On our 29th anniversary, Francesco picked us up and drove us south to Florence's historical rival, the city of Sienna. Sienna seemed like a city out of time, its mediaeval character undiminished over the centuries. Narrow cobblestone streets wound through the city all leading to a central plaza where to this day horse races are held in the shadow of a magnificent tower. On our way back to the car a ferocious storm blew in but we made it to the garage safe and dry by a matter of minutes. Upon leaving the city, the one road out was blocked by fallen branches, so we jumped out of the vehicle, and with the assistance of a couple of truck drivers we cleared the road and continued on. We felt like superheroes!
We headed further south to the Tuscany region and saw immediately why it has always been a favorite of landscape painters. Rolling hills of every hue were accented by rows of Cypress trees in a tapestry as far as one could see. Francesco had arranged for us to stay at a quaint but comfortable farmhouse in a region popular with photographers. He had made reservations for dinner in a town that was once a Roman spa. The meal was magnificent, and we were treated to a spectacular sunset. Tony surprised Lori with a necklace he had secretly bought for her in Murano. The next day Francesco and Tony went on a photo safari, while Lori sketched an old church near the farmhouse where we were staying.
From Tuscany we turned north again heading along the coast. The weather had been hot all during our first week (over 100 degrees) and we were longing for a swim. Francesco took us to a town on the seacoast called Porta Venere which featured an ancient castle built out onto the peninsula and additional fortifications high on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Below the cliff wild ocean waves swirled and crashed into the rocks surrounding a huge grotto. What better place to dive in? Tony and Alex braved the turbulent waves while Lori and Jasmine wisely chose the calmer bay side for a dip.
