Lenny was unable to contact anyone at Hertz, so he decided to return the car where we picked it up and hope for the best. We were in Florence by 11, and fortunately, another van was available. We had a cafe and pastry and made our way to the Baptistry. The gold mosaics depicting the Old Testament were beautiful.
We had ample time before our ticketed entrance to the dome so we split for awhile...Antoinette to shop, and us on a quest to find Pino’s...a sandwich shop that Marie’s nephew frequented while he was in Firenze. We shared delicious sandwiches then made our way back to the meeting place.
We had ample time before our ticketed entrance to the dome so we split for awhile...Antoinette to shop, and us on a quest to find Pino’s...a sandwich shop that Marie’s nephew frequented while he was in Firenze. We shared delicious sandwiches then made our way back to the meeting place.
The climb to the duomo was 467 steps. The boys took a pass, so the 3 “ Bella Donna” took the challenge. Even though at times I was huffing and puffing it wasn’t that bad. At one point we had to stop ( people ahead had stopped) and it became a little claustrophobic for Antoinette.
When we got to the level of the catwalk around the dome ( interior) we were virtually alone. This gave us ample opportunity to take pictures of the painted ceiling. Continuing up, the stairs became spiral and I felt it was easier to climb. We reached the top, and of course the view was breathtaking. It was fun to pick out the places we’d been.
The descent was a lot easier, and quick! We found the boys, had a drink and decided to call it day for sightseeing...but not for shopping! Back to the area of the Ponte Vecchio where scarves and bags and gold abound. Needless to say, purchases were made by all!
Italy had their time change this past weekend, so darkness descended as we made our way back to Montalcino. Going down our driveway was a little freaky in the dark...Lenny gets A+!
Dinner tonight was in Sant Angelo sul Colle ( on the hill) at Il Lecco. Mushrooms are their thing! We had a delicious anti pasta...Fiore di zucchini, crostini typical (beef liver), cod, potato croquette, bread pudding with tomato, eggplant parm, warm tomato bruschetta, and a piece of frittata. The main courses were delectable too...chingale (wild boar) with fava beans, and porcini mushroom everything...salad, pasta and veal!
The wine was Brunello...flowing, delicious and typical of the region... the grappa wasn’t too shabby either!
Tomorrow - vineyard tours!
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