Exploring Tuscany!
Off in the distance, the “Florence Eye”. A seasonal ride with fantastic views of Florence, the mayor is searching for a way to make the wheel permanent. We crossed the Arno River, a 150-mile-long waterway that runs through Tuscany and Pisa. We enjoyed green hills and vineyards along the way!
Our first stop was the very small, medieval town of Monteriggioni. Surrounded by walls built in 1214, this hilltop town was the first line of defense in wars against Florence. On the left is one of two gates. They are basically in a straight line. One points to Rome and one to Florence. The walkway through the Piazza Roma is a straight line that connects them both.
Walking through the very small town, I noticed an opening in the wall. Inside was a Romanesque church. Quite small and blended in with the rock, it was almost unnoticeable. With only a few pews, it had an alter and a baptizing fountain. Next to it, drawing most of the attention, was a flower lined restaurant. The pop of color against the rock walls and an arched doorway really caught my eye!
Facing Florence, the opening at the other end overlooked vineyards. Several people blocked my view. Ordinarily, I would have walked for a better vantage point but with my foot swelling, I figured it was best to pick and choose. Walking on cobbled streets and piazzas is challenging enough!
Exiting the Rome facing opening, was a simple cross. Again, had I ventured slightly ahead, vineyards and trees would have made a beautiful photo. Maybe I’ll visit another time and get better pics!
Next stop, Siena! One of the first things I saw was this doorway. Immediately, I decided I could live here. Knowing nothing else about the town, the steps, plants and doorway… surrounded by brick was so inviting. Obviously, there’s no way of knowing what lies behind the door but with such a peaceful entry, I can only imagine it’s comfortable inside.
Drawn toward the sound of music, we came upon a full band playing outdoors. They were quite good! A good-sized crowd gathered… we hung out and listened for quite a while! What a treat :-)
Similar to Florence and Venice, narrow walkways had to be navigated to explore the area. It’s funny how lost you can get in the maze of high walled alleys that all looked the same! Sometimes we will recognize a particular restaurant or shop as a frame of reference.
Reaching this wide-open space took us by surprise. Piazza del Campo comes from the Italian word “campanilismo” which means “local pride”. This sloped gathering spot was established prior to the thirteenth century. This area became a meeting point for three nearby hillside communities. Postcards in the shops depict the many uses of this location… marketplace to sell fruits and vegetables, games fights and horse races. Some photos show hundreds of horses racing around the open space.
Overlooking the piazza, we chose a table at il Bandierino… and outdoor cafe. It was the perfect people watching spot! Ordinarily, I stay away from “touristy” restaurants, but we have had great luck having meals with a “view”.
Starting with a cheese plate and pears to complement our wine, it was the jams and honey that made this dish special! Great tastes… Roxanne ordered a seafood pasta. Mine was a gluten free pasta, with a delicious white sauce… both of our choices were smothered with fish/seafood. Absolutely yummy!!!
Passing this opening to another alleyway, I noticed a sculpture. Most everything was shaded by the high brick/rock walls, but this statue was shining bright with the light! It really caught my eye. So, I took a couple steps back, snapped a photo and we went on our way. Why didn’t we go check it out more closely? Lazy I guess… or giving my foot a rest.
Here are few examples of the sites we saw wandering the streets. It really is quite beautiful! Click on the photos so they open up and you can see the whole picture!
We did a little wine tasting… it was a nice experience. Deciding not to bore you with every glass of wine offered with a pairing (I know, weird for me)… instead, I captured this wine wall. It’s kind of clever!
After taking about 50 photos of the Calla Lily, I decided to share only one. You’re welcome!
Crossing back over the Arno River at sunset… stunning! Maybe it was too dark for a photo, but this will remind me of the beauty…
Back in our own neighborhood, it was once again time to eat! Seems we do a lot of that! Both of us were drawn to the same restaurant at the same time. Without a spoken word, we walked straight in the door. Greeted by an awesome waiter, we were seated, served wine and a crazy good meal!
Our starter included very thinly sliced pears, fresh burrata, truffle and the richest honey imaginable. The funny part was… our balsamic was in a spray bottle. Roxanne poured some olive oil on her plate, picked up the second bottle, thinking she would be pouring the dark liquid. Nope. She sprayed it. Got a good laugh over that!!!
When ordering, I requested a gluten free Carbonara. The waiter didn’t like that idea, he said it came with cherry tomatoes and if I removed them, the dish would be boring. He didn’t realize I am used to my dietary restriction… don’t love it but used to it. His suggestion… the seafood pasta and he would have the chef use a white sauce instead of red. It was loaded down with all types of fish! So incredible. Roxanne had Eggplant Parmigiana. She loved hers too! Wine was great, food even better.
