The road to this spot is challenging - to say the least. If anyone can remember the old 'Mangaweka's' then triple it and this is what its like. It has beautiful mountain scenery and there are views of Roman ruins around nearly every corner. Its one of those drives that you need to take your time over.
On the way we stop for lunch at Bibbiena and there happens to be a market on, and so we buy a huge punnet of fresh strawberries and scoff the lot as we wander around.
We arrive at our destination around 3 pm and as per usual all the shops are closed. But we later found out that they are closed all afternoon anyway because its Thursday. Its a shame to see a pretty little village all closed up because there are big ugly roller doors covering all the shop windows and it makes the whole place look very dreary.
We took a different route home - funny that! This route took us on a semi-major highway that was, in reality, a bridge about 50 kms long running straight down the middle of a valley - like the Manawatu Gorge but WAY longer. It had tunnels as well and was a very easy drive.
But in doing that, we accidently came across one of the prettiest and most original little villages that we have seen in all our trips to Italy. Its called Anghiari and it doesnt seem to feature in tourist maps or 'points of interest' sheets.
The original walled town seems to be pretty well intact and its just a normal busy little place. Not all geared up for tourists, but with 'real people' living there, going about their normal lives. One of the main entrances is dated 1204. Now thats old!
Now its Friday and we decided last night to go to Florence. We went there in 2002 and decided to go back. We dont usually go back to somewhere we have been to before.
We drove to the nearby town of Montevarcchi and park the car and catch the train to Florence.
Its a lovely warm morning.
We arrive in Florence about 45 minutes later and its totally crawling with tourists! So many more than our last visit at exactly the same month of the year. Plus its now very, very hot. We think at least 30 degrees. We didnt go into the Uffizi Gallery last visit, so we headed that way, but the line to get in was snaking way round the building and everyone was looking very frazzled standing in the heat. So we gave that a miss this time.
We came across a lovely little church in a side alley and went in to have a look. There were only 6 people inside and it was beautiful, quiet, and cool!
Thats me on a bridge with the Ponte Vecchio in the background.
Unfortunately for us this time the WOW factor was lacking. Not sure if it was the heat, the crowds, or the fact that we had already had our Wow there 10 years ago......
Overall though, it was still a very nice day. The statues and buildings are absolutely stunning and a real testament to the artistic abilities and the engineering skills of the Italians, all those years ago.
Then when the heat got too much, we spent time watching people, and sitting in shady spots drinking cold beer, and wandering down little alleyways that were quiet and cool. I had planned on doing some shopping but was 'over it' very quickly when I realised that in this whole area, it was all designer labels again! Where do the real Italians buy their clothes!!
Now we are sitting in our apartment having a glass of wine and a little rest before we go out in search of food.
Tomorrow (Saturday) we leave this beautiful village of Loro Cuiffenna and head towards the East Coast in search of new adventures. A possible plan is to stay 2 nights in Assisi.
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