Monday = Driving day

I did a lot of driving today. I started off the day with a great breakfast at the agriturismo. I was the only one there and enjoyed a nice sunny morning out on a terrace looking out across the valley. Very sunny and beautiful. what a way to start the day.

After that I headed out for some driving. I started off with a town that Cristiano recommended - Certaldo.Took about 20 minutes to drive over. Then I had to find Certaldo Alto (the top, old part of town). As I followed the GPS I was sure it was wrong and i was going to be really lost. But then I rose out fo town and saw the walled older city of Certaldo. It was a neat drive to it as you just drive along the top of some 'mountains' and curve back and forth until you reach the villiage. I then just wandered around town and took in more of the architecture, people and sights. I had a quick pastry snack but mostly just spent 2 hours walking around. Then it was back on the road back to San Gimignano. I grabbed a guide book and then headed off to Volterra.

Volterra was pretty cool. Seems to have bigger city walls than some of the other cities. It is also more real of a town, less touristy. I walked the inside perimeter of the walls and then headed toward the center to get food. I found a nice little place with covered dining in the shade. I enjoyed a simple meal of caprese salad and bruchetta. Oh, and a 375ml bottle of the house wine. Pretty good wine for only 4EUR. After that I had to go try the gelato at Chic & shock, per Simons suggestion. While I did like it, i think I liked Grom gelato better. Hope i don't offend Justine with that one.

After lunch I took the roundabout way back to San Gimignano. I kinda got lost (on purpose) and just drove where it looked interesting. Then I turned on the GPS and headed back. That little Fiat Punto is a fun car to drive. Handling sucks, as does the power, but its very tossable and fun to rev up. And the tires squeal plenty loud to let you know when you push too hard.

Now I'm at Massimo's internet cafe, also recommended by Simon, and after I post them I'm just giong to have to try some more wines. the rain has just started again so not too much sighseeing to do. There is one restaurant here that I want to go see if I can get dinner reservations at but other than that tonight is pretty laid back. In the morning I drive back to Florence, get a train to rome, and then get to have fun finding the Apartment where I'll be staying. I'll report more when I get setup in Rome.