DAY 19 – VESPA TOUR OF TUSCANY

So what’s more Italian than riding a Vespa through the Italian country side? How about crashing on a Vespa on an old country road in Italy! (UGH!) First, don’t ride with tourists – they have zero experience. And apparently my reflexes are fast enough to avoid getting hit by a reckless Vespa, but not good enough to avoid the curb she pushed me into. I’m fine. A few bruises – mostly to my ego. Other than that it was a lovely ride through the Tuscan hillside.

            After that I decided to stick to walking. I decided to walk through Florence and explore a bit more. There is a Selfie Museum, but instead I chose the Pinocchio Museum—called Museo Del Giocattolo e Di Pinocchio. The original story was written right here in Florence, and they are very loyal to the original style of Pinocchio – and not the Disney version. Very charming.

            And then I stopped at a restaurant I had heard about – Restaurant Natalino. Reservations are needed, and totally worth it. I started with a (raw) Zucchini Salad with Parmesan and Pine Nuts – drizzled with Truffle Oil. And then had Pear-stuffed Ravioli w Pine Nuts, in a Gorgonzola Sauce. One of the best meals I’ve ever had.

            I strolled through the Leather District and looked at all the amazing leatherwork – then decided to turn in early to let my bruised ego heal.

 

[And yes, I’m really fine. I write a few days behind – for safety reasons, and the bruises aren’t bad and are already starting to fade.]