Friday was another restful day to explore more of Florence and discover its charms around every corner. Walking, window shopping and a museum visit sufficently filled the day. The Bishops and Shapiros took in the wonders of art at the Uffizi Museum where every wall is filled with masterpieces. Meanwhile "back at the ranch" I was cooking up a big pot of Tuscan minestra zuppa (soup) ala Patrizia! We sat around our usual table in the La Contessina courtyard and enjoyed the end of a fine day with the soup and some excellent cheese! Tomorrow we are off on an all day motorcoach tour of Pisa, Siena, San "Jimmy-an-no" (Gimignano) and a "Key-an-tee" (Chianti) wine tour and lunch. Stay tuned for the review! More later!
I HAVE SET UP A NEW PHOTOBLOG SITE FOR THE 2014 TOURS. YOU CAN STILL SEE PHOTOS FROM 2008 TO 2013 HERE. TO VIEW THE LATEST TOURS GO TO: WWW.INTUSCANYWITHPATRIZIA.BLOGSPOT.COM
Sotto il Sole Tuscana - "Under the Tuscan Sun"
Frances Mayes brought new-found fame to Cortona with her book and movie, "Under the Tuscan Sun". Actually the town is one of the oldest in Tuscany, settled by those old Etruscans of ancient times. Thursday's sojourn took me there to scout it out and give you a report. The Tuscan sun was not so much in evidence today, but there was no rain, just cloudy. Perched high on a hilltop, this walled city is very charming, even though I didn't see Ms. Mayes' "Bramasole" villa (not in the guidebook and no directional signs). You'll see in the photos the steep side streets - many with steps - and some of the medieval houses. This town definitly goes on the day trip list along with it near-neighbor, Arezzo. Maybe you will be with me when I go again! The Shapiros and Bishops did their own thing again today with shopping again a high priority. More later!