PARADISO

In the La Spezia train station we went directly to l’officuio tourisme was our first stop in La Spezia. The woman there told us to take a bus to the street we needed. We all agree that Tourist Information Offices are fantastic places. They always are so helpful. We were the only tourists on the bus and it was PACKED with people. I kept almost beheading a little boy with my backpack.

We picked up our rental car and set out on a wild drive to Tuscany.

Zumo was amazing. He drove with confidence and verve! Ellen navigated perfectly and we soon found ourselves on the autostrata! At one point we stopped to grab a bite to eat and wound up at a freeway rest stop with the most amazing sandwiches…there were people there selling cell phone service in the parking lot. They had spiffy matching jackets with the numero tre on them.

When we found our Riserva Di Fizzano, where we are staying, it was so beautiful Ellen and I practically wept. Olive groves, vineyards and rolling Tuscan hills. There is a pool. Our room is not ready, so he shows us to the tables outside the restaurant and they bring us a wonderful bottle of white wine…it turns out to be our welcome drink and it is free.

Our room is insanely nice. Due to a booking error we are getting this mansion for about $100 a night. That's abot $65 per couple.


The doors are too small for Jon:



We swim and rest poolside until it’s time to head to Siena for my birthday dinner.