Laundry day – always an adventure
Sooner or later it had to happen, clothes were starting to pile up and we just couldn’t put it off any longer. I’ve worn everything I brought and now starting to work on Collette’s things so time to hit the laundry. The first couple of places we rented didn’t have washing machines so we needed to hit the local economy and find a laundromat. Poggibonsi, being a large metropolitan area, has two.
After circling the town twice, we found Speedy Wash and began the button-pushing experience. This laundromat is probably the cleanest and easiest we’ve ever encountered with instructions in English, as well as four other languages. Straight forward as you would expect so now a little time to catch up on the blog.
Yesterday was a touring day through the highlands of Tuscany. No real destination, just a few small towns and of course, cathedrals and castles. First town was Radda in Chianti, another beautiful medieval town, that at the time of our arrival, was just waking up. Couple bistros open with a few men enjoying their morning with coffee and conversation. Familiar scene here in these small towns, groups of men sitting at a table chatting, women at another table doing the same. Age doesn’t seem to be a factor, good mix of young and old just starting their day slowly.
Yesterday morning was cool, around 70F with a bit of fog in the valleys. It’s harvest time so about half of the fields we see have been picked, the other half is bursting with grapes, big, full purple grapes that will one day be that magical of elixirs, Chianti!
Hills of Tuscany
Chianti grapes ready for harvest
One thing about Italian roads, the center line is simply there for reference, not to “divide” one side from other. Driving is cordial, if I’m on your side, you simply move over to avoid an accident. It’s perfectly acceptable for oncoming traffic to wander into your lane, especially on curves. The object is to keep moving forward while avoiding a head-on, simple. Also, the fact that Johnny Racer is inches from your rear doesn’t mean anything, that’s the standard way of driving. The thought must be if I get close enough I can draft and save gas or maybe push the guy in front of me to move a little faster. Does seem like drivers here are in a hurry. They truly want to be the first one to arrive at the accident. Hey, I’m retired so speed on, brother! See you when we get there.
Next town we hit was Asciano, a very pleasant town where coffee and pastry are the call. Asciano has its’ roots in Etruscan culture, one that was unfortunately lost in history, but was present in this area from around 800 BC until being absorbed into the Roman empire around 4 BC.
Tuscan countryside
It’s not all grapes-some harvested hay fields
Driving down a town street-plenty of room!
Typical town streets
And I can’t get tomatoes to grow in a greenhouse!
Still early so not a lot of traffic or tourists but somehow, I think word got out that we were there. More on that later. First, we moseyed (hadn’t done a lot of moseying so thought we’d try here) around the town making our way to the center and the cathedral. Again, 13-14th century buildings that are just amazing. Cobbled streets lined with small shops, restaurants, bistros and apartments make up most of these towns, Asciano no exception. Decided on a nice little bakery in the town center for our break, two Americano coffees, several pastries, nice way to enjoy the morning. We had to try one of the local pastries called, “baba”, a cork-shaped pastry with light rum sauce. Pretty darn good!
Today’s pastry selection
“Baba’s”
So, what makes me think they knew were in town? Just as we walked back to our car, not one, not two, not three but four marching bands and a troupe of baton twirlers greeted us. How nice for them to come out and see us off! Must be special when Americans visit this little town. That’s what happens when you walk through a parade prep area.
Bands warming up
Formal band watcher
Driving on, we headed for Montepulciano. Yep, another medieval Renaissance town with about 14,000 inhabitants, a few churches and a couple of piazzas. As luck would have it, today is the antique Fiat Car Club show, we fit right in with our 500! All along the Palazzo Comunale there are oil-dripping Fiats everywhere. Our favorite was the early version of the Fiat 500L, complete with a suitcase strapped to the trunk. Just goes to show that good craftsmanship never goes out of style. Love the slogan, “If you fit, it’s not a Fiat!”
Fiat 500 with luggage
More countryside
Fiat Festival
On our way out with the Fiat club
Misses by the cistern
Mister by the cistern
After about an hour of walking through the town and taking a few pics, time to move on. Next stop Montalcino, a medieval Renaissance town containing a 14th century fortress, a cathedral (Doumo) and probably the most important attraction, Brunello di Montalcino wine! Brunello di Montalcino wine was the first Italian wine to be awarded the “Design of Origin and Guaranteed” designation, equivalent to the French “Appellation of Origin Control” designation. Momma I’m coming home…….
Fortezza di Montalcino-built 1361
OK, yeah we strolled through the town, took some pictures and finally, finally, found a nice restaurant overlooking the valley and ordered our light lunch, salami, cheese, bread, and a wine flight with two varieties of Brunello wine. The food was good but the wine, awesome! Ended up buying a bottle to bring back to the homestead, at 32EUR, not too bad a price.
That was our last stop for the day. Time to wind our way back to Agritourismo Vernianello, relax and have a glass of Brunello wine. Tomorrow we drive again. This time to the western side of Tuscany to Volterra, most recently the site of the movie “Twilight”, that’s what Collette tells me.
Fino a domani……