Fellow Forum Members,
This past Fall we toured the Chianti region and stopped in a small town late in the day, we think was Panzano. We parked in a small free parking lot below the town. When we got out of the car we had to walk up a long set of wide steps to access the town above. With this information we are hoping one who is familiar with this lovely town can confirm that this is Panzano.
We are heart broken to see what the residents of Italy are having to go through due to the Corona virus. They are such wonderful people.
When we arrived and began our walk up the long stairs, we saw a lovely older lady sitting on the bench at the first landing. She was 89 years old and taking a break from carrying her heavy grocery bags up the stairs.
We stopped and helped her up the stairs while carrying her bags for her. I never saw anyone more grateful. We did not speak Italian nor did she speak a word of English but our mutual admiration certainly got our messages across.
When we got to the top of the stairs she insisted we visit with her at her apartment and make us coffee, there was no talking her our of this. And, we were very glad that we accepted her gracious hospitality. Ended up to be the best coffee we had in Italy, and that says a lot. She showed us the entire photo gallery of her lovely family along with many stories. Needless to say, we fell in love with her.
Now, with what is happening there, we are heart broken to think that she or her family may have been affected by the spreading infection.
So we would be most grateful if someone could help us find out if she is okay. We are hoping that maybe someone who has family or a friend and lives in Panzano could see if she is well.
Her name is Franca, her last name we cannot recall. But she would be very easy to find.
When we reached the top of the stairs there was an apartment building at the very top, on the right side: only a few step from the stairs. Fanca's apartment is the very first door on the right, ground level: step off the top step, turn to the right and go right up to her door.
We would love to let her know that we are thinking of her. During these times , words from a distant friend can be very uplifting. Your assistance can help make this happen, thanks.