A lazy day in the Tuscan Hills

Scott writes
Day 40

It was very hot overnight, making it hard to sleep. The day started quite slowly, with us leaving the house at about 10.00am. We drove to a walled hilltop town called San Gimignano. As with many of the popular old towns, you have to park outside the town walls and walk in. We had a good look around, but couldn't go into the church (being Sunday there was a service on). We climbed up to the fort and got some great views, went to a wine museum (a little disappointing) and went down to find some lunch. James has been clamouring to have pizza in a restaurant in Italy and he finally got his way. Good food all round washed down with some great local wine.

We headed for home and the afternoon by the pool. With temperatures hitting 34 degrees it is an easy decision. The pool here is great - it is large and warm. We share it with the two other holiday lets on this property, but the kids soon managed to scare off the couples having their romantic Tuscan break and we had the pool to ourselves for most of the afternoon until the owner's brother and his family came for a swim.

The owner hasn't really been around, as his wife had a baby this morning - they use a hospital in Florence, about 100km away. Nona lives onsite and is looking after the daughter, Annalisa. Emma has been very lucky in finding a second place with a girl approximately the same age as her - instant friends.

After such a torrid day it is time to have a beer and sample some more local wines with dinner. While the wines here are great (and cheap), the beers in both France and Italy have not been as exciting. There is not much in the way of local craft or artisan beers. Most of their more interesting stuff comes from Belgium. Still, I am coping.