Finding altitude in Toscana

During my stay at Pignano, Rahul contacted me about pre-employment trip he was planning on taking before starting with Bosch.  He would visit family in Ireland, friends in Germany and France, and me if I would agree. I remember I initially turned him down b/c I had just booked my fares for Norway and Germany and wanted more time for wwoofing.  But I came round, saw the error in my ways, and told him to come on round. Vieni!

Rahul came in September for three nights in Firenze, during which we camped (Italian style) above the city.  (We both recommend the place, called "Camping Michelangelo" which is situated on a hill just across the Arno from the city, and within walking distance.  For 14 euros per night, enjoy a pre-pitched army-style/walk-in tent with bunk beds, and great views even from the public bathrooms.)

From climbing to the top of the dome of the duomo to drinking wine from the steps in front of a "Michael" on the hill above the city to trekking in the mountains east of Florence, the whole shin-dig was full of great views.

Rahul; background is il ponte vecchio (old bridge) - only one not to fall during WWII; used to be for butchers, but today jewelers

Notice the very Tuscan fascade w/ green on white, and stripes

 For the second day, I invited Pignano residents Anna, Maria, and Veronika to join Rahul and I for a day in Florence.

The Slovakians - Maria, Anna and Veronika - and Rahul

This pic is from the base of the dome, high above the altar; heaven is at top, hell on bottom

Climbing the between 2 domes; the ceiling is the outer dome - the roof

Looking towards front of duomo; campanile =bell tower

gang's all here

I think it was this night that we stopped in for a showing of some Italian film about the Risorgimento - Italy's revolution for the unification of its states and the reclaiming of papal lands. It was put on by a study abroad program through NYU. After 3 hours of subtitles and a very Italian (unhappy) ending, we heading up the hill.

 On the third day, Rahul and I decided we wanted to somehow transcend all the obvious tourist stuff - museums and monuments - and see some nature.  So we took a bus (or 2) about 40-50 km northeast of Florence (stopping in Pontassieve for a long time) to spend the day hiking.

Mountains near Castagne d'Andrea

 Having reached the peak after some 2.5 hours or so, we learned of a nearby waterfall described by Dante.  After meticulously calculating the amount of time we could devote to reaching it before having to head back to catch our return bus to florence, we set off hiking up a winding road.  After a pretty trying climb, we came to this sign which told us there was much more to go.  Unfortunately, we were out of time, and had to set off down the mountain.  With an occasional jog, I might add.

"Valley of Aquacheta" - This valley famous for the waterfall which Dante recorded in canto 16 of his Inferno has immense significance, esp. its cultural and historical landscape.  Visitors are invited to do so with respect.

 After heading back to Florence, this time via Dicomano, we stopped in for a showing of Monty Python's Meaning of Life - in Italian. Yup, somebody was showing it in their front yard with a projector.

A well-placed Rahul. 

Early, early in the morning. (Rahul had to be at the train station at 5:30)

Also very early