Tuscany, Italy

Since I was turning 30, I think Craig thought it fair to spoil me. Well OK I nudged him in the direction that we should go away (although I didn’t know where which was fun for packing).

So on Wednesday, Craig had organized that we get together with friends for birthday drinks and perhaps a bite to eat. This was supposed to be a surprise as well, but due to my ability to sniff out any kind of planning going on without me knowing, I had sort of found out beforehand. We will blame email for this indiscretion. It was a very good choice of location however, just two doors down so it made it easy for us to come home, get changed and then stagger home afterwards thanks to Craig footing the tab for drinks. I was very spoilt by all that attended (and one that didn’t – thanks Kim) and a good time was had by all.

(Regan, Justin, Julie, Claire, Caren, Loretta, Amy, Brendan and Sambo ...whers craig?..that cheeky bugger will do anything to get outve a photo!)

The next night was the night we were supposed to leave from Stanstead Airport – but the London transport system, bless its soul, was partially culprit for us missing our trains out to the airport and then us walking in to the airport as check in closed. Yay! But the efficient people at the check in desk booked us in for the first flight in the morning and a night in the English countryside at a B&B. It really didn’t hurt our plans too much, just cost us a bit more money. So remember folks, next time you want to catch a cheap flight from Stanstead, but can’t really get out there in the middle of the night, the B&B at £60 may be the way to go with at least a bit of comfort. Beats joining the dossers on the hard floor in their sleeping bags at the airport. But on saying that, you might as well just pay the extra for a flight at a normal time. I digress.

So only an hour and a half flight away, we were landing in Pisa and picking up a rental car. We couldn’t seem to follow the map of Pisa terribly well, but we eventually found the tower by driving out a bit and then following our noses. Of course, we had to go up the tower even if the whole area was so scarily touristy.

(the famous Leaning tower of Pisa...it was very leany!)

Then we hit the road to find our accommodation. At this stage, we had vague directions, but I still didn’t know where we were going. We were also hampered by the fact that Craig didn’t realise he actually had a proper map of Italy so we were largely guessing where we were going. You would be proud of me using my girl guide skills and figuring out where south was by the time and the position of the sun.

So after getting lost a couple of times, and driving through a place that looked suspiciously like Kumeu, we unexpectedly came across Montepulciano. A stunning medieval village overlooking the vineyards and olive groves in the valleys below. We couldn’t believe our eyes, and even more unbelievably, people were still living there, just as normal. After a drive round the mountain, we came to our luxury B&B, Relais San Bruno. A gorgeous property with chalets and a wonderful ambience. It comes complete with spa baths, fire places in your room, complimentary red wines, and some wonderful breakfasts.

(the "main Street" of Montepulciano)

The next morning was birthday morning – which I was awoken by mother ringing on the cell phone wondering where we were. Sorry ma, but couldn’t talk long – she couldn’t even get a HAPPY BIRTHDAY song in. Well the day turned out miserably in terms of weather, but at least things were cosy. I still at least had presents to open – thanks Ma, Ta, Mich and Da. Craig also gave me another present (I told you I was spoilt) – my first diamond!! Don’t get too excited folks, it was the kind on a necklace not a ring.

Well we tried to get on a chocolate making course but unfortunately, we could not book so late in the piece, and the company was getting ready for a chocolate festival the following week. So we went on a drive around the mountains. We found a number of medieval villages just like Montepulciano – although we still kept getting lost. This prevented us from hearing the Benedictine monks from chanting their prayers in Latin at the Abbey Sant’Antimo.

(Abbey SantAntimo ....who knew Italians are catholic?!?!)

We ended up retiring in the afternoon at our hotel with some smoked meats, cheese (bought from Pienza) and champagne.

Dinner was back at Pienza, 14km away, at a tiny restaurant run by a 60 year old couple with limited English. The place only has 4 tables and no one really spoke Italian either – but thanks to the Lonely Planet European Phrase Book and many Bene’s (good) we got through dinner. We decided to have three courses – pasta which was soo fresh. I also had KFP (Kentucky Fried Pigeon) and delicious fresh porcini mushrooms and a divine chocolate soufflé. This is all accompanied by a starter of bubbly and desert wines that are compulsory (and you still have to pay for) but matched the food beautifully. Even Craig drank them!!

The next morning was time to say goodbye to our lovely abode, so we decided to drive up slowly back through to Pisa. We went through Sienna and visited the cathedral (Opera Della Metropolitana Duomo) which was spectacular – I have never seen such wonderful paintings, sculptures and frescoes. And apparently this is just the tip of the iceberg in Italy.

(A room of Fresco's and Illuminated texts in the Duomo)

(the interior (or at least a small percentage of it of the Duomo)

(A painting of some dudes)

Then it was back to the Campo (Plaza) for a gelato. This is where they have the famous Palio horse races in July and August which look downright dangerous.

(a shot Caren stole of the internet..we weren’t there for the races!)

So I still think we could easily go back there – Florence (Firenze) which is in between Pisa and Montepulciano apparently has lots of magnificent sites to see. Then we could go back to the place we stayed to sit by the pool and go do some chocolate making me thinks.

Next stop, Egypt – watch this space…