Bob and Tania left Florida on April 6,
2007 to return to me in Horta. They decided to spend a
few days in northern Italy on the way back in order to enjoy
that area when it was less crowded with tourists...
Pisa was a great experience. Not to crowded so
we were able (after a misunderstanding of parking
conditions) to find a great spot with minimal effort.
What an amazing set of buildings. The Baptistery was
beautiful - like a giant crown that was set down on a green
carpet. The leaning tower was almost unreal to see.
When one looked up close it appeared to be leaning (almost
to falling down) more so than from a distance...
The
Duomo (church) in Pisa was almost as awe-inspiring as the
Vatican in Rome. Bob and Tania traveled on toward
Siena from Pisa. They made an unplanned stop in the
medieval town of Monteriggioni (at the hotel with the same name)
after getting the car caught on a curb outside the wall (bumper
came off as Tania tried unsuccessfully to reverse it off the
high curb). Fortunately the desk clerk at the hotel called
a mechanic friend who promptly came over and fixed the car that
evening.
As a result of the "curb"
incident, they spent two nights at Monteriggioni, which
turned out to be a fun time. Great food at the local
restaurant, a local Chianti wine shop ("Fattoria") just
steps from the hotel, and it made a great spot to do day
trips from. Here was the view from their window over
the wall to a setting sun. The entrance to the Hotel
Monteriggioni and a roman-arched entry point to the town.
On their drive throughout Chianti, Bob and Tania saw
some amazing countryside vistas. There was always the
unexpected vehicle too. Next came Castellano di Gabbiano
which turned out to be another find.
The Castle which up until a year
ago had been a private home turned out to be a bonus for Bob and
Tania. They were treated to a tour of the castle as well
as the vineyard and winery. Gabbiano had been purchased by
Beringer (which in turn is now owned by another firm). The
grounds of the castle were so peaceful and beautiful. The
nearby restaurant served excellent food. It was a great
stop! Bob and Tania took a side trip to San Gimignano and
it's 13 towers. Parking there was also excellent and
well-run. They did not tour Siena then because parking and
tourist traffic was just to much for them. They preferred
smaller towns and villages.
