Wow! Two blogs in one day! We did catch the FAST train to Florence and Alesandro did meet us at the station. . . I love it when a plan comes together! Ale grabs Paula's and Betty's bags and heads to the minivan. Chris and Duane have to carry their own bags.  This ain't going too well Ale! It gets better. Ale's minivan is a shiny new Fiat with plenty of room for bags and roomy, comfy seats. Before leaving Florence we visit the Michelangelo park and the American Cemetery. Both are amazing and already we are glad we hired Ale! Ale then takes us to a small village outside of Greve, Panzano, I think. There we meet up with Dario, the "Crazy Butcher." Dario runs a "Meat Shop" that specializes in BEEF. Duane is in Heaven!! Paula is in Hell!!. . . Duane eats the best steak tartar in the world. Paula has some veggies and cheese. Chris and Betty have the biggest, and best, hamburger on the planet. everyone is Happy!! People hate watching Duane eating raw steak, but the Classico Chianti helps. We've seen the castle where Leonardo DaVinci painted the Mona Lisa, We've seen Stings's house and Vineyard and we've driven through the MOST lovely country side in the world. (No Kidding!)

Ale dropped us off in San Gimignano for a 90 minute rapid shopping event! Paula scores on some ceramics! (She just can't help herself in San Gim.) Betty gets her hands on some beautiful leather and does not let go. Everyone is happy. Duane climbed the highest tower in San Gimignano in 2001. Duane climbed the same tower today! Take that Father Time. You Suck!!
Ale dropped us at our hotel, Pallazzo Rivizza, and we gather up our courage and head for a 7:00 dinner at Trattoria San Guiseppe. Truffles are in season and Duane make sure some end up on his plate. . . . right after the traditional Tuscan chicken liver antipasta. Seriously!! life doesn't get any better.  Paula eats some spectacular Papardelli and Betty gets tagliatelli and veggies. Chris eats nearly half a pig! Tomorrow we head to south Tuscany. . . . Pienza, Montechino, Montepulciano, Val de Orcia and whatever else we can find. We are glad we hired Ale. Driving around Tuscany has always been a terrifying activity and now we just ride around in Ale's Fiat. Good Times!! Everyone else is already asleep. I must catch up. See you soon!!