Walk, Hike, Eat, Wine (and whine a little)

Today was the first day of our actual walk, but I will get to that in a minute. Volterra was fun yesterday. We followed Rick Steves advice (we do not mind admitting it) and had wine where he suggested, a tiny little bar decorated with bras (you read that right). The wine was good and Bruno, the proprieter, was very pleasant and funny.

Last night, dinner was at the hotel (included in our trip). It was kind of hotel food, Tuscan style, though I did finally have some wild boar (sauce on the pasta). Betsy had rabbit. It was greasy, and made us both a bit sad. But, it tasted like chicken, actually. No surprise. Betsy had a Tuscan bean soup, which was terrific.

Today, we had a good breakfast and really great coffee in the hotel and then set out for the walk. It was amazing. Very panoramic. Sorry no photos. We cannot upload on these machines (or write with contractions). We were amazed from the beginning. We first walked through a town area and then turned off the road onto a gravel road and the beauty began. At one point, we turned off the gravel path and onto a foot path that was nothing more than grass and wildflowers. However, it was difficult, too, at times, very very difficult. There is a difference between a steep ascent and a sharp ascent. The difference is huffing and puffing, with sharp being worse.

I want to respond directly to a few of the comments

Shelly, good gosh, thank you for taking care of the cat, Boogie Woogie (but we call her Kitty). I know she appreciates it, though she will only show it by how much blood she draws. I promise, that is a sign of affection. I warned you about the stomach.

Katie, no scooters for Aunt Betsy. You are so right.

Nancy, if you can believe it, we have not had dessert yet. We feel entitled today, however, after burning 100,000 calories on those mountains we trekked.

ciao…Kim

Ok, so dropping out of Italian class was not a good idea. Adding “o” to the end of a word does not work, except for Americano and stupido, which is in the language. And which we have felt, on more than one occasion.

Glad you are thinking about us. A note = they have skinny tubs in Italy, not those big sumptuous things you see in the movies. And do not pull the string in the shower or tub. It is not to help you get out, or to get better water pressure. It is an alarm…. will tell that story later, upon return.

No dolci, if you can believe it. Too much food on the front end to be able to even think about dessert. But the pasta is unbelievable. Finally had proscuitto di parma today = the queen of ham = and I have never tasted anything more fantastico than during our sack lunch, with pecorino and ciabatta, along with a cold beer, which we bought at the most beautiful villa and enjoyed outdoors in the restored courtyard, all of which is now a hotel. Simply stunning. After the climb that we made = and now might be the time to mention that we have walked 32,000 steps today = it was all positively rewarding.

Now we are back in Volterra for dinner, which I am certain will be delicioso = or is that spanish?? I can actually understand a little Italian now, but I am really poor at speaking it.

By the way, did I mention, the walk today was CHALLENGING?? I do not know who decided this was easy to moderate. Must have been someone who had spoken with mountain goats.

Thank you so much for the comments, and even if you are not commenting, read them. They are a joy to read, and a special treat for us = the 403 Travelers!
ciao… betsy