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!
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
Amici e Palazzo Vecchio - Friends and the Old Palace
On Wednesday morning I met Bonnie & Craig Thomas from Southport and their friends the Burg's from New Jersey at the train station. They came up from Rome for the day. We had a nice lunch (Craig ate stewed rabbit!) and then it was off to the museums. While they were in the Uffizi, I took the Palazzo Vecchio tour to see where the rich Medici's lived before "buying-up" into a better neighborhood across the river (the Pitti Palace) back in the 1500's. Meanwhile, the Bishops and Shapiros ventured out on their own to do some shopping - coming back with Italian shoes,purses,etc. (looks like some nice gifts going back to the US!). After getting our "Romans" back to the train station, I cooked up a pasta & chicken dish for our dinner in the courtyard. Another busy day! More later!