Day 6, Thursday, August 16

Okay, I officially missed a day yesterday, which was relaxing and not much to report, other than having lunch in town, and meeting a cute couple from Israel.  They were exploring their way through Italy, and we had a lovely chat yesterday.

Today, though, we rented a Vespa and motored all around the region for most of the day.  We started off in at cute little stop for Coffee at a little B&B called Casa al Chianti.  The view was amazing and the host was a sweet lady who was originally from Scotland, but had Italian parents and settled here.  Very sweet.

Then we got on the scooter and made our way to the next town which was called Badda in Chianti.  There were some shops, and it was really nice, with amazing views of the vineyards.  After that we drove back to our apartment to regroup and cool off.  Then we went to lunch in Ponzano, which is about 10 km (about a 15 minute scooter ride) for lunch.  Jeff looked up on trip advisor and found this amazing find for lunch that had the most amazing food as well as incredible view.

I really felt like I got my Italy fix today.  Just motoring around on the scooter and making our way through the towns.  I have to say, Jeff is a very good driver!! Even though some of the streets were very narrow and winding, I think all that time on the Harley has been good training for a little Vespa!!

Took a nap after returning the scooter and watched the Palio on TV which is a very famous Horse Race that is held annually in Sienna.  Jeff wanted to go, but we were told that there were millions of people and it would be hot and crowded.  After watching it on TV (which was pretty intense since 5 of the 9 horses collided against a wall) we were very glad that we didn't go - Or at least I was.

Tried to watch The Newsroom on our Slingbox (we are obsessed!!) but had difficulty with our internet connection.

Oh, an update on the famous Sim Card (actually called a "TimCard").  Works great for data, and phone.  However the app for the TomTom not so much.  We've been using the Google Maps app on the IPhone to navigate our way through the country, and it's been about 95% accurate, until we went to dinner tonight.  Went round and round in circles, because the construction and one way streets weren't updated on the maps.  We tried to ask a lady walking her dog where to go, and she only spoke Italian.  The more she tried to talk to us, the more frustrated she got, and the louder she emphasized her "dirrecia" (I think that was to the right?)  Oh, well, found our way to dinner tonight and had an amazing Ravioli stuffed with Ricotta & Spinach with a sausage and walnut sauce that is to die for!!  Had Bistecca (T-Bone Steak) as well, finally, since Jeff has been drooling since we got here for his steak!!

Here are a few pics!!

View from the drive into Badda in Chianti

Badda in Chianti

Restaurant in Ponzano...if we didn't know where we were going, we never would have found the restaurant!

View from table at Lunch, name of the Restaurant was Il Vescovino

Church at end of road.  Actually went in and said a prayer for Mom & Dad and lit a candle. Wish they were with us right now!!

This is the view from our apartment overlooking the Square in Greve.  Have really grown to love this little town!

Dinner after we got lost and yelled at by the Italian lady!! :-)

The Vespa...this is out of order...should have been at the top!

View from Dudda where we had our first stop of the day for a cappuccino. 

 Overall, a fantastic day!!