Tusacany...

10-9-2007

...is awesome. Before rolling out of town, we went for a short hike to Lago di Santo and Lago Bacco. On the other side of the hill -- Tuscany.



Spent the day wandering toward Lucca. Jeff rode his bike part of the way while Mel drove, snapping pictures all the way. Note to honeymooners: If you separate - one on bike and one in car - and the road turns and becomes confusing....stop. Don't lose your spouse in Italy. :^)

Had done some internet searching from the road and found Dreamers B&B (they're film buffs) just outside of Lucca. http://www.bb-dreamers.toscanaviva.com/home.htm. It was awesome. Our hosts Alessandro and Barbara were incredibly gracious, dispite having come home that very day from hospital with their new baby Yael (or Ya Ya). Didn't get any pics of Ya Ya, but we did of Marguerite and Lola...two other VIPs at Dreamers.

On Alessandro's recommendation, we followed some very windy roads up to Ceru - a restaurant/albergo (tiny hotel) tucked away in the Tuscan hills. (Take a left at the fourth olive grove. If you get to the fifth vineyard, you've gone too far.) Amazing food. Amazing view. Some of the best of both we've had. Oh the porcinis!

Next day, Operation Florence. Beautiful with tons of history. But, yes, crowded with tourists. Yet we had a great day, including seeing the real David at the Academia. Which was surprisingly moving and amazing. Spent some 40 minutes staring at just that one sculpture. Totally worth the price of admission (not to mention the line) right there. Wandered to the Duomo and Mel walked to the top to catch some great views and pics.

After a pretty darn full day of non-stop touring in Florence, we headed back to (comparatively) quiet Lucca - our own "mini-Florence" - where we rented a couple bikes and rode the ramparts, the top of the giant wall encircling the city.

Lovely way to wind down the day...followed by another delicious dinner at Giulios, at the recommendation of our B&B hosts. Yum.