Look kids, olives, grapes

Whew-I have some catching up to do. We are spending the day lazing about, washing clothes and doing some re-grouping before we take on Rome.

A few things to add about our second day in Florence. Margaret and I did get to do some shopping, and went across town to the perfumerie at the Farmacia di Santa Maria Novella, where the nuns have been making perfume since 1612. It was the most beautiful place I have ever shopped, to say the least. We had a great time sniffing everything and peeking through a gate at the back of the shop into the courtyard of the convent. I bought some perfume for myself and some soap for Margaret. We also sprayed room spray on ourselves and were about to buy some....when the nice salesperson let us know what it was. The perfume is in the other room. Oops! We got lost in translation. I did buy some of the best smelling perfume. On that note, Italian men all seem to smell really good and dress nicely. They have earned their stereotype.

I had misplaced my lip gloss, and can not stand to have dry lips, so Margaret and I ducked into a farmacia and bought blistex from the most beautiful Italian pharmacist. Seriously, I could not stop staring at her.

It was a very tiring day, and I was a little grumbly about hiking up the Piazzale Michelangelo, then walking all the way across town to the car. Scott really wanted to do it and I am so glad we did. The view was stunning. I had heard pretty mixed review about Florence, but our experience there was great.

Montepulciano was beautiful, but as Charlie said when we pulled in "Haven't we already been here?" The hill towns do start to run together a bit. He had been excited to visit Adamo since we saw him on a Rick Steve's video. It was one of the best experiences of the trip. He was welcoming and funny and so worth going to see. When he said "American?, Adamo famoso in America," I knew it was going to be good. BTW, I know it's a bit of sacrilege around here, but I think I like the Vino Nobile better than the Brunello, but we will keep that to ourselves for now. I did buy some gorgeous, red, suede driving shoes at Maledetti Toscani (handmade Italian shoes since 1848). I could drop some serious dough in there...

All in all, wonderful days. Sitting on the back patio with a glass of wine (and no mosquitoes) watching the pink and purple sunset has been one of the best parts.