We are now in a Villa 7km outside of Florence, and the internet signal comes in and out at our villa, but tonight at least it is strong so I can give an update of our travels. Tuesday morning we had an early Vatican museum tour, and our guide was savvy enough to get us to the Sistine Chapel early so we had a fantastic and semi-private visit. I would have to visit the Sistine Chapel a hundred more times before I could lead a group myself. It is truly magnificent and there are so many things to think about when you are looking at the frescoes. After the tour of the Vatican Museums we went up the dome of St. Peter's for the magnificent inside and outside views, then we went did the requisite souvenir shopping and stop at the Vatican post office. After a great pizza lunch my friends headed back to the hotel for some needed R&R, while I headed to the North American college to visit my good friend Chris Berry and his wife Meredith for an afternoon glass of wine and chat. In the evening I met my friends at the Spanish steps for a look around and a fabulous dinner on another perfect evening in Rome. Wednesday we were able to secure tickets right near the stage for the papal audience, and unbelievably, we left early while the pope was still speaking in order to make our rendez-vous out in Tuscany at our villa. Driving in Italy was easier than we thought, at least at first. We arrived at our Villa, got an orientation tour, and the keys to our private chapel (no longer in use) at Montechiaro. Montechiaro is a villa 7 km northeast of Siena, with a beautiful view of the city. It is a fabulous villa, very friendly but not too extravagant, certainly not as extravagant as the medieval castles that dot the hills around us. Wednesday night a local cook came and made a great beefsteak and pasta meal, Tuscan style. I was the only one who ate the dessert - pears baked in chianti! Fantastic! Wednesday evening we made the mistake of heading into Siena for what we thought would be a quick orientation tour of Siena. We ended up getting lost walking the city without maps and didn't return to our car until 12:30am! Ouch! Of course the ladies blamed the guys for bad navigation, and they were mostly right, but somebody had to lead, if even we led badly. Thursday morning we were out touring castles of the region and wineries. I learned so much about the making of chianti classico, the signature wine of the chianti region. Although we found that when the sangiovese grape is mixed with other grapes, we liked the end product better, it was very interesting for me to taste and enjoy chianti classico made with 100% sangiovese, a very delicate grape. To make a long story short, I would be more proud to have chanti classico 100% sangiovese in my cellar, but would have more fun drinking the SuperTuscan wines that have been produced for the international market. Thursday evening we played it safe by eating pizza and drinking wine and playing cards at the Villa. Friday, the day just completed, we had a fabulous day in Florence, taking the train early in the morning, getting a guided tour of the Accademia and major landmarks of Florence, then having lunch, going to Santa Croce, and shopping the Ponte Vecchio on our own. A late afternoon train ride back to Siena gave us time for drinks and dinner in this very quaint and beautiful city of Tuscany. Saturday takes us to Montepulciana and Montelcino wine country, followed by Mass in our private chapel, then back to Siena to hopefully catch the KU/Texas Tech game (keep your fingers crossed!). We hope we can find it at a local sports bar! Rock Chalk! +m
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