Florence /Firenze

And so to Florence. An easy bus ride away and before ya know it, we’re there. On our first arvo, we get down to the duomo (incredible), along to the Uffizi (yes, memorable), the river along to Piazza Croce to try and buy a ticket to a medieval football match (sold out).








An amazing city. Next day we hit the Uffizi on the inside – lots of Botecelli and Lippi was had by all, along with a bit of Michelangelo and Leonardo. We’re now art experts, so ask us anything you like (especially early Italian Renaissance, not so hot on the later Renaissance painters who, for me, were not quite up to it).






And then, and then, and then, we sat and watched the procession to the football match that we couldn’t watch. All medieval costumes, drums, flag-throwers – you know, the usual – but this time with a big crowd in front of us. Still pretty impressive.



Our last things to do are a trip over the river to the Piazza Michelangelo for a big view of the city, up the Duomo for the same and some wine tasting. It is our intention to recover from all of this and resume our travels to Lucca for another 3 days of Tuscan bliss. Ciao!

Siena

Ah yes, the early morning photo excursion – not a huge success (photographically speaking), although the tripod (real name, Giorgio) reports he enjoyed it. Up at 4.50 and photos duly taken, finished around 6 and returning home when I was greeted by two women having an early morning drink (as it turns out, a sprizz aperol). I accepted the invitation to join them and the rest, as they say, is history. Mary joined us at around 7.30 and a very happy start to the day was had by all. Unfortunately we had to pack and be out of our accommodation by 10 and on the bus to Siena, but we made it fine.










Siena a great place. Narrow windy streets with medieval buildings all around. Amazing public space called the Piazza del Campo, (photos day and night) the scene of a twice-yearly horse race, an incredible cathedral and some amazing views. Stunning.




Vera and Ruth (from Austria as it turns) joined us for a meal in Siena as well, and looks like we’ve made some buddies for life. There you go.

Also had the pleasure of a Tuscan culinary specialty, the Bistecca al Fiorintine (not sure if spelled right, but basically a Florentine T-Bone). You buy it by the 100g and I didn’t quite know what to expect. It was HUGE! 56 euros worth of only moderately tender meat. Mary had smaller meal…

San Gimignano

We’re in our second day here at this little hilltop town with its walls, towers and castle. We timed our arrival for a medieval festival on for the last 3 days and it has been fabulous.

Trip here from the Cinque Terre could not have been easier, but more thru luck than management. It was 4 connections – 3 separate trains and a bus – and we wouldn’t have waited more than 40 mins for the lot! You’ve got to remember these kind of days when you get the other kind where you have to wait hours between connections. Hehe. Arrived in Siena and had a night there but will write about that later.





San Jimmy (as David likes to call it) is a perfectly preserved medieval town with stunning architecture and a great setting. Our accommodation is a 12th century converted palace and we’re on the second floor with a superb view out along the main pedestrian street (no cars allowed). Amazing.




Yesterday managed a huge hike doing a 25km loop around San G and the hills of Tuscany. Exhausted ourselves somewhat, but well worth it. Landscape all rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and lots of trees. Nice.









Spent all day today at the festival – drums + trumpets, dancers, flag-throwers (now, there’s an occupation!), swordplay, archery – all in full costume. Quite a spectacle. The camera felt like it was going nonstop, so we’ve given it a rest over a bottle of wine, while we wait for the whole festival procession to pass by our window in an hour.




Speaking of which, we have been expanding our repertoire of wine and food. Have been super-enjoying the salamis/meats, cheeses and other delectables (although David has been curiously restrained on the gelati – I can’t figure why?!). The wine – good and cheap (esp. after Singapore). Different red grape variety – sangiovese – which we don’t get in nz, is very good. Yes. And yes again. [Side note: Joe, if you’re reading this, have you heard of a book called ‘Heat’ about a New York chef who comes to Tuscany – superb!]

Tomorrow, David’s up early on some photo mission or other. He rather stupidly brought his tripod and now he feels the need to use it???

Cinque Terre

How beautiful and what a fabulous place to begin our holiday. A bit of strenuous walking and fantastic scenery really set us up for the start of our trip. We were perched up on a hillside – yes a bit of a climb to get there, luggage and all – but away from the crowds in the little village. Extremely peaceful and serene setting. Met some nice people from Sweden, USA and Aussie. Nice to chat over breakfast or dinner out on the balcony!




We walked the paths between the 5 villages, bar the short section that was closed and had some amazing views along the coast line and of the little villages as you came upon them. There is only the one real beach place, Monterossa, with all its umbrella’s and deck chairs, (photo) though others had little harbours that people swam in as well. It ended up being quite a hard day as we ended on the last walk that was a climb and descent and nothing much in between! However just beautiful and we got some great views of Vernazza where we are staying (photo of small harbour and village). Lazy as today and off to Siena tomorrow.

Milan

Our first nights in Italy, here in Milan. Arrived at 9:30ish in the first evening and here for two nights, so only a short visit to this city. (We had awoken to rain and purchased an umbrella – wet weather was not really on our agenda or clothing allowance.) The skies did clear and we didn’t get too wet. In our slightly tired states having been on the go for around 20 hours and a short sleep we headed for the cathedral and a well-known mall – the building not the shops. I liked the warm pinkish colour of the cathedrals marble exterior. The stained glass windows were pretty amazing as well. There was a slightly unusual modern sculpture of horses on a hill right next to the Cathedral – not sure what it was about but….





Just across for the cathedral was a mall, famous building I believe. It’s ceiling was a stunning curved, glass dome like structure that produced a yellowish colour inside when the sun shone. Would you believe it a MacDonalds and MacCafe in there!