Day 5: Relaxing in San GimignanoSunday in Tuscany!! That's where we are today and boy is the Tuscan countryside beautiful. It looks like a picture post card. There is not much excitement planned for today except hanging out on the gorgeous grounds of our beautiful vacation villa!
We arrived late in the afternoon yesterday after a 3-1/2 hour drive north from Rome. Our journey began at Avis Car Rental with us securing our station wagon. After piling in the car, we were off on our journey that would lead us from the province of Lazio through part of Umbria, into the Siena area of Italy. We stopped along the way for munchies and a quick bite to eat, but other than that, it was a straight run into the town of San Gimignano. 
HAVING A QUICK BITE
VIEW FROM THE ROAD DRIVING TO SAN GIMIGNANO
Making our way towards Firenze, we saw so many lush fields of vineyards! We arrived into the town of San Gimignano at about 2:30. As I approached the entry arch of this quaint medieval hamlet, I was awestruck by the view of the hills to the right and the quaintness of the narrow street-lined village. 
ENTRY ARCH TO TOWN OF SAN GIMIGNANO
SAN GIMIGNANO
We were all famished, so we had a delicious al fresco tuscan lunch at the first cafe we saw right through the town entrance arch. People watching and soaking in the little shops all around us was so delightful. Of course, I was snapping away from the moment we arrived. The kids enjoyed their granite (slushies). 
KIDS WITH THEIR GRANITES (SLUSHES)
Now, let me talk about the food here in Tuscany. The tomato sauce, for one thing is much lighter than it was in Rome where and the texture was a bit heavier and thicker with the use tomato paste. In Tuscany, the food, including the tomato sauce has a more homemade taste as if it's being made by your grandmother in her kitchen. Overall, the flavors of the food here in the Tuscan countryside have a more rustic, earthy flavor, with lots of seasoning, tons of vegetables and an element of comfort. There is unquestionably a depth of flavor to the food in this region. 
VIEW FROM OUR VACATION VILLA
Our vacation villa is absolutely quintessential tuscan! From the colors to the kitchen to the rustic wood. I love it. It is run by two families and they are warm, welcoming and really quite wonderful! We had dinner on the premises tonight. All the food is made by one of the owner's mom"s which probably accounts for the homemade taste. 
OUTDOOR PATIO DINING AREA
LOVELY DINNER OVERLOOKING THE TUSCAN COUNTRYSIDE
The flavors were unbelievable!!! I really decided to take a break from photographing food tonight in order to savor it completely. (Sorry!). But when we eat here on Tuesday night, I'll be sure to photograph every single course. Dinner was set up outside on a patio in the most charming way, overlooking a spectacular view of the hills of Toscana with lovely music playing as we watched the sunset. After the sun went down, the patio was beautifully lit up and we sat and chatted well after our fourth and final course of homemade tiramisu was polished off! What a meal!! I can't wait to hear all about Tanya's excursion cursing in the North Sea!! See you tomorrow! -E | Day 5: Cruisin along the North SeaHappy Sunday everyone! First I'd like to say Thanks for being here! We really appreciate it & would luv for you to be a dear and share our page with your friends and family! We're out here on the North Sea, floating along. Having a great time so far, but having difficulties uploading photos so far - so please check back later or tomorrow and hopefully I'll have them all loaded up for your viewing pleasure! Yesterday was a bit hectic getting out of London due to the Prudential Ride London-Surrey 100. The Road Cycle Race is taking place this weekend and caused closures on several major roads and bridges. Kind of a headache! Ugh! Celebrating the legacy for cycling created by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 starts in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, then follows a 100-mile route on closed roads through the capital and into Surrey’s stunning countryside. With leg-testing climbs and a route made famous by the world’s best cyclists at the London 2012 Olympics, it's a truly spectacular event for all involved. Stay tuned to hear about all of the fun on today's schedule! Cruising is good for both the person who is interested in relaxing and the one who does not knowing how to relax! There's always something to do...or you can choose to do nothing at all. If you have never cruised before, you should seriously consider it! And if you need any assistance, recommendations, or advice, don't be shy to ask me! See ya in the comments! -T 
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