Montalcino

Today I had the honor of driving with Bernie and Nicole in the standard car. It was highly recommended by Miriam and Jane. They would always come back from the drive in hysterics. Bernie and Nicole had more of a nervous what the fuck just happened laugh, wishing they could just have a nice leisurely drive in the country, enjoying the view. Our trip started after a slow start this morning deciding to go to Montalcino. Directions were placed in Waze and off we went, enjoying a beautiful Tuscan drive. The hills were rolling and freshly plowed. Cypress trees line driveways and property lines. It is a gorgeous day and everything seems to be neatly in place. The Italians take so much pride in keeping their property clean and tidy. Their roads are well-maintained and so many roundabouts that I will be a pro at them when home. Waze gave us the best route but only to here. We ended up riding this one-vehicle gravel road with no way but to go forward and a view so glorious we almost shit our pants. It was a nerve-racking experience but I kept my lips sealed and full trust in Bernie's re-virginated standard driving skills. Montalcino is beautiful high on the hills. All the homes are made of stones from medieval times. Lots of stairs to climb and a view for miles. Lunch was in a restaurant with a view of what romance and dreams are made of. We had a tasty Tuscan vegetable soup, Caprese salad, and of course the wine of the region Brunello. I so enjoyed the soup that I looked it up on Google for a recipe. We entered a few stores and walked around to strengthen our endurance for exercise. Getting out of town was a challenge in itself. Everywhere you turned there was a vehicle or people in the most inconvenient areas. Of course, Waze brought us back to the dirt road that we did not want so we turned around. We all agreed to follow the bus out of town and it got us home safe and sound. No road seemed like the same coming back. I guess that was God's way of saying "You wanted to see Tuscany, you're going to see Tuscany." It's wine time!!! Tonight we sat outside under the Tuscan full moon drinking today's wine and leftovers from our home-cooked meal from two nights ago. It is breezy this evening and I only wish we had an outdoor fire to go with it.Read more