Day 42

The Hills of Tuscany

Buongiorno Everyone,

     First off, I said I would report back on my date. It was really fun, I made it back to my hotel safely. Luca made me dinner, yes I went to his house .(no need for alarm)  It was really nice and he filled me in on lots of interesting information and he is a nice guy. Enough said:)

    I went on a tour today to Siena and San Gimignano (really difficult to say so I am happy I just have to write it) It was great having the day all mapped out for me. I think I will do a few more tours. Both places were beautiful medieval/gothic style areas and the architecture quite a bit different than Florence so it was interesting to see. There were probably about 25 of us on the tour so it was also nice talking to everyone.There was this really nice couple (older) and we were talking about food and he said "I have the appetite of a bird" I was like "really" and he said "a vulture"I thought that was so funny, he was so serious. We went to churches, museums, had lunch and had free time to explore on own so it was perfect. In Siena there is a horse race twice a year in their Piazza del Campo, (a picture of the Piazza is the 2nd picture from the top of the blog)) and in this relatively small space, July 2 and August 16, 30,000 people gather to cheer on the horses for the different areas of Siena. The guide showed us a picture of the race day and it was insane. So if you are in the area during those dates I think it would be great fun to go. Siena also has the Monte dei Paschi Bank, which is the oldest and most successful bank of Italy, maybe Europe as well I can 't remember. Siena is a banking city. Their revenue comes in #1. Banking 2. The University 3. Tourism. A beautiful little city and good for a day trip.

     Then we were on to San Gimignano, another quaint city great for a day trip. The drive was so pretty with vineyards everywhere as well as Olive trees. Saffron is another big industry in Tuscany as well. We didn't have a tour here, just free to walk around as it is tiny. I did find something pretty interesting. What do you know???? A gelato shop!!!! Did I tell you that Stracciatella (chocolate chip) is my favorite. I even know how to pronounce it I have ordered it so many times:) I bought a few little souvenirs here and just enjoyed the atmosphere.  It was a full day and a perfect thing to do.

    I wasn't happy with how my new camera operated so I took it back and exchanged it for the one I broke. I didn't feel like fighting with a camera. I thought that was a good decision:) Just no more balancing the camera on chairs:)

   I made it back to the hotel and I ran into my little friend Evie in the lounge. She invited me over so we talked and ate. I realized that this hotel is like Peyton Place (soap opera for all of you young readers), everyone knows every one's business. Evie at the helm:) A lot of locals come here to socialize in the lounge, as well as a lot of people that travel here frequently and Italian men trying to pick up on nice unassuming Americans:) (Luca doesn't fit this description by the way, he really is nice). So anyway, Evie was filling me in on every one's life, it was really funny. She is pretty sharp for 81. So she  introduced me to Peter Dooney of,(Dooney and Burke, handbags) , interesting man. He bought us wine (trying to get lucky? maybe! and not with Evie!!! Didn't happen! Anyway, Evie left and he and I talked for a long time, I love hearing how people start their companies and insights to business. He invited me to dinner before I leave so we will see. After a few glasses of wine I knew I needed to get going, so I said goodnight and was on my way.

  I have a cooking class tomorrow and Wednesday so I am looking forward to that. I am also looking forward to hearing more of Evie's stories, she has had quite a life as well.

  Ciao, until tomorrow, wishing you all everything that is good,

                                                                                     Laura

                                                           

                                                                  San Gimignano

                                                              Thought for the day:   

Strength is being true to yourself, even in moments of weakness