We spend the morning relaxing. I took notes about our trip, while others painted. A beautiful place - easy to imagine the life style of the family - from several centuries ago. So utterly different - with a feel entirely it's own. The group decided that it would be a good day to take the train to Florence. We bought tickets from the machine inside the small station. It was only about a half-hour ride into Florence. I had no idea what to expect - but grand is the first word that comes to mind.
Train Station at Rignano~
Our goal was the public market for lunch & shopping - with sightseeing along the way. Totally unfamiliar with international travel, let alone Europe, I was impressed. Seeing pictures is so different from actually being there. Something I knew - but didn't fully recognize. The narrow streets prevent all the vehicle traffic that clogs American cities.
Walking the streets~
I think there were eleven of us on this day. We played follow the leader to a bank. One of our group mentioned not using the smaller cash machines - that could be easily moved - with possibly your card information inside. Instead we found a stone & mortar bank with Europe's version of an ATM in the lobby. Now, how to use the machine? It was a case of how many people does it take to figure out which keys to press? Lucky for us all - a wonderful gentleman came by; introduced himself as having lived in New York City & walked us through the process step by step!
This building was just a short distance from the Train Station. Stunning both architectural style & incredible detail.
Overpowering in their grandeur~
It was like walking through an art museum of huge, colorful oil paintings. In the background you can just see the Duomo~ The lines to enter are long & we wanted to see more of the city.
Booths at the Market
We were also - starved! We found the indoor market, the smell of food would have taken us there - if nothing else! On the second floor were picnic style tables with vendor booths all around. A few of us held a large table, while the remainder went to search out food. I was glad I'd waited, because once they returned, we could see some of the enormous variety available.
Pasta - the Italian staple~
Courtney & I decided to divide & conquer. She went for drinks, I went for food. I'd seen some type of a stuffed bread that looked delicious. I found the booth! You had a choice of squid, ham, or zucchini. I decided on one each of the ham & zucchini & cheese. The outer dough was golden brown with a crust something like cornbread. On the counter, was a stack of what looked like cannoli shells. I asked about them? The proprietress took one, broke a piece off, filled it with something white & handed it to me. Oh YES! I had to have one of those! I'm now a die-hard fan of Cannoli!
Scaffolding~
After lunch, we planned to take the double-decker bus tour to the Abby of San Miniato al Monte. These busses pull up outside the train station & just as we arrived, one left. Thinking we'd literally missed the bus, another pulled in within minutes.
The Arno River was quietly flowing by - so picturesque.
Just for "scale"
It was hard not to be impressed when the bus stopped at a light & I looked up to see the huge tower above. I've yet to find out it's history. Soon, we were climbing up off the main streets of the city & through an area with huge trees.
Through the trees~
The homes were beautiful, stately & immaculately maintained. We disembarked at the Piazzale Michelangelango - to the sight of one of the replica's of David.
David~
Against a sky full of thunderheads - it was a majestic sight even placed in the middle of a parking lot. Just a short walk further, we came to the stairs leading to the San Miniato Monte Bisilica.
Climbing the steps~
Imposing, more imposing the higher we climbed.
San Miniato al Monte
Considered one of the most scenic in Tuscany - it was easy to see why.
Cathedral interior~
Many pictures have been taken of the interior. It's impossible to appreciate the scope or size. The marble columns were massive, I had to touch one. Sadly, over the years graffiti had been etched into the pillars as high a people could reach.
Walking out, I took the walkway past the bell tower to the cemetery. Tucked into the hillside, it had a feeling of quiet serenity. The burial place of Pinocchio's author. The variety of the monuments was amazing, as was the artistic talent that went into creating them.
Looking north~
With the thunderheads billowing overhead & a light breeze, it was an incredible day to be in a place of such religious significance. As I was walking the grounds, I found a flat piece of marble, almost like a puzzle piece laying on the stone of the walkway. I picked it up & continued on. Around a corner I looked down & found the spot where the piece fit.
From the plaza area - the views were just breathtaking. The overcast & light wind added to the surreal allure. It was as though I was standing in a place where time stood still...
I had to zoom in to get Arnolfo Tower. It's unique look was so distinguishing. Returning to the bus stop - we caught the last one before the end of the day's tour schedule. A Gelato vender had the perfect spot for a quick stop. Gelato is now my new favorite for cold, creamy deliciousness!
Our Tour Bus Route~
The Garmin recorded our route for the day - on foot & by bus.
The video above - was on our way back to the station. I sat on top, at the front & put the camera on a padded grab bar. The streets actually look wider in the video! Pedestrians went about their business totally unconcerned. I saw one guy on his bike, with earbuds & eating a sandwich! Small cars are the norm & scooters were everywhere! It was fun to see all the cars come to a stop at an intersection, the scooters catch up, coast to the front & be first off when the light changed!
The sun was setting as we returned to the train station. We bought our tickets & climbed aboard one of the smaller commuter trains. From the hill, this view gave me a grand overall feel for the city. What a magnificent place!
We started the morning by packing our bags & enjoying a wonderful breakfast brunchat the Hotel Pesaro. Wonderful food, super service & the boost we needed for our travel day. Next - our first experience with the trains! Trains seem to be the mainstay of public transportation for the country. Offering the convenience of schedules to all the major cities, tourists attractions & even smaller towns. It was a little hike to the station pulling our bags. Of course there's the steps going up the bridges, down the bridges & up to the main floor of the station. :-)
Venice Train Station~
We purchased our tickets from the machine & remembered to validate them. It was just a matter of reading the arrivals board & going to the right bin. The train lines were simply called the red & the blue. Once the train came in, we started walking up the side until we found a car with room. The idea for me, was to find seats facing the direction the train would be traveling!
The trains were for the most part, clean. On some we enjoyed the observation cars, where we admired views of the passing countryside. Even though it was another very warm, muggy day, the train was air conditioned, with comfortable seats. Even so, I have to mention the little fan that Courtney brought! It charged from a USB port & we used it during almost every train ride & flight we were on!
Vineyards~
The ride to our destination of Vigliana Sull' Arno Rignano was just over three-hours. When we pulled into the Rignano station, I was pleased to see restrooms. Upon entering, I was less than pleased with the pit toilet - a hole in the floor, but it did have a very strong flush. Yes, the stories are true regarding European restrooms.
Restrooms at the Rignano Train Station~
Courtney's group of friends had started arriving on Sunday & the group leader was kind enough to pick us up. The station was just a couple miles from the Villa. Dinner was to be at 7:30 p.m. & I would be meeting the rest of the group then.
Post Card of the Villa~
We were shown to our room, up a concrete staircase of 12 stairs, three more on a landing, then a turn & up another 15 steps to the door! At least my knees would get a workout during our stay. :-) Certainly not as palatial as our rooms in Venice had been & of course no AC. We were thrilled to find a fan at the side of the far bed & put it to use. Being on the second floor, our room was warm.
Our Room~
We'd be sharing a bathroom with at least 6 other guests, so I expected that to be a challenge. I didn't expect to be dripped on from the water closet high on the wall, my first visit.
View of the pool from the door of the Villa~
The views from the Villa were so typical of what Tuscany advertising promotes. The pool was beautiful & inviting - even though I was unable to use it - due to my still healing incision.
Front of the Villa~
The Villa itself was impressive in size & the interior floor plan consisted of many different levels, some separated by only one step between rooms. I took a walk-a-bout, ready for some fresh air after the long train ride.
The only touch of color was provided by planters of scented germaniums!
Such a beautiful landscape, everywhere you looked was another photo opportunity. The bugs though, were out in force. I'd not thought to spray down, but did from this day forward. Beautiful in it's day, time had taken a toll on the railings & gardens.
Beautiful railings/fences - now starting to lean~
There was a note posted asking that we not lean on the railings & I could see why. I had hoped to see rows of Cypress, but there were a few magnificent older trees. The garden areas, seemed to be at the end of their season.
On an outbuilding~
A tour of the Villa was scheduled for the end of the week, it would have been nice to have had it earlier. We ended up missing it entirely, since we left early. It was easy to admire the stunning architecture, iron hardware, massive doors & shutters.
I'm not sure how this worked, collecting rain water off the roof - but a very useful design - I'm sure.
Stunning landscapes!
The late afternoon light was stunning, warm & golden. This would be the perfect place for the Artist Escape. Most of our congenial group was from the Duvall, WA area, but one gentleman had traveled from England with his daughter.
Looking up at Villa~
A local woman & wonderful chef - Stephania - had been contracted for the week. She would appear the afternoon, loaded with shopping bags of food, pots & pans. Her meals were just outstanding. Several courses, each beautifully presented. The dining room & table were large enough that we could enjoy dining together. Such a fun & diverse group!
