After a couple of days of rest and laying by the pool we decided to get up and explore the Tuscan countryside.  Jean and I take Rick Steves’ guidebooks as gospel so, after reading about a hilltop village near us, we set off for it this morning.  After a cappuccino and a croissant, we set off on our quest.  Our destination was the medieval hilltop town of Volterra, about 40 miles from here.  We enjoyed the beautiful drive as the road meandered through the rich farmland boasting wheat, olives, and, of course, the beans that are such a staple in Tuscan cuisine.  The road eventually narrowed and we began to climb into the hills.  As we did, the vistas opened up and we were mesmerized by the beauty.  (Actually, I am relaying this second hand.  Jean described it while I shifted gears and tried to keep us from getting killed by Italian drivers who fancy themselves to be Mario Andretti incarnate).   Reaching the village was much easier than finding a parking place for the trusty Berlingo.  We circled around the medieval walls a couple of times until Jean spotted a likely suspect.  She got out and asked a passing Policia if this was a legal parking spot.  It was,  and we were IN!  And it was only a few miles straight uphill to the entrance of the medieval inner city.  (At least it seemed like miles………..Parking inside the walls is reserved for residents and delivery vehicles, which tried vigoursly to run us down as we walked the cobblestone streets. The town was everything we had hoped for and more.  We searched out a restaurant recommended by Steves but, it turns out, there was a sign on the door that they were closed.  Apparently they decided to take a little vacation.  Fortunately, next door there was a great little outdoor café and we enjoyed a wonderful Tuscan lunch.  I had a very traditional Tuscan vegetable soup, loaded with the local seasonal vegetables.  It was ladled over a big slice of hearty toasted bread and served with plenty of parmesano on the side.  Jean had the local potato gnocchi with fresh pesto and the sliced pork roast accompanied by fresh spinach.  After a hearty lunch, we shopped our way to the Etruscan Museum.  Volterra is a goldmine of Etruscan artifacts and we wanted to see them all.  If you don’t know who the Etruscans were, join the crowd. (Me actually, ……..Jean knew) The Etruscans (Tuscany……get it?) were the original settlers around here.  Their highly cultured civilization goes back 3500 years or so.  They were eventually absorbed by the Romans and became an integral part of what is now Italy.

The museum was fascinating.  We were astounded by the art and advanced culture of the time.  We were not so impressed when we decided to make a bathroom stop at the museum.  After a quick look at the facility, I decided I was not adequately trained to attempt such a feat.   Jean however, was up to the task.  She admits to some adept positioning.   All in all, it was a wonderful day.  I would write more but, it is 10:00PM and I am being devoured by mosquitos.