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AUG 17, 2024 · CASTEL DEL PIANO, TUSCANY
42.9000° N · 11.5000° E

Four photos, one ridge, and a chapel with an oculus watching the road.

A small stone chapel or shrine with a pitched roof and a round oculus window stands on a grassy area beneath a partly cloudy sky.

August 17, 2024. Castel del Piano, Tuscany. I pulled the car onto the grass beside Mingyur's house — pitched roof, a single round oculus staring back like an eye. I assumed it was ancient, like the hilltop village across the valley. Turns out it was recently built, but built to fit in with the quiet Tuscan vibe. Wouldn't it be something if we paid attention to the surroundings when we built houses in Denver... just as his house was made to feel at home in this beautiful land, Mingyur made sure I felt at home, welcome and part of the community for the week he hosted me. I don't know that I'll ever be able to express the gratitude I feel for that week.

A hilltop town with clustered stone and stucco buildings sits on a green ridge in the middle distance, with a tall bell tower or church ris…