We Have Arrived in Tuscany !
Trip Start
Sep 29, 2008
1
26
74
Trip End
Mar 31, 2009
Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy
Monday, November 3, 2008
After three fun-filled days at EuroDisney, we left early yesterday (November 02) for Italy. Our weather while at Disney had been nasty -- cold (3 degrees), very grey, and very, very wet (at times pouring). It was a perfect day for driving: clear blue skies, dry roads. It was a beautiful drive, admiring the various towns and villages as they passed by. It seemed every one had an ancient tower, castle or set of ruins. We drove through the foothills of the Alps, and then into (literally) the Alps themselves. Truly spectacular. These huge, rugged, almost primitive dark grey masses of stone jutting up towards the sky and dusted with snow, as if they had been sprinkled with icing sugar. Devon commented that he could not believe he was actually seeing them in real life after having read about them and seeing them in movies. We saw the Bosson Glacier, a beautiful green colour, almost like sea glass. Mont Blanc was stunningly breath-taking. We then took the Mont Blanc Tunnel (after paying a hefty toll), and headed through the mountain. (Vehicles are provided with written rules for driving through the tunnel, and instructions as to what to do if you break down -- in four languages). At the other end of the tunnel we arrived in Italy, where it was grey, cold and pouring rain !!
As we descended from the mountains down to sea level the weather cleared (and our ear popped), and we were able to admire the many towns and cities along the drive. When night fell, it was like driving through twinkling fairy villages, with lights and illuminated ruins and castles dotting the hillsides. Genoa, a large harbour city, was spectacular by night, would love to have seen it during the day. We were fortunate to be driving on a Sunday and at night -- there was almost no traffic. I have to say, the highways in Italy, so far, have been fabulous. (And we still love "Nanette", our GPS.)
We arrived at 11:00 pm , after 13.5 hours of driving, Mark did a wonderful job and the children only complained during the last half hour. Greeting us was a note reading "Welcome to you new home. Have a good night and rest: we will see you tomorrow morning. If you need the heating just turn the thermostat near the sofa". The lights were on, and there was a fire burning in the stove. This morning we awakened to see the wonderful view from the property. The house here is beautiful, two bedrooms, two bathrooms (and both showers have doors!), and a large kitchen/sitting room (with a beautiful red leather couch). Daniel and Menauela, our hosts, have been very gracious and welcoming. They have 750 olive trees, and just a few minutes ago, Daniel arrived with a bottle of the first pressing of oli of the season. It is the most beautiful green, and it smells wonderful. As I type this, I can hear the voices of the workers calling to one another as they harvest the olives. Daniel and Manuela also grow grapes, and make an organic Chianti; they left us some to try, and I am happy to report that it is delightful !! The olive oil and the wine are produced almost exclusively for their own consumption and that of their tenants. Luck us ! They also have lemon and pomegranate trees. How cool is that ?! Rigel is already sorry we will be hear only for a week.
We are in Italy !!
- Gretchen
Comments
I love Italy!
I received your postcard and just read through the blog. As I read today's entry, I could actually visualize the tunnel and getting out on the Italian side as I have done this a few times. Great to be able to follow your adventure this way.
Ciao bella!