On the Road Again

Today we woke and got on the road, well almost, first we had to pick-up our car. Kristen ordered a Ford car that fit 6 people. As we walked to the Hurtz location, Aunt Karen, Mom, and Dad road in a taxi with our bags. The driver was none to pleased that we had 6 huge bags, but oh well, he survived. Once we got to the car rental place, they brought us our car.....er.....bus.....the nickname Traveling Wilbury's never seemed more appropriate.

We loaded up the 9 passenger minibus with bags and Wilbury's and were on our way out of Florence and into the streets of Tuscany. Nyle, our fearless driver, handled the streets well and got us to the Autostrade where his race car driving skills really came in handy-I'm not kidding. He had that minibus humming along at a good clip. I don't think Sheila's hand left the handle above her head and Aunt Karen kept reminding, "This had a much higher center of gravity." Alas, we made it to Montepulciano, a magnificent town.

Our host, Nico, at Sant'Antonio is fabulous. He was born/raised in Kenya, went to university in England and owns/runs a villa and several apartments in Montepulciano. Let's just say Nico is going alright for himself.

He is so gracious and helped get the Wilbury's and the minibus to town and parked. After that he took us to the apartment and sat and chatted for quite some time about traveling and such.

We then took naps and ventured out for wine/prosecco tasting in the streets.

Once we got out there and bought our glass, I was like, "This is just like Beer Fest in Decatur, Georgia, which I experienced back in October. Obviously a bit different feel, Italy over Georgia, but both so fun. We meandered and just had the best time tasting different wines and proseccos. My family has never had prosecco, which we drink all the time in Chicago. I've been thinking about of my lovely Amanda--a huge fan of the prosecco!!! Eventually making it to dinner, we sat and ate while others sat in the main piazza and watched the World cup on the big screen.

 A band even came through the streets.

Sheila brought an arsenal of fans to Italy. I told her it would be warm and she runs about 10-15 degrees warmer than the average human anyway, so she took note and brought personal fans. In Rome, at the Colosseum, she broke out the fan/bottle with a mister. It was classic. We laughed, but Aunt Karen has requested it since. Most often she has used her personal dollar store fan to keep cool. But tonight, I'm using her bedside personal fan.  My room in this apartment in Tuscany is on the wrong side of the building. They are getting a wonderful breeze in their room, so Sheila said, "Take this fan" and I did and wow, I'm not saying another word about the fans.  I have to say, kinda glad for the fan!

All in all, it has been quite a trip. I leave in one day to meet up with Miss Lesley Weber in Paris for Bastille day, so I will savor my time in Italy with my wonderful family!!

P.S. Check out my new blue suede shoes!