5th - 6th October 2013 Tuscany

The 5th of October dawned rainy and we took the time to relax indoors - kicked back to read and I got a lot of sewing done on my Halloween table runner.  Whenever I use it, I will picture it in this room, looking out onto the vineyards! Josie kindly brought us tea which was just the thing to ward off the chill.

 Later in the day, we enjoyed a private wine tasting.  I believe there were at least 7 bottles we tried....and we liked them all!  The simple repast with which we paired them was just the ticket!  I attempted to keep track, matching them each with people we wanted to buy for....and for ourselves.  It got more difficult with each tasting!

 

 

 When dinner time came, we were full up - wine and food.  I had to skip several courses, and cut back considerably on the various wines! 

Sunrise the next day found us packing for the next leg of our trip.  Sunrise was beautiful but a little sad...we surely enjoyed our time in Tuscany.

Dear Josie...she of the sweet smile and a heart as big as the world.  I completed our packing and became aware of the fact that I was feeling less than up to par.  Coughing.
We found we were able to drive car up to the front steps, saving me a lot of effort in getting our cases back to the car, but the steps down inside were frightful and I fell on my backside with the cases!

 Josie was saddened to see us go, and our last view of the b&b was of Christina waving goodbye.
Between my jotted notes and the GPS, we were pretty easily able to get to the drop off for the car.  Florence entailed crazy driving, and one time I told Larry that he was driving in the bus lane.  While he felt it was like at home and was okay, I reported to him that the signs didn't sound like that was the case.  (Found out later - substantial fine received in the mail when we were home!)
At the car drop off I finally saw the dreaded toilet hole in the floor!  I'd been dreading them for years, unsure as to how one used one.  I really  wish I'd taken a picture.  But then, perhaps you, dear reader, are glad I didn't!  Mystery gone.
We got a taxi to the train station, driver was a really super lady.  We had nearly an hour wait, most of which was taken up by an elderly man begging.  He must have asked us 20 times for alms.
Getting onto the train was quite the experience.  We had to drag our cases up the steps - with Larry unable to do much - and once in the train there was absolutely no place for the cases!  Everyone and their luggage were jammed in the aisles.  A man originally from North Jersey and now Atlanta got our bags up and into seats next to us each.  Each time the train lurched or made sharp turns, the case next to me would flop over onto me.  This train ride was not at all what I've heard about.  But it got us where we were going.  And quickly!