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"If those tarps have been removed from those pig shelters when you arrive tomorrow morning - then you should not go up!"
This was the advice of my sweet little Southern Belle mother upon leaving Robert and Liz's 12th century working farm. Not quite the adventurer that I am, Momma was somewhat overwhelmed with the authenticity of this Ballooning in Tuscany setting. Having just arrived from the States to Tuscany, we made the decision to locate Ballooning in Tuscany the day before our booked flight. As we ventured down the dirt road to the launch site, it reminded me of many dirt roads that I have traveled in the Appalachian Mountains.
The similarity abruptly ended when we came upon Robert and Liz's medieval era home/farm. It is (by their own admission) a work in progress that will never be finished. Liz, who was outside tending her hogs, greeted us warmly with an invitation. I believe her first words were "Do you want to see something tiny?" She then show us a very tiny and cute pig. How spontaneous and alluring it all was. My husband, who holds an animal science degree from Clemson University and is experienced with all aspects of hog farming never expected to strike up a conversation in Tuscany with an English artist about helping baby pigs survive the elements! But that is the magic of Robert and Liz - they love their life and they love people.
My husband, step-father, and yours truly returned the next morning for our flight. We assisted in the preparation and inflation of the balloon, (which has far as we can tell did not double for a hog shelter!), all the while being entertained by Robert, Liz and their dog. The lift off was gentle. My immediate sensation was that of serenity. We tickled the tops of the trees and then ascended into the glorious Tuscany blue sky. We flew over quaint hill top villages. Robert shared colorful stories about the villagers who waved and called out to him as we floated above their roofs and gardens. We watched the deer run through the forest, viewed impressive estates, learned about unwelcome development, and ultimately helped pick out our landing area. After a little bump up we sat down in a pasture. A bit tussled and roaring with laughter we eventually climbed out of the basket. After helping with loading the balloon, we lifted our glasses to our landing success with the "Survivors Toast". As we departed, Robert thanked the (stunningly attractive and young) Italian farmer for this unexpected pasture intrusion with a bottle of wine.
Now we begin our ground adventure. Robert and Liz took us to their favorite coffee spot. We argued politics and religion with my step-father (the only conservative in the crowd) until I used that old clichÈ about not discussing politics or religion - to which Robert replied "If you can't argue about politics and religion, what the bloody hell else is there to argue about!"
After enjoying our espresso Robert wanted us to meet Brian, an AMERICAN. This young artisan from Boston is working as an apprentice hand-making harpsichords. He luckily was in his studio and came out to greet us with his dog. We shared Boston stories and expanded Robert and Liz vocabulary with the term "wicked pisser".
We eventually returned to Robert and Liz's and received more surprises - among them a signed Ballooning in Tuscany certificate, bottles of wine and red caps. After pictures and hugs we make our way back up the dirt road. The ballooning was incredible, the ground tour unforgettable, but Robert and Liz are the real adventure. I will forever treasurer this experience and yearn to return.
Carolyn Bishop-McLeod, February 2008
