We made an effort this morning to get out of Florence early, but our plans were foiled by these #%(*#$ power converters! It died again last night so we were unable to power any of our cameras. Of all the days to not have a camera, driving through Tuscany is not one of them!
We were resourcefull and tracked down a vodafone to purchase a car cord to power our phone for the day. We wouldnt be stuck in the middle of tuscany with a broken down fiat and no phone. (although I can think of much worse places to be broken down) We had a wonderful breakfast at our charming Villa Carlotta and said goodbye to Florence. I wish so much that we see this city again. It has been a busy 2 days, I feel we havnt even scratched the surface of the beauties it offers here.
The plan for the day is to see San Gimignano, Volterra, Siena, Montepulciano, and end in Arezzo for the evening. I am so excited about today. I've always wanted to drive through Tuscany, and today, at least 1 item on my bucket list is being checked off!
(journal entry finished at the end of the day)
I will never forget today. I struggle with what to even write tonight that would adequatly describe the beauty and the feelings of awe that I experianced. But, Ill have to try.
It took us a little over an hour to arrive in San Gimignano. We drove through picturesque rolling hills and vinyards. Bright blue sky with huge white puffy clouds. We decided to drive through the area of Grieve in chianti by the direction of the concierge in Florence. Her recommendation could not have been more perfect. I couldnt stop saying "wow, this is gorgous" at every bend in the cyprus tree lined road. I literally could not take it all in.
I had read alot and seen many photos of San Gimignano prior to this trip. When we turned that bend in the road, and I saw that city on the hilltop, I just.about.died! The towers were breathtaking and the view was incredible! It was just as I had pictured it would be. Sometimes, when I have expectations, I am dissapointed because they just dont live up to what my mind has imagined it should be. So far, everything in Italy has been exactly as I had expected. San Gimignano did not dissapoint.
Its a small miracle that we managed to find a parking spot. For the most part, the Italian drivers have been pretty mellow, but man, parking, its a rare find these past several days. We had to hike a bit to get into the city but we enjoyed the views along the way and it wasnt bad. The town is situated about 800 feet on a high hill and is dates back to the 10th century. The old city wall is still intact here and its incredible to see. As a symbol of the towns power and wealth at that time, a total of 72 towers were built by the aristocracy, 13 of which are still standing today. Its said to be the best example of mediaeval tuscan design. Its stunning.
We aimlessly walked around for about an hour or so and enjoyed a yummy Gellato while roaming. Once we got to the top of the town, it opened up into the lovely shop lined piazza and people enjoying their coffees and lunch on outdoor tables. The day is beautifully warm. Not too hot with a slight breeze. I found the most amazing shabby chic little boutique with the best toile fabrics, linens, iron fixtures, old doors, whitewashed furniture and many other things. I could have purchase the entire store! We also saw some unique and gorgeous peices of art. Awh, Tuscany is pure inspiration for artists I would imagine. On the way out, we stopped for some salami, bread and cheese. Buddy bought wild boar. WILD BOAR SALAMI! I opted to go hungry. I love his adventurous side when it comes to food.
NExt up, Volterra and Siena.
2 comments:
I'm going to the airport, sneaking into the cargo on the next flight for Tuscany. I...am...dying...over those photos! Jelous!
just amazingly gorgeous!
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