Making Circles

So I’ve been in a little hilltop town called Volterra for a day longer than expected. My drive took a little longer than planned yesterday as I got turned around for over an hour in a little village until I figured out what the route we use for our trips was supposed to be. I’ve also been visiting hotels as possible alternatives for our trip.
view from my hotel in Volterra- not bad eh?

I had the best meal imaginable on my first evening here: beetroot filled ravioli with a 4 cheese sauce, and a salad with greens, fennel, and rocket. The best part was the ravioli filling was neon pink!

This country is full of contrasts. It still amazes me that a country that can produce art such as the Sistine Chapel and the David, and for whom beauty is paramount, can feature the corniest TV I’ve ever seen. Variety shows are still popular, complete with gorgeous young women parading in super skimpy outfits, and cheesy jokes from the host. My first dinner in Volterra was at a quaint little restaurant in a medieval building serving truly excellent food, and there was a flat screen TV showing music videos in one corner. huh?

I loved this view of rooftops with all the antennas…

Even in comparison to European cars, the smart car looks squished.

The hills here are crazy!

I walked the uphill road on the right.

…and Tim and I think we have it bad at our neighborhood in Philly!

alley of the beautiful woman- love it

Cats have it good here too.

overlooking the chianti countryside on my first day’s ride in the Chianti region- ah, happiness.

Yes, I said at home. I feel more comfortable and happy in this country than in any other (not counting Costa Rica for the happiness factor though). I am back in Tuscany doing research and reconnaissance for a few trips I am guiding soon…

Had a couple of meetings today, drove routes for a few hours, then biked one of the routes for almost 4 hours. I actually kind of forgot how crazy hilly Tuscany is. I spent waaaaay more time climbing than descending on the ride, which is unfortunate given how incredibly awesome the descents are here. Still got a few good ones in though. I don’t think I’d be quite so beat if I had been riding a road bike though- Had to ride a hybrid, and man, I have to say I feel for people who ride these things for long/hard rides. I have always known this, but today’s ride really made me understand how much more efficient road bikes are. I enjoy climbing on a road bike, but on this hybrid thing, I have to admit it’s a little torturous. Anyway, on hour and 30 minutes of the ride, had a nutella sandwich, and on two hours and 30 minutes into it, had a piece of apple pie (with custardy stuff inside…) at a bar. Definitely good to be here.

Must get to bed. I keep making silly spelling errors. Still jet-lagged after my sleepless flight yesterday.

Ciao belli