Today we visited Montepulciano in the Tuscany region. Another “hill” city. Very steep grade, but we all made it to the top. This region is known for its food and wine, and beautiful countryside. Steve/Connie and the Oppelts had to take the local bus service down, while the young and athletic LeRoys walked down. We had a wonderful lunch of bruschetta, pasta, frittered vegetables, pork and beef along with some very good local wine. Our lunch was capped off with some cannolis, which were out of this world. We’re all very appreciative that we don’t have a weigh-in when we get back.
Again, Bob was our driver and did a great job. We are very appreciative. On the way, we incurred very slow and stopped traffic. It turned out to be 20-25 Ferraris, Masertis and a Mclaren in line at a gas station. They all had numbers on the side of the cars and it appears they were in a road rally. we were looking at millions of dollars of cars. As we continued our drive to our destination, several of these cars passed us on the interstate at a very high rate of speed. However, they were no match for our Fiat van! It turns out there is no speed limit on the interstate except where posted. Then, as we almost got back to our villa, the car in front of us went off the road into an olive tree due to the sun. Bob had just commented that he couldn’t see the road due to the sun position. The car driver was a young woman, who wasn’t hurt. Steve got out to help along with other locals. We moved on and let the locals handle it.
It was a harvest moon tonight and we all went outside late tonight to enjoy the sites. It was a beautiful evening.
Well, this is the end of the road for the LeRoys and Oppelts. We head back to Cincinnati tomorrow via Rome and New York. A very long day ahead! Connie and Steve will continue on to Parma and Florence to enjoy more sight seeing, food and wine. We wish them well.
Finally, a special thanks to Steve for the food he cooked for us at the villa. He is a class A chef! Although he loves to cook, we are so appreciative. The villa, Steve’s cooking and company is something we will always remember. Everyone should come here.
Arrivederci,
Barry
