It has been one week and one day since I stumbled into San Giovanni Valdarno. Armed with my phrase book, matching set of orange luggage and jet lag from two days of not sleeping, I was (kind of) ready to take on Italy.
Fast forward one week: I have completed European drive school (think Fiat Ducato, stick shift, box turned van, narrow Tuscan streets and hills unlike nowhere I have ever seen), been out in the country side for 6 days with 7 virtual strangers (no longer) (and Morgan doesn't count as a stranger) seeing towns, riding hills and hiking roads that our guests will take. I have joined a gym. I have paid for Italian school. I have figured out you can't buy organic peanut butter or tea here. I have tasted 40 Euro bottles of wine and learned about Chianti, la dolce vita (the sweet life) and why you shouldn't order a cappucino in the middle of the day (tourista!)
So, I am doing laundry, push ups, making lentils and posting some pictures on my blog. Mostly for my mom and dad. Yes, beloved parents, I am alive and well. My tuscan towns may be blurred together. My thighs might be on fire (still) from the riding. But for now it is late... and a nine hour drive to Pernes and house cleaning tomorrow morning (SIGH) awaits.
Entrance to the Leader House in San Giovanni Valdarno.
"Lovers Walk" in Pienza (a southern Tuscany town famous for cheese!) at sunset.
The walled city of Monteriggioni. We did a 9km hike to the town and had a euro caffe. (coffee).
The Backroads Chariot, Euro Style
View from our hotel room in San Gimangio, Northern Tuscany.
One last look at Death Valley:
Sunrise over Furnace Creek Inn... watched it every morning...
Holly, dosage Tim and Devin go "out" in Boulder City. This is a statue in the middle of town. Why is it here? And why does Boulder City only have one (lousy) bar?
This was possibly the only nice picture we took all night. This was after I beat both the boys in virtual bowling at the crappy bar.
The Holly, Tim and Devin show...
The bar tender said something really nasty before she took this-
Sign over the Bowling Alley. What LIARS! Clearly the Bowling Alley is only open three hours a day. And always closed by 6pm. Ridiculous.
The boys made me my own cup. I am so lucky.
At the base of Golden Canyon...
This is a desert water station!
And more to come... once I have recovered from my awful jet lag in Italy. And gotten through the first few days of training. Awesome.
All my love.
OK… is that gatorade cooler the one from our basement? That is a pretty cool American water station! They are so progressive! Looks like even at a lousy bar and an afternoons only bowling alley you can do damage Holly… should we be proud… ??? Well I am… way to go girl! “Keep on Ridin'” In my day it was “Keep on Truckin'” Love ya!
Dad here… using Mum’s account seeing that I don’t have a computer… well if I just got a job, maybe I would get a computer!!!! I enjoyed the pictures. Hope you get over the jet lag soon. So great to talk to you this evening. Can’t wait for the next update. Love: Dad
OK Holly… it has been two days and no news of your Italian adventures! AND… where are a few pics? Don’t do this to us! We are hanging in anticipation. Still love ya though!
I know there are lots of blog readers out there that do just that READ! You, Grandma, are one of them! It’s so easy to post… just give it a try! PLEASE!!
AKA… Sharon
I can really only say YAY! It’s so exciting to hear you through your writing & get a taste of your adventures.
How ’bout Backroads Zambia?? Or will your parents kill me?!?!
Huggies sista!!
Great pics Holly, Can’t wait to hear about Italy!!
Sarah in Africa… NO, HOLLY DOES NOT WANT TO BIKE IN ZAMBIA! Of course I wouldn’t think about killing you… but I might have to have a very serious talk with your Father about his lack of control over his daughter with letting her live half way around the world!!! Ha… Ha… Truthfully I think it is fabulous that you girls are having these world adventures and fulfilling your dreams! Say Hi to your Dad from me when you next connect with him! Ciau Holly and Sarah!