Travel to Italy, Tuscany, Pienza.

From Buon Convento we moved on to our stay for the night at a farm. Podere Il Casale. We had read about this sosta/farm on the internet and many travellers had recommended it saying that it was a quiet stopover with fabulous views of Monte Amiata and the wonderful Tuscan countryside. The rain started to come in and the sky darkened as we pointed Suzy in the direction of the farm. We were hoping for a couple of restful days doing nothing much. And hereby hangs a tail.

We skirted Pienza and found the grey road which led to the farm. A grey road in Italy is an unmade road made up of limestone which is dusty in the dry and becomes a mud bath in the wet. We had often travelled up them and they were potholed and in need of a bit of attention from the boys from the black stuff. Today it was a mud bath and Suzy became covered in a grey gunge which stuck to her like glue. . She would need a clean when we arrived. We drove on and arrived at the Podere at the end of the lane.

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Travel to Italy, Tuscany, Florence.

We had a leisurely start to the day with breakfast in the shady courtyard. Temperature rose throughout the day to 26 so water and rests were required.

We headed off with our trusty guide books and maps and the Firenze cards Jim had bought online. It was a very popular venue today with loads of groups of young teenagers here and there! Quite a few Americans around as well but we coped.

So we came to Sante Croce piazza and it was brimming with street sellers and guess who fell for the gift of an elephant ornament and then another and 5 Euros later the street seller finally moved on. I got stronger through the day with the shaking of my head and definite No! Jim got it in one but then he had years of training in Abudhabi. We had a browse around the market always so colourful with fresh veg and fruit salami and ham.

So Jim headed off to get the tickets sorted and I sat in the sun having forgotten the sun cream as you do! Yes we have returned this evening with red faces and arms but not too bad thank goodness.

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Travel to Italy, Tuscany.

So we are in Firenze (Florence). Just arrived by train from rome and getting settled in. So far, to answer the million dollar question, Katy has been a total champion traveller. There were some grumpy babies on the plane but our possum was not one of them! Yay, phew!

Rome was lovely. We stayed in an apartment near the Vatican and set out each day by metro to explore. Sadly due to Dubai airport having a total meltdown when it unexpectedly rained we were several hours late arriving so our exploring was delayed til Monday morning. Up and about early we managed to cover several bridges, ancient churches, piazzas, markets, the forum, colosseum
The piazza in front of St Petersand pantheon in a mammoth orgy of sightseeing.

Gotta say, the pantheon was a real highlight. Having now also seen St. Peter's dome, the simple asceticism of the pantheon dome was just awe inspiring. It literally took our breath away. We also loved the ancient ruins and their juxtaposition alongside modern rome. Strangely, unlike like the pyramids from where you have jarring views of cairo's urban sprawl, the roman ruins seem to belong in their setting. Genuinely part of their city for all eternity.

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