roxanne

Orvieto

Well we left Tuscany after having a magical experience there. The farm stay was awesome, the food delicious and the people were fabulous. Hope someday to return.

On to Orvieto – an interesting place. Built on the edge of a volcano. Lots of underground caves that are man made. Dates back to the 1300s. Many ancient runs and excavations.

Don’t look down. The village is built on a cliff.

So many interesting things about these places in Europe. The history blows me away. We are on to Rome, where I’ve been told mankind began.

We drove to Radicondoli and did a farm stay. So serene and quiet with indeed a red Tuscany sun. We shared dinners and stories with the owners of the farm and other guests. Can’t describe the magic of this place.

Veges from the garden and home made pasta

Cheese made from their sheep to be eaten with honey

Florence

The beginning of our time in Tuscany. Starting with Florence… Michaelangelo’s David was impressive. The Cathedral and all the Renaissance paintings and statues reminded me how rich in art this area is. So awesome to walk the same cobbled streets that the Medici (bankers and politicians) and artisians did. It is a beautiful city indeed.

Cinque Terre

What an interesting place. 5 small villages that you can hike to. Some paths were closed, but we did 2 of them First one was difficult… lots of rocky steps. Took over 2 hours. But beautiful views.

Took the train back to Vernazza where we were staying (thank goodness).

Next day tried a different trail from Vernazza to Corniglia. This was an easier hike. It took us 2 hours, of course with stops for pictures and a drink at the halfway cafe.

Leaving Vernazza. This is the back view.

All these are very small villages with 350 to 500 or so people each. The villages are on the coast and are built on the cliffs of mountains. The people work hard, but love to play soccer, eat, drink wine, swim, fish and farm. Gotta love them.