GREAT THINGS DO COME IN SMALL PACKAGES

I have indeed been slack in completing my travel blog from the last 2.5 weeks of my trip but there was just so much to see and do and once I left the comfort of my friend's homes time spent on the internet was minimal and Blogspot in China ended up being in Chinese (fancy that!) So now that I have settled back into the hum drum of life at home (yes - it's been four weeks since I landed back in Adelaide) I vow to finish my blog. AND so the report of my adventures continue.....

TUESDAY 5 SEPT - DAY TRIP TO MONTEPULCIANO (FROM SIENA)

Rach and I awoke about 7am and headed out to the lovely verandah area for breakfast overlooking the hills surrounding Siena. Breakfast included a selection of cereal (cocoa pops which I havent had in years and cannot believe I actually ate them in Italy!), rolls, cheese triangles, something which tasted like nutella, crackers, danishes, muffins and cake. It was a case of eating and also grabbing some extras for morning tea.

The train was not expected to leave for Montepulciano until 10.50am so Rach and I headed by bus to the city centre so I could buy a handbag I had seen the previous evening when the shops had shut. Arriving at the shop we were shocked to learn the shop was still closed and did not open until 10am. Wandering around we revisited Il Campo. The fountain was actually quite disgusting with bird poop everywhere but would have been glorious in its hey day.

One bag later it was back on the bus that had taken us past the train station the previous evening. Mmmm. It drove around the city and then headed for the outskirts but no where near the train station so we hopped off when it came back to the hotel and then walked to the train station (without luggage which was a great feeling) for the 12.20pm train. Rach found (well bought) a packet of Paprika Fonzies (Italian Twisties)!

Arriving at Montepuliano train station we thought the town would be quite close. We headed to the only shop we could see, a coffee shop, and tried to ask about the bus but was told no tickets. So again we wandered around trying to figure out
1) where the town centre with shops and ristorantes was
2) where the rolling green tuscan hills were
3) where the people were.

This place seem quiet and void of any of the above. Coming across a local sitting on steps we tried to ask where we were on the Montepulciano Map. After gestures and a few Italian/English words we figured out we were actually at least 7 kilometres away from the town! Who would have the thought the train station was no where near the town!

A little disheartened by the trouble we had with transport this morning we headed back to the bare taxi rank and asked an American couple if we could share their taxi if and when it turned up.....when low and behold the Italian lady from earlier rolled up in a car driven by a little Italian guy.

More gestures and we found ourselves jumping in their car and being chaffeured to Montepulciano, trying to make conversation along the way, which was a little difficult since they didnt speak english and we didnt speak Italian. We certainly would not have jumped in a strangers car in Australia but this seemed like a great idea at the time since we were otherwise stranded.

After much appreciation we hit the REAL town of Montepulciano! We were hungry and thirsty so started with a hearty Italian lunch from the tourist menu consisting pasta, proscuito, very ripe and tasty tomatoes, sheeps cheese and of course chianti.

Next it was exploring the shops, wine tasting (thanks for all the encouragement Rach), walking up hills through parks, more wine tasting including Grappe with 42% alcohol (and purchases by Rach), and taking photos a plenty. The difficulties faced to reach this place were forgotten as we enjoyed the atmosphere, few tourists, magnificent panaromic views and the giddy feeling which resulted from the wine, heat and hiking up hills! But definitely part of the experience!


A light dinner of Bruschetta at a Ristorante tucked away off the main road was a fitting end to our experience....well nearly the end of our experience. At 8.30pm our taxi turned up and we only had 10 minutes until the train was due. Unfortunately there were a lot of winding roads between us and the station. 'Never fear' the taxi driver cried (or something similar in Italian) and off we went hurtling along the road at high speeds, round corners, swerving here and ducking in there..... Rach and I were speechless as we grasped for something to hang on to. With minutes to spare we clambered out the taxi as the taxi driver grinned.





Before heading to bed Rach and I sat outside at the hotel, drinking chianti and chatting and reminiscing about the great day. It was an absolutely fantastic day and probably one of the best of the whole trip. Not everything went to plan but it was unforgettable.