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.
Yeah! Not only is this a great day because you put some pictures up (you must REALLY be in Tuscany!) but it is also a great day because I am the first to blog! Sorry we missed your call today Holly. Just not home from church:) Your Tuscany is almost as nice as the Tuscany that we look at from our house! For those of you not familiar with Calgary, we have a neighborhood down from us called Tuscany! Looks like spring there and a promise of nice days ahead. Enjoy! Love Ya!
it’s Canadian Dad’s turn. What can you say second place in blogging will have to do…It looks beautiful and I know that all us blog readers want more pictures. Continue to learn lots and looking forward to the next blog. Love more today than yesterday…
Hey Holly!
Wow la dolce vita is right! Wow it looks amazing over there. Great photos. Thanks for the fbook messages too. I am glad to read that you are doing well. It sure sounds like you’re keeping busy too. I can’t wait to see more pictures. Thankfully I am able to surf your blog at my job. Take care HH,
hey Holly
Great pictures, I have to ask though “why you shouldn’t order a cappucino in the middle of the day (tourista!)”Do locals not drink coffee in the middle of the day??
Mike
holly!
love the fiat reference… and i am amazed you found a gym in italy of all places. i did not see a single one while visiting.
great pictures too, hope you are stopping to enjoy the free moments when you have them.