So, I mentioned that we almost missed the train because I thought we had lot's of time and wanted to get some water for the train. Then we got on the wrong platform, train attendant of little or no help. Friendly lady in the subway (under the tracks) helped us find our way. Train left almost the second we sat down in our seats.
Comfortable ride, too fast to really get an sense for the countryside. Arrived in Firenze on time and found the rental car place no problem. Set out for San Gimignano with Myles navigating. Got out of Firenze no problem and on the Auto Strada south. I had pulled directions off the internet (Google Maps), why would I bother with the directions provided by San Pietro Agritourismo? We got a little lost around Certaldo, but no problem, a very nice Italian man helped us while we were inspecting the town map. My italian lessons didn't help much, but sign language is universal. It was right during siesta and the sidewalks were rolled up (TI was closed too). Managed to find the last three mini pizzas in town. Everyone was stanco, fame e sete. Anyway, with the great help from the nice Uomo, we got back on the road and found our way to Pancole and on to the farmhouse. Found out we needed to get some supplies for the apartment, similar to lake cottages, need to supply your own consumables. Went in to San Gimignano and found the co-op. As Mark had warned me, it was confusing on top of being crowded. Late in the day so no bread left etc. While in the check out line, I noticed my wallet was not in my pocket, panicked a bit and told Karen as we were walking to the car. Started to drive off but decided I should report that I had been pick pocketed in the store so returned to the parking lot. Got out and started walking back to the store and noticed that my wallet was in my back pocket. What a relief!!! Must have inadvertently put it there while fishing in my money belt for cash.
Turned out that the Ristorante at the farmhouse was open that night so we decided to stay for a home made meal that was fantastic - a bit of local wine to boot. Had earlier made contact with our neighbors Troy and Diane and planned to meet them in Firenze next day.
Sunday in Firenze. Drove back to Firenze and had no problem finding our way (followed the route suggested by Lorna from San Pietro). One missed turn, but we wound up where we wanted to be. Parked in a garage and walked to T&D's hotel and met them. Decided to do the Accademia and saw the original David. Lunch at Caffe Nutti. Checked out Il Duomo and walked by Uffizzi but didn't go in. On to Ponte Vecchio to look at the jewelry shops. Had a gelato and on to Pallaza Pitte and the Boboli Gardens. Lots of elevation change in the palace back yard. Gardens were huge. Picked up some more supplies so walked all the way back to the car to drop off, then went to T&D's hotel ( stopped to make the post from yesterday on the way). Left the Hotel and went to dinner at Ristorante Za Za - another excellent meal. Drove back to San Pietro via Poggibonsi and San Gimignano no problem - another long day with loads of walking under our belts.
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