Cruising the Chianti Valley

On Wednesday we rented a car and drove to San Gimignano, the “Town of Towers” (also known as the “Manhattan of Tuscany”). We all climbed the Torre Grosso (yip, the tallest one) to view the breathtaking Tuscan countryside from a height of 54m! Rolling, green hills and olive groves formed a patchwork to admire (see pic). At the base of the tower is the “world’s best gelateria” – officially! (Tony Blair, Dame Judi Dench and the Ewings concur). After a picnic in the park, our quest was to find the birthplace of the great Leonardo da Vinci. The town of Vinci is described in guidebooks as ‘nondescript’, however, we were charmed by the place - nestled in a valley of olive groves (Mont Albano). The museum is fascinating with drawings and models of da Vinci’s designs on display. His actual birthplace is a modest little stone house on a hill about 2km outside of Vinci. The boys played “tiggy” through the long grass at the base of the olive trees, and as Robbie commented, “we are running in Leonardo’s playground”. It was a special day indeed. Followed by an equally lovely ‘early’ birthday tea and cake presented so thoughtfully by Biddy. Forty candles (!!) to decorate a traditional, Italian, Easter chocolate and spice cake! Lee-Ann felt very blessed to celebrate with the lads and Bids. On that note, Buona Pasqua to all our family and friends. Hopefully the bunny will be good to you!