Summer 2011

Day 11 - Florence And Our Day Of Rest

Florence

Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Well, as you can tell, we have been going going going since we left for NYC. Day 11 of travel just hit us like a freight train to the face. We arrived in Florence at about 6:30 this morning.

We thought we were going to hit the ground running like we had everywhere else. Ha, we hit the ground at more of a sleep walk thru the city. We tried real hard to fight the crowds and made it to the Uffizi. We stared at the building and then each other and said "let's go back to the hostel." nap time! It actually turned out to be amazing that we slept thru the hot of the day and were out and about at the cool part. We ate an amazing Italian feast at a cute little restaurant. Then, we ate gelato in the piazza and watched the world go by.

And by the world, I mean people from everywhere imaginable seemed to be walking by. Except for, maybe not italians because it was a major tourist spot. Oh wait there was this guy!

Day 12 - Tuscany: Back In The Saddle, Literally

Florence

Thursday, June 16, 2011
After 20 hours of rest, we made our way down to the piazza to meet our Tuscany Bike Tour. For those of you unfamiliar with biking terms, the seat is the saddle. Hence, "back in the saddle."(Kelly thought that was hilarious after her 20 hr "nap")

We rode 19 miles thru the gorgeous Tuscan hillsides, it was pleasurable.

Our friend Erika said it was going to be pleasurable, obviously she isn't the only one.

We ate a 3 course meal and tasted various wines.

We missed getting picture of the starter bruschetta's they brought, but here is the farro and veggie salad. Super delicious!

Here is Kelly not even able to pull herself away from this bow-tie pasta and vodka sauce dish they brought next.

Malia and the chianti taster

The vineyard we visited makes both olive oil and chianti. We were able to tour how and where they make everything.

The red cement barrel below is where they age the wine we actually were able to try. The oak barrels above is their extra special reserve that we did not get the pleasure to taste.

Bottling chianti Classico

Interesting fact, the vineyard is owned by an Italian prince and princess, and they make excellent wine and olive oil. Thanks Mom/Janet and Dad/Mike for what we both agree to be the best day of our trip so far.