September 21st - Venice to Tuscany
The time in Venice was too short. We must now leave to visit another different part of Italy. The staff was so friendly and helpful and the hotel had such character.
The ride from Venice to Tuscany was an opportunity to catch up on the notes from the trip and maybe catch up on a little sleep. Keith was always wandering up and down the bus to chat and answer questions. He often used the travel time to give us history on the places we were going to. He always let us know if we needed a euro to use the restrooms at the next Auto-grill. He was very well prepared and knowledgeable.
Villa Il Crocicchio
We arrived at the Villa Il Crocicchio.
Our room was in the main building on the second floor and was more than we ever expected. After we were settled in, we met the rest of the group out at the pool. The sun was shining and the pool was beautiful and refreshing.
The bar delivered wine and glasses out to the pool, and so the party began. We were all ready for a relaxing afternoon.
Tonight was a group dinner at the hotel restaurant. But before dinner, we had a cooking class by the chef. He taught us to make bruschetta, spaghetti sauce and a pork roast (which we had for dinner the next night). What a wonderful addition to a great meal and a welcome to Tuscany.
Dinner tonight was the typical multi-course Italian meal - insalata caprese, chiocciole pomarola toscana, risotto ai quattro formaggi, grigliata mista di carne, insalata mista - patate fritte and panna cotta con frutti di bosco for dessert. The finale was Lemoncello.
And did I forget wine?
And did I forget wine?