greeted with a bottle of a fine Tuscan wine, a basket of fresh fruit, biscotti, assorted sweets, and behold the calm and peaceful surroundings of our Turtle House apartment.
One needs to understand, especially being of Italian descent, that our conversation with our hostess, is non-stop excitement. Picture the three of us, all trying to speak at the same time, all trying to express our pure joy and happiness joy of this moment, of this wonderful greeting. Its Italian, its ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!!! BELLISIMA, Monica!!!!!
We proceed into the beauty of Monica's outside courtyard, we are greeted by her cats, Lily and Mattie , and the assortment of her many pet turtles, not to mention the plum, apricot and pomegranate trees. The courtyard is surrounded by the brick and stucco 13th century wall, one which when you look into it, can feel the sudden timelessness of where you now stand.
We, the travelers, cannot express how truly, 'at home', we felt here. We were so privileged to walk into the cradle of our heritage, and to be so sincerely accepted by our hosts Mony and Paco, especially among the millions of tourist that make their way into the magnificent city each year.
There were many other places we could have stayed, but we came to the Turtle House, home of Mony and Paco, 2 people that could have not been more kind, accepting, gracious & generous. We will never be able to say how thankful we are to have had this experience. We have made lifelong friends, and eagerly await the next time we are lucky enough to return.