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Life is Like a Roll of Toilet Paper ....

the nearer the end....

the quicker it goes.

(at least, that's my observation.)

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

3 October 2013 Tuscany

We ate breakfast on the patio, buffet style, lots of fresh local fruit including home grown grapes.

It was my intention to get some laundry done, as quickly as possible.  Since they had advertised a washer and dryer, I decided to get to know them well.

Please see the picture below for the Italian Clothes dryer!

Delightful, healthy breakfast fare.

As I walked about the villa taking pictures, I met up with Christina, the Manageress, we chatted for a few moments and she gave me a big, sincere hug.  She said "many people come but some, like you, it feels I have known forever."  I was very touched.  She and Josie, another of the staff have made us feel so very welcomed and have been perfect hosts.
That afternoon, Josie prepared us a simple lunch of fresh mozzarella, wonderful tomatoes, basil and oil accompanied by crusty bread.  She offered wine, but we refused and opted for bottles of water.  (Still).  At the end of our repast, she proffered coffee which was good.
She lingered to chat and once again congratulated us on our 50th wedding anniversary.  She said, " I have made 25.  That is not normal.  I am happy to not be normal."  She then encouraged us to go down to the vineyards and take pictures as the picking proceeded.


A luncheon companion.

Fig tree

Italian Clothes Dryer




 
Later on we were left alone except for the busy pickers.  We indulged ourselves in laying-about at the pool, reading, resting and enjoying the sun.
 
As the kitchen was to be closed for dinner, we decided to drive up to San Gimignano for a meal.  I was hoping, too, to do a bit of shopping.  If you  haven't heard of this magical place, do yourself a favor and check it out at san gimignano.  It could easily be seen from our b&b and we were anxious to see it up close and personal. 
 
We drove in and parked in a tiny, almost child sized lot with teeny parking slots and climbed the stairs into this ancient village - still a living town.  I looked like a whirling dervish, spinning and snapping photos!
Dirt road away from the B&B

Wonderful vistas

First up close look at the wonderful S. Gimignano







 
We found one of the restaurants recommended to us, but its menu did not appeal.  I felt I'd had too much meat, too many rich meals.  A bit further on, we found Lo Spuntino Pizzaria.  See it here:  pizza.  Lar ordered a grande white pizza with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, zucchini and olives.  He had a beer and I ordered wine.  Our hostess was so friendly and sweet.  And not just because she filled my 8 oz glass with the lovely red stuff!  I asked about use of the rest room and she gestured that, for me, yes and then she took me to the private facility in the back of the store room.  Apparently the wcs are located out somewhere in the court yards for the public. 
The meal was absolutely delicious!  Finally, the Italian food we'd come hoping to taste.  And the laid back atmosphere, enjoying food, enjoying wine, enjoying the company.  Just lovely.


 
 
On the way back, we took two wrong turnings and while the stress was rising, the sun was quickly setting.  We did, of course, make it back safely to find the villa still completely empty and slightly eerie.
 
I wrote some post cards, neatened up our things, put away our clean clothing and went to sleep.

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