Friday, May 22.
Decided to take a much needed rest day. Myles was feeling poorly with mild flu symptoms. This sent Matthew into an emotional meltdown. So we stayed at the farmhouse which proved to be a great idea. Myles started feeling better in the afternoon and we did venture out to visit some of the neighboring wineries and found them to be far more interesting and accomodating than the places we tried to visit in the Chianti region yesterday, not to mention much closer. Matthew spent most of the day in the pool so his spirits were much better later on. Finished off the pasta, pizza and pastry from the cooking class and early to bed.
Saturday, May 23.
Up early to pack up and head out. Left the agritourismo farmhouse behind at 07:00 and made our way to Pisa. Got there early enough to miss the tourist rush and found a parking spot near the duomo and leaning tower (after a bit of misdirection driving around). Climbed the tower and got some great views of the surrounding area. Not much else to see here, so off to Lucca.
Arrived in Lucca and found a parking spot no problem inside the ramparts. Walked around and found a place for lunch in the nick of time as pazienza was wearing thin once more. I thought there would be an open air mercato to wander through but not the case. Did a little shopping and Matthew found gli scarpe he had been searching for, so far the only successful shopping in Italy (excluding tourist souvineers).
Decided to move on and took the scenic route to La Spezia, avoiding the toll road super strada. In one little town, I missed a turn and wound up driving through a pedestrian street, if looks could kill!! I'll have to wait and see if I get a traffic ticket in the mail. After a bunch of misdirection in La Spezia, got on the road to Cinque Terra and followed the coastline switch backs - very spectacular drive, extremely slow. Arrived at Monterosso al Mare after 6:00 pm. Parking is a big problem here, very busy long weekend. Info from hotel we are staying at a bit sketchy, and a good walk into town lugging our bags. Took a bit of doing to find the hotel and nerves were getting a bit frayed, but we made it and got checked in. Found a nice terraza for dinner, it might take me a while to get an appetite for pizza again once we are home. Hope to get a good sense for 5 Terra tomorrow, maybe take the boat tour?
Heyyyyy Wassamatta you guys, tiyad [Italian 4 tired] o pizza already? Sounds like you all are going to need a few weeks rest when you get back. Weather must be okay there, spring has finally arrived here so you will be able to enjoy mid 20's when you get back. Laughed at the drive down the pedestrian street - you haven't lived until you've driven down a sidewalk! Have fun your last day, safe travels back. D&E
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