Thursday, 9th, was another sunny, warm day in Vernazza, high 20s, cool in the mornings and evenings. We decided (against our better judgement) rather than to just sit and soak up the glorious views, to undertake the ‘walk’ from Vernazza to Monterossa. It is 3 km, over 2hrs and what seemed like thousands of steep rocky narrow ledges and steps. Both Bruce and I are NOT bush-walkers – now we know why. The options of trains and ferries in between the five villages of the Cinque Terre are a much more civilised way of exploring this beautiful location. Anyway, we survived, just, and it hasn’t detracted from our enjoyment and beauty of this area. When recovering over lunch in Monterossa, we met two American couples who were travelling together celebrating their 25 wedding anniversaries. Please make sure you enjoy these photos as they’re the last we’ll ever take along this trail, ha ha.
Leaving Vernazza by train on Friday, we made our way to Pisa – we were 800m 
from the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but didn’t quite get there, and I don’t know how many metres we were away from Andrea Bocelli as we didn’t see him either (however, we had already caught up with him in Sydney!) We then collected our rental car to drive to Siena in Tuscany (Brian and Lesley, thanks for the recommendation). Bruce handled the crazy Italians sharing the road with much courage and patience. What made it easier for him was that half the time they all drive on the wrong side of the road anyway, so he felt at home.
Our arrival at our gorgeous accommodation for our stay in Tuscany introduced us to ‘Marciana’ 
– a 300 yr old villa just outside of Siena. It is nestled in amongst the vineyards and olive groves as it is a working farm. The section of the rustic villa that the bedrooms are in are modern – they are just 150 yrs old. Our hosts were very welcoming and helpful.
Today, Saturday, 11th, we explored the region to the south-west of Siena. Our photos do not do justice to this region of Italy. Bruce and I both believe this is the highlight of our trip so far. We have just arranged to stay another night as there is so much to explore. Our day ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’, 26 degrees, entailed driving through magic scenery and exploring 3 medieval villages that all included ancient churches, fortresses, hidden alleyways full of character and all so pretty. They are all small towns built high on the mountain usually with high walls to guard against those Florentine invaders! Our camera is getting a great workout.
Mary, how beautiful, if its better than the photos just enjoy. Sounds like you two are getting on well, I don’t know how you are doing all the spare of the moment stuff, I would need to plan ahead a least a week. I am loving your blog, you are a great writer, will have to give you a section in the newsletter to write!!!
Nat