Love letter to a farm stay

Dear blog, 

In my time in Italy I stayed at my favorite place I have ever stayed at. We made our way to a quaint “castle” that was tucked into Polsine Zibello, a commune in the province of Parma. As we drove there we saw urban civilization drifting away from us one hay field at a time. We entered a town with no people and buildings that looked like they had been built a couple of wars ago, I half expected a tumbleweed to roll by. 

Then we finally rolled up to the castle and we couldn’t find parking and almost drove on a bridge that led to the garden. We reversed and parked by a stable of cows. 

We were shown to our rooms. They smelled like farm and dust and Edgar Allan Poe. My room was decorated with pots and wood. Just taking a look at that room you could tell there was no air conditioning. 

We went to dinner at a Tuscan place not too far away.  They're sweet cats sleeping on cars in the parking lot and cats walking in and out of the restaurant. After dinner we returned to the farm and many cats roamed around the grounds. All friendly, all too cute. 

The next morning I woke up at 7 am, eager to explore the grounds. I went and pet the cows, in a bush I thought I saw an orange cat and a white cat playing but it turned out to be a bunny and a cat both hopping around. 

I walked by more cows and saw a beautiful motorcycle tucked in-between a couple of trees. 

I walked over to the garden and when I got there I was met with a peacock in a full train rattling display.

I went over and sat down by it and it didn’t seem to care. I drew the roses and herbs and chicken coops. Then it was time for breakfast. 

I had some sour yogurt and honey and 3 cups of tea.

Then I went to find the cats roaming about. I found many and I also found a very friendly dog which barked sadly when I left. 

It is always kind of sweet when you don't know you are doing something for the last time. You enjoy it as you normally would, not with a solemn pre-reminiscent view on whatever you are about to part with. Some things must be looked at for the last time not knowing it was the last. It was like that with this dog I think. My last moments with this dog were spent hushing it as I slowly walked away, listening to its sad barks as I left. It is sad to talk about it now but it wasn't then. 

But just when I thought there would be no more animals, I went into the lobby and saw a cat sleeping soundly. 

This was by far the loveliest cat. It sat there as I drew the scene and let me pet it and talk to it and when I was done it just went back to purring and sleeping. 

I loved my stay there. So much life, the staff was extremely kind as well. 

I could see myself staying there for a while. 

Writing a book or something. 

This is the type of place you read about in books. Calm but ever stirring. 

I hope with all my heart I will get to come back here one day. I know it will be just as beautiful if I do.