Yesterday, we wandered further afield than we had before and travelled about an hour and a half south to the hilltop town of Volterra, which 2,000 years ago was one of the most important Etruscan cities and today is a major stop for Twilight fans, retracing Edward and Bella's trip to see the Volturi in New Moon.
Volterra is a hilly city, set high (1700 f) above the plains. We got there around lunchtime and had excellent fare at Enteco Del Duca. Alan had boar two ways -- cured like a ham and also tagliatelle with boar ragu. Marianne had an excellent ricotta omelette with funghi and I had pasta with oxtail sauce. After lunch, Marianne settled down with a Herald Tribune for a cup of tea and we went exploring, higher and higher, until we were almost at the top of the hill, at the Acropolis ruins.
There was lots more to explore but time was ticking away so we picked up Marianne and Alan retrieved the car from its spot five floors down into the mountain and we were on our way. We took a different route back through some true Tuscan countryside of rolling hills dotted with Cyprus trees.
Back at the house, Alan had a swim and then we made lamb chops, cauliflower, flageolet, and salad for dinner.
The pool beckons, so I will sign off.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Bag number two -- found!
Got the call last night that Alan's bag had been, at last, found. It is now awaiting us at the Pisa airport as we didn't want to trust to the courier services to find this remote place, which is locked behind a closed gate. At least we will fly back with two bags, same number we started out with.
We've done quite a bit the last two days. Thursday morning, we headed off for Forte dei Marmi (which means marble), a resort town on the beach. It's quite a lovely town and we enjoyed walking out the pier to watch the swimmers. Beach access is controlled -- for between seven and fifty euros, you can have your own cabana (all named) and lounge chair or seating area, in addition to access to the water. Not too many people were swimming; surprisingly, there were waves enough for the surfers out there. But I don't think the boys of Hawaii are in any danger.
Returning from Forte dei Marmi, we stopped by the Pisa airport to drop Bess and Sarah at the train station and to swap back the larger car for our small BMW. At that time, there was no word on Alan's bag. Back at the house, it was time for a swim, with ominous clouds lurking overhead. Several times it has seemed like it just had to rain based on the clouds, wind, and smell, but it never has. Too bad -- it's pretty hazy.
Friday we started the day with a swim and sun session -- Alan and I are getting quite brown. Then, we headed out to a local vineyard, Colle Verde, that had fantastic views, even on a cloudy day. Alan and I took an olive oil and wine production tour and then joined Marianne for a tasting. Christina, our local host, was knowledgeable and personable. Our visit was cut short by the need to get Marianne to her hair appointment at 4pm but overall, highly recommended.
Last night was the culinary highlight of the trip so far, a trip just down the road to La Cecca. Lovely outdoor dining area, excellent service, and wonderful food. All for a good price.
We've done quite a bit the last two days. Thursday morning, we headed off for Forte dei Marmi (which means marble), a resort town on the beach. It's quite a lovely town and we enjoyed walking out the pier to watch the swimmers. Beach access is controlled -- for between seven and fifty euros, you can have your own cabana (all named) and lounge chair or seating area, in addition to access to the water. Not too many people were swimming; surprisingly, there were waves enough for the surfers out there. But I don't think the boys of Hawaii are in any danger.
Returning from Forte dei Marmi, we stopped by the Pisa airport to drop Bess and Sarah at the train station and to swap back the larger car for our small BMW. At that time, there was no word on Alan's bag. Back at the house, it was time for a swim, with ominous clouds lurking overhead. Several times it has seemed like it just had to rain based on the clouds, wind, and smell, but it never has. Too bad -- it's pretty hazy.
Friday we started the day with a swim and sun session -- Alan and I are getting quite brown. Then, we headed out to a local vineyard, Colle Verde, that had fantastic views, even on a cloudy day. Alan and I took an olive oil and wine production tour and then joined Marianne for a tasting. Christina, our local host, was knowledgeable and personable. Our visit was cut short by the need to get Marianne to her hair appointment at 4pm but overall, highly recommended.
Last night was the culinary highlight of the trip so far, a trip just down the road to La Cecca. Lovely outdoor dining area, excellent service, and wonderful food. All for a good price.
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