Never want to say goodbye to Tuscany

Today we said goodbye to Tuscany as we moved into Lazio. It was another glorious day as we left the cute little village of Radicofani. And yes, that's a castle up above.

 

This is the courtyard where we found a little grocery store owned by Sylvana, a character who belongs in Hollywood, in her own Wizard-ess of Oz production. I'll save highlights about her for another post. 

 

As we walked away, we were able to watch our favorite little village for many, many kilometers.

 

How Much Beauty Can You Take?

At the risk of exposing you to too much beauty, here is more from our walks through Tuscan fields and vineyards. There are almost no driving roads where we are, so we are so fortunate to get to see things that we could never see from trains, buses, or cars.

 

That was taken near San Gimignano. 

 

One of the many Tuscan villages we passed walking.

Big Sky Country in Toscana

Especially since everything is accentuated by marvelous clouds, 

 

...these are perfect days for enjoying landscapes like these.

 

Orzo the Seeing Eye Dog

Traveling to Assisi today, Peregrinita was happy to see this fella get on the train with his master/mistress Nadia. As you can see, he is a Seeing Eye Dog trained and provided by Lions International. Nadia was traveling with three of her friends. Orzo seemed to enjoy the ear rub.

 

...and Vanda

Ten minutes later, another of Nadia's friend got on the train with her seeing-eye dog Vanda. Orzo and Vanda, already fast friends, were thrilled to see each other.

A Parting Shot

...and to make sure I knew he was happy, Orzo gave me a confirming glance.

 

Tuscan Villages and Fields

Walking through Tuscany is an experience like no other, unique in that one gets to see vineyards, olive trees, people up close and personal. It is an experience  I wish you all could have for its intimate offering of real life and real people.  

Tuscan Color

I want this color in my kitchen on a wall.

 

Or maybe this color…

 

Siena Rooftop Terrace

The rooftop terrace at lovely little Albergue Berlini, dating from the 1500s, was perfect for viewing the city from on high.

 

 

Siena Sun

I have almost always loved anything old. So I fantasized I was in a turn of the (20th) century movie staying at Alberque Bernino in a building which has been here since the 1500s.  

Pisa before Pizza

On the way to Siena today we used our brief train connection in Pisa for a tourist stop.  The woman behind me has a unique perspective on things apparently.

 

Lucca to Altopascio

Yesterday's walk was one of my least favorite of any I've done in Europe, either on the Camino or on the Francigena. We walked entirely on the tarmac, roads and concrete sidewalks, and didn't see even one thing we wanted to photograph. That is, except for…

RITA!!

 

She became our delightful walking companion just as we were leaving Lucca. Her adroitness at speaking English was about equal to ours speaking Italian. So we had a wonderful time communicating in Anglo Italian. 

Lucca Loveliness

Entering Lucca 

Great contemporary photography exhibit here  

And lots of lovely narrow streets.

 

 

 

Francigena-ing Alone

Today I walked alone from Sarzana to Avenza.

It was 18 kilometers of pure beauty and pleasure, walking through olive groves...

 

 … and vineyards.

 

Lerici

Charming seaside town where we are for two days as Pam works at recovering from a sprained ankle.  Here is the walk up to my apartment 

Due Personaggi Famosi

These two characters are about 50 yards from each other in Pontremoli. 

As we walked into town, we encountered Pinocchio. No lie. We really got to meet him. 

 Then as we crossed the bridge, we met Saint Francis.  

Pontremoli

Our home for a couple of days is Ai Chiosi, a B&B in the ancient town of Pontremoli. Absolute European charm, and a wonderful view out the window, even in the rain. I was the scout for a place for dinner while the others rested. I decided to check this out: ...then ventured a bit further......and further still...  ...and finally found this:Dinner at Osteria Della Bietola was fabulous, and we now have our pasta fix for tomorrow's walk to Villafranca in Luigiana. 

New Friend Alessandro

Today we have our own personal guide through the maze of train connections.  https://www.instagram.com/p/BYz_aROHeN3/

In the video Alessandro demonstrates his prowess as an expert handbalancer. 

Getting out of a tight spot...

Yesterday we think we counted five steep assents and five steep descents bringing us down each time to the same level as the river. This photo was taken at a spot where trees had just fallen across the path.

 

Gorgeous Aosta Valley

Today's walk took us through the Aosta valley as we hugged the river and meandered through the villages of  Barme, Arnad, La Costa, Hone, Donnas and on to Point-Saint-Martin.  

 

 

Francigena Charm...

 

Francigena First Day

  

La Via Francigena Begins in Northern Italy

Warming up for the Via Francigena at Terme di Saint Vincent .    

Santiago de Compostela

 

 

Santiago de Compostella