We made our first trip to Italy (Tuscany) last week and WOW...what a beautiful trip it was. We took the advice of our friends, The Belmonte's and decided to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa
(Torre pendente di Pisa) the same day we landed. The Tower is just 5 miles from the airport so it's a quick stop that can be done in about an hour or 2. As you can see...that's more than enough time in their opinion...
We were then on our way to Il Pino D'Oro, the agriturismo that Gabe booked near Peccioli. A beautiful place on the Tuscan countryside surrounded by wineries. The place has 4 different accommodations but this week we were the only ones there...it was like a private resort...PERFECT!!
Il Pino D'Oro
The couple who own the place don't speak a lick of English so after a lot of "Pointy-Talky" we were settled in and ready to explore our surroundings. We drove up to the top of Peccioli, had dinner and took some pictures. The place we went to eat was wonderful. We practiced our Italian; which sometimes comes out sounding like Spanish and brought home another bottle of wine.
I love this picture. Dylan sat up in the window and I took a couple of shots...got this one with his reflection in the window...
The next day we went into a town called Lucca.
The historical center of Lucca lies within a unique wall system. These walls, built of small red bricks specifically created for their construction, were many years in the making (16th to 17th century). They were built as a defense against the 'old enemy', Florence, but were never in fact put to the test in war, however, they have remained intact. Their bulk alone would have protected them from willful destruction but they also have the love of the inhabitants of Lucca.
After a hot morning in Lucca we thought it was best to head straight for the beach to cool off. Camp Darby is very close by and in the city of Tirrenia where you can find American Beach...the only American beach in all of Italy (maybe all of Europe?). Ryan was a bit hesitant at first but soon he was ninja-chopping the waves and diving in.
On the way home form the beach the next day (because we had to go twice) we stopped and took photos by a sunflower field. The sunflower is the official flower of Tuscany.
The next city on our list was Florence. After our day in Lucca we decided not to take the kids to Florence. It was going to be a long day and very hot. Gabe stayed back at the pool with the boys and Mom (Ginny) and I made the 45 minute drive into the city. We parked at the Santa Maria Novella Station in the underground parking ramp...smart move. We bought 2 tickets on the city bus tour and were on our way. We made it to one museum...The Uffizi Museum which houses some of the great works by Leonardi, Raphael, Michelangelo (not the turtles) and Botticelli. We stopped at the top of the city and were able to take great pictures of all of the great historic sites. And as it turns out...not taking the boys was the best decision...it was 102 degrees that day in Florence!
When we got back to Il Pino D'Oro we met the boys down by the pool for some relaxation...
And last but not least...here is a picture of Dylan and I next to a giant boot. I guess I've always had a weird obsession with having my picture taken next to "The Largest..." ever since I sat on Paul Bunyan's foot in Minnesota when I was 4 yrs old.
