Tuscany

I never wanted to leave but alas a rent bill, life's other aspirations and rental car forced us to end our 4 day tryst with Toscana. But we will be back. If you are an alcoholic and foodie like me then prepare to get seduced by her rolling hills and succulent Zuccinis when in Tuscany. With our wagons hitched we headed straight for the Italian town of Montova (with help the of a GPS of course). Got stopped on the way by an Italian policeman who asked me if I was an American and I said no 'Indian', then he waved us through. Strange, since when did being Indian allow you to get Green channel treatment. Inspite of the initial huffing and puffing at home to decide which roach motel to stay in, the place was comfortable and clean. Had to play to the gallery and agreed to go into the Montova since its designated as a 'cute town'. Like most of Italy, the place was a walk-in Musuem. Old castle with an impressive moat and a large cathedral in the background built on a lake. The Piazza itself was medeival and the town looked like it was bustling with tourists. We walked around the lake and observed a fishing competition in progress, saw some very strange fishing rods. We had lunch at Cantina Cannosa where we served by a waitress who was endowed with a gravity defying upper body. The food was excellent and Piazza ambience was very relaxing. We sat out in the sun, I had water with gas and the wife water without. Lots of pictures and many exchanges of adoration later we left in sizzling afternoon sun for Toscana. Stopped outside town to take more panoramic pictures. First stop was Greve in Chianti, part of the Chianti Classico route. Small but famous for its wine, we had salami and wine in the town square. Priya was eyeing the table across whose occupant were gorging on sheep cheese cheese on honey and figs. Yum. My first binge wine buying also started in an Enoteca in the Piazza which also claims to have the oldest Chianti Classico bottle. You can clearly see sediment at the bottom of the bottle, could not make sure how much wine was still left in the bottle. After a quick run to the butcher shop, we headed towards Siena to make sure we did not lose the room. Next time a guide book says cozy and romantic then it means cramped, old furniture and a crazy receptionist. Actually not so bad, we were hardly in the room anyway. A friend of mine suggested Osteria Le Logge so rushed over and managed to sit down for dinner at 10:00pm. A fine bottle of Fonteruttoli and 2 courses of meals were hauled our tired bodies back to the hotel. Day 2.....