Grazie Accidental Tourist!

Trip Start Aug 21, 2006
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18
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Trip End Dec 18, 2006


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Flag of Italy  ,
Monday, September 18, 2006

Spend one of the best days today in the Tuscan countryside right outside of Florence with a small tour group called Accidental Tourist. The sun was out and the sky was blue which was interrupted at times by interesting cloud formations.

There were around 11 of us and we drove out to a private villa and toured their wine making and olive oil making facility then we went to another private farmhouse and tasted some whites, Chiantis and a dessert wine while enjoying the smoothest extra virgin olive oil on bread. I had noticed that since arriving here in Florence the bread was almost tasteless. Our guide told us that it is in the tradition here to not salt the bread because historically salt has been a precious commodity. It also makes in nice to pair the bread with the local procuitto. It is almost tasteless to me...quite a disappointment.
01-Firenze Sunset
01-Firenze Sunset
We then arrived at another lovely farmhouse on the top of a hill overlooking hills of vineyards and forests of trees. Think Napa and Sonoma but about 3x better! A group of us made spinach and ricotta ravioli (which we enjoyed later during lunch) and other types of pasta. The other people took a walk through the countryside....another tempting option but I chose the cooking and wine! One of our guides assisted us with cooking and later the other guide graced us with his spectacular singing voice later during lunch.

A lovely Italian couple hosted us at their home (the last part of our day). She cooked us a delicious 4 course Italian meal. He had spent the day hunting and shared stories with us of his time as a race car driver and their time spent in the Meditteranean leading cruises for a number of years before. They had a cute and spirited yellow lab that positioned herself just so against those willing to pet her so that her back would get scratched. Very cute.

The change in weather and scenery has meant a drastic change in mood for me. Seeing Florence in the sunlight really does it justice.

Tomorrow I'm off to Monterroso, part of the Cinque Terre, (Italian Riveria). The train ride is supposed to quite scenic. I'm off to watch the sunset so no time to upload photos...sorry!

Ciao!
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