Cinque Terre, Italia

Enjoying a lazy day in the Cinque Terre today.  The last day before the long journey back to New York.  Did some hiking yesterday from Vernazza to Riomagiore.  The regular trail from Corniglia to Manarola was closed with a detour up into the hills above.  The first 30 minutes were very steep and difficult.  What used to be a fairly easy 45 minute hike is now a 2 hour grueling march due to a land slide.  The views were great and it felt good after we got back to Vernazza and enjoyed a cold beer.

Great dinner last night in Monterosso at Ristorante Miky.  Spaghetti al vongole and salt baked sea bass.    

Taking it easy this afternoon and then a boat ride after lunch.

Day trip to Florence

We took a nice day trip to Florence today.  Took the bus from Siena, an easy 1 hour and 20 minutes for 7 Euro.  Walked around a bit and visited the Accademia and Uffizi.  Seeing the David again was awesome.  I last saw him when I was in junior high school with my Spanish class from Sepulveda.  What an incredible piece of art.  The Uffizi was less impressive - just not my type of museum.

Florence is a beautiful city.  Lots of tourists and too many cars and motorbikes zipping down the narrow lanes though.  I find myself really loving the small towns in Italia and caring less so about the bigger cities.

Off to Cinque Terre tomorrow.

Last day in Montalcino

3 great tastings today - started with Siro Pacenti at 0930.  Very impressive facility and top notch wines.  Rosso and Brunello are both aged in French barrique.  The wines are structured and built to age.  From there we went to the best tasting of the whole trip - Uccellieria.  More than two hours of tastings that included multiple barrel samples, current releases and library wines.  Incredible generosity, talent and passion.  Andres and his wife met with us but they don't speak much English.  The wines were unbelievable and give all of us wine lovers good things to look forward to.  The final visit was Ciacci.  Very professional tasting, beautiful facility and good wines.

Off to Siena tomorrow.

Orvieto

Chianti Classico

What a beautiful area.  Lots of small winding roads and spectacular views.  Back to tasting in Montalcino tomorrow.