We had a great drive through the Chianti region, reminiscent of the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC, except for the rolling hills covered with vineyards and olive groves. Along one winding stretch of road a group of 5 wild boar charged across the road going uphill at an alarming speed. About the size of bull mastiffs, I didn't know anything that large could run up a steep incline that fast.
We found the supposed "best butcher in Italy" (according to Anthony Bourdain) and had lunch in his restaurant. It was a 10 euro hamburger with fries called the Mac Dario, named after him. Actually, it was pretty good. Later we tasted some wine at Monte Bernardi, a small producer of Chianti Classico. Finally found a 100 percent Sangiovese wine that I like, called Sa'Etta and requiring about 15 years of aging. Tried the 2000 vintage and it was splendid, just coming around.
Sunday we left our B&B in the hill town country and drove to Florence, where of course they were having a Marathon and the city was flooded with people. Finally dropped off our car and found our hotel. We've been real tourists, walking all over, taking pictures everywhere, and eating gelato. Also a bit of shopping, not nearly enough by Sanda's estimation.
Will stop for now as we're buying wifi time by the hour.
Dad: You must encourage Mom to shop and to remember her favorite people Katy and Marta...and remember what has to be checked and what is safe for your carry-on on your way home. Lots of love and miss you.
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