Tuscany

This past week we took a slow paced, directionally challenged if you will, trip to Italy. This was our 3rd trip to the country and it reminded us again of why we love it. With my Mom along, we flew into Bologna, rented a car and drove about 1 1/2 hours Southwest to an area called San Gimignano, which is a mid-evil town standing atop one of the many Tuscan hills. We stayed in what is termed "agriturismo" which was basically a converted farm house on a vineyard and olive grove. This area is in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, which has become one of our favorite wines.

Our room was actually 2 rooms off a main common area that had a kitchen and long table. It was on another hill looking across at San Gimignano. While we were there we visited Sienna which is another mid-evil rolling town. In the town center there is a huge square where they have an annual horse race. They lay dirt down on the outer ring and on the tight turns line the corners with mattresses. Apparently the horse can win even if the jockey has fallen off!

We also went to Florence for the second time now. We revisited to Duomo, Accademia and restaurants! For about a day and a half we drove around the area and ended up stopping at 3 different wineries for tastings. That was probably my favorite part of the trip. Certainly not the driving as the roads are carved into the sides of the hills and are some of the twistiest roads I've ever been on. That, combined with the fact that our car was a Fiat Panda, didn't bode well for the car sickness. The wine in that area is exquisite. The food is amazing and the weather is generally excellent. All the more reason for another trip to Italy!