Wednesday, October 2nd Rain In The Forecast

We left Simione, the cute tiny town that stretches into lake Garda, late morning. We got lucky and had no rain during our visit there. But soon the heavens opened and as we headed toward Verona,  Liana checked off a bucket list must-see, we took a break for pizza, and then we were off to Pistoia, to our agro-hotel for the night. 

In Italy there are Agriturismo Hotels.  Usually it is in a farm-rural setting; an Air B&B in the country-side. Often the food served is from the farm to table and each place has their niche.  Our Agri-hotel did not serve dinner.  However, there was an organic restaurant a short walk away. It was a relatively warm evening and the rain had stopped. I loved this restaurant.  They agreed to open an hour early to accommodate our need to eat before 8pm as we were tired, sick with head colds, and needed sleep. The restaurant was lovely. This was an organic farm to table with a beautiful atmosphere.  Prosecco was served as we sat down and a small appetizer was given. The dinner was delicious.  

Thursday we drove on to Florence. As we left our lovely hotel it went from a steady, cold rain to to a down-pour. On the autostrada there were tons of big semi's, dozens of cars of various sizes, and everyone switching lanes and going fast.  Liana was the perfect driver and our VW held the road.  At times the wash from the trucks just added more misery to our already bad weather day. 

We arrived in Florence in heavy, cold rain. Not a parking spot could be found. Around and around we drove wondering why so many were braving this rain to see this iconic city. I voted that we skip Florence for now. We could take a train from Cortona one nice day and see the city in a better light. Liana was sad but agreed it was not the best day to see the city. 

Two to three more white-knuckle (me) hours later we found our next hotel that would be home for two days in the middle of Tuscany.

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