Firenze

This was probably the best time we've ever had in Italy. Perhaps because for the first time we went out with Italians who showed us the town. Steve and I also drove to Barbaresco, to visit Gaja Gaja and her father, Angelo Gaja. We took some pictures of the view from her future house, she's building it next to the winery.

Back in Firenze, we were hosted by Chateau St. Michelle and stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel. The hotel is brand new, a restored Palazzo with an enormous park, spa and marble bathrooms. The little necessities of life.

           

Steve an I had lunch at il Latini, not knowing we'd return there for dinner. It was good, anyway. Steve kept eyeing the prosciutto that the guy was cutting - paper thin. At night, our waiter showed us how to handle lots of glasses ... And the wines they had in their cellar was stupendous! What a night.

We took an obligatory day trip to Siena, lovely place.

The next day, we went to an Antinori winery, Guado Al Tasso, with a wonderful wine and a love story to match.

The following day we were taken to two other wineries. The first one, Badia e Passignano, is in a castle and the monks that built the castle still live there. It was a beautiful location.

Our last winery was Tignanello, where we met Alexia Antinori, who was a gracious hostess.

On our last night, we had a wonderful dinner at the hotel, with a tenor to serenate us and gifts for everyone. Afterwards, the men compared their purchases - Panerai watches. Where was that Valentino store?

But in between winery visits we went out to drink and talk (well, mostly listen) with the Italians. What a bunch of nice people! Now I'm all for learning Italian so I can communicate better next time. The best find was to have champagne at the Rowing Club: We sat by the river Arno, in a grassy area, looking over at the Ponte Vecchio.

   

The whole trip left me relaxed to the point of silliness, overall a very enjoyable state of mind.


Thank you to Lou & Lynn Balducci, as well as Diego Faccione, for sharing their pictures!

   

Go back to the Slaterhome!