...OK, we had one beautiful day before going back
under the slop. As soon as I saw the sun Thursday I decided to run to the train station and go ... anywhere.
The first train was leaving in 10 minutes and it was going to Poggibonsi. I knew from there I could easily get to San Gimignano & always wanted to see it in late fall - without the hordes of tourists.
Ecco San Jimmy dopo la pioggia (Here is S. Gimignano after the rain).
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| ...and look - no hordes! |
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| No hordes here either ... |
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| Just lil ol' me ... |
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| There was a dude playing a flute in the park nearby, but otherwise ... |
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| Quiet, |
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| peaceful, |
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| horde-free. |
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| Just the way I like it. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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I found a quiet wine bar with only two (I assumed) locals, the 'wine bar guy,' and his dog. I settled in with a glass of Cesani and curled up with the latest Gambero Rosso.
After a serene day of wine, wandering, and finding things to put in my mouth (yes, I found the gelato shop of one of the 2006 world champion gelato makers), I grabbed a newspaper and settled in for a mellow train ride home.
Just the way I like it.
Had to google San Gimignano.. wow u were near Siena? My daughter spent a year there.. She was going to summer school at the university there.. Not exactly the best area at night... She loved living in Italy.. and ended up getting her masters in Milan..
ReplyDeleteI wished she had taken photos.. Yours I love, absolutely gorgeous views and composition.
Ahh - yes, Siena is not a favorite place for me. Actually at night it's nicer than in the day with respect to crowds, but all the drunk kids in the street are a nuisance - just like they are here in Firenze. I'm in love with this country - but hoping to move further away from the touristy areas - just to see how long I can live without hearing or using English. My record is 3 days - I know I can do better... I am glad you enjoy the photos - what a compliment, having seen yours!
ReplyDeleteGood goal to have, such an enjoyable way to immerse yourself in it! Wandering and listening is so much better than TV. Are you having any difficulty though with local dialects?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, as always! Inspired by your fearlessness in traveling alone... I haven't been anywhere in a couple of months, and am getting antsy.
Nope, not jealous at all.....grumble
ReplyDeleteValerie, yours are stunning... btw, my daughter told me she couldn't walk around Siena at night.. she said men would wait out in doorways and masturbate in front of her! lol can u believe the university would house the kids in the seedy section of Siena?
ReplyDeleteEach time I log on here I breathe a contented sigh....what beautiful photographs again. I really am gong to have to leave the miserable UK permanently. Enjoy your weekend.
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad there wasn't a wine bar in the train, then... perfection!
ReplyDeleteWe can relate to the weather....it's been wet and cold for the past few weeks...and today the sun is out and the temps are in the hight teens (C that is)....so Sepp and I are going to go on a long trek through the country side and soak up some vitamin D....enjoy your last few days in Italy and look forward to your French adventure.
ReplyDelete@ADOC - I do understand some people more than others - although I'm getting more familiar with some Tuscan dialect/words - since that's where I spend most of my time, especially 'modi di diri fiorentini' (Florentine expressions) While I've had some great travel buddies, I prefer to have a more personal experience travel alone these days. I hope you get a nice trip somewhere soon - even if it's just up the coast a little!
ReplyDelete@Sam - I promise I'll drink something(s) for you!
@KBF - Oh, I'd believe it - they house students in some places I wouldn't have let my dog live; but on the flip side students (Americans in particular) have a reputation for destroying apartments, some in historical buildings - so many people won't rent to them now. I'm sure your daughter wasn't one of them, but I find the student behavior here disrespectful & appalling - and I wouldn't rent a nice apartment to them either. I guess that explains the 'seedy' areas?
@Facing50 - I'm so glad you enjoy! Trust me, the weather here has been awful the last few weeks, though. I don't think it matters where you are - people need to see the sun sometimes!
@Sara - I know, right? I was just happy that little regional train was a newer one. It was full of commuters all passed out over their newspapers, I guess after working all day - my favorite time to travel.
@Mairi - Ciao! Yes, am enjoying these last days (for now) to the max. I know Sepp has got to love all the beautiful places you have to walk near your house as well! Nothing keeps us young and full of energy like having a dog to walk a few times a day. Hugs to you all!