Monday, October 3, 2016

Tuscany
The Italian Riviera coastline is awesome but so are other parts of Italy.
   Yesterday was Saturday and we decided it was time to have another great adventure!   We hired a private tour guide from Florence to take us into the heart of the rolling hills of Tuscany.  He was recommended by a store owner (cousins) near our apartment. The guide met us in Pisa, about an hour's train ride away.  He met us at the station.  After a quick cup of coffee and a sweet roll we climbed into his Mercedes Minivan and off we went for about an hour's drive.
  Siena is an ancient city from about the 800's, probably more.   The DUOMO  (the Cathedral) is actually 801 years old.  This walled city is more like a 5th or 6th century era.
   Our guide, Artan Ramaj is from Lushnje Albania, the same city we recently visited to go see our friends Tom Bonner. Artan dropped us off right in front of the church.  Driving inside this ancient walled city is very restricted but Artan has a special permit to allow him access.  An electronic sensor, much like our toll road sensors in the States,  is attached to his windshield to let the police know his car is allowed to be in the restricted zone.  Sensor readers and cameras are installed throughout the city to help enable traffic enforcement.
   The DUOMO de Siena is another huge Catholic church, ornately arrayed with gold, glitter and marble.  The floor is a huge, incredible Mosaic.  Most of it was roped off or covered.  A lot of artwork was either hanging on the walls or painted on the walls and ceilings!  The Library has a large priceless book on display.  It was all very amazing!
   After a photo op in front of the Duomo,  we made our way to the main Plaza where the 14 ancient family units had anual horse races.  We checked out the shops and were soon picked up by Artan.
   He took us to another castle for about a half hout.  I believe it had a hotel inside,  also a restaurant...not sure what it's name is.  There are around 10 castles in Tuscany.   I notice one just outside Siena is for sale.   It can be yours for €20 million.
   We drove for a while through farmlands on rolling hills.  Next stop was our original, or first choice destination city today, San Gimignano.  This is another ancient city.  Artan dropped us off at one end of the walled city.  We entered the gates and found many tourists, shops and places to eat.  We were a little hungry so we ducked into a little pizza shop and had a big wedge!
   We strolled through the city taking photos and looking around,  in the Plaza of the Duomo, a bang up wedding was taking place...lots of colorful costumes, drums and fun.  We watched for a while before heading out the other side, where Artan was waiting for us.
   Our next stop was to visit a winery.  They fixed us a lunch of soup and Lasagne.  Other tour groups were there.   We felt the pressure of them working hard to sell us their wine.   It was available for tasting for those who were into that kind of thing.  None of us like the taste of it.
   We did sample their Olive Oils with our meal.   It was very good.  We bought a bottle to bring home, as did the Pinkerton's.
   Our next stop was after dark, at the leaning tower.  Its a famous landmark in Pisa.  Not much else in Pisa, but this tower is worth a peek!  It was all lit up and easy to see,  even for me!
Artan dropped us off at the train station in time and helped us catch the next train to Manarola.

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