Under The Tuscan Sun

Yesterday, (after 3 trains and a bus ride) we finally arrived in the beautiful Tuscan hill town of Cortona. This is the town made famous by the book and movie Under the Tuscan Sun. It really is unbelievable here. The moment we both got off the bus, huge smiles came across our tired faces as the views from atop the hill of the Tuscan countryside were indescribably beautiful. We then walked down the main street from our bus stop about 50 yards to find the entrance to our hotel. The hotel owner, Mossimo, was waiting for us to show us to our room. It is a big, spacious room in a medieval building complete with a canopy bed and nice decor throughout. Mossimo gave us a 10 minute town orientation and guided us in the direction of the sights we might want to see. So we headed out to see what the town had to offer. Two doors down from the hotel, we got sidetracked by a gelato store...wait a minute...not just any gelato stand, but the best gelato we have had on this trip. So far, Josh has had gelato there twice yesterday and twice today (and hes not done yet!!!!). Jen is a bit behind Josh, but is going strong with 2 gelato servings and a huge merangue cookie (and still also not done yet!!). WE LOVE IT HERE!!!!!!!!! SOOOOO MUCH!!!!
After that wonderful start, we explored the city with tiny, hilly, winding streets and amazing views everywhere we looked. We settled on a place for dinner (someplace Rick recommended of course), and had one of the best meals of our trip so far. The food here is so fresh and everything is homemade. We shared a plate of mouthwatering gnocci that was heaven sent, followed by salad and steak that was also delicious. What a fantastic afternoon and evening after all of our traveling.
Today, we had a lazy morning of sleeping in, breakfast in a local cafe and more wandering the streets. We also bought a piece of art we really like (a painting of the town center of Cortona) to someday (hopefully soon) decorate our house with. We then went for a long walk around the outside of the city walls and passed by Frances Mayes house, Bramasole (the actual one from the book). On the way back into town, our walk was interrupted by a sudden thunderstorm. We were in the middle of a winding mountain road, so we had no choice but to duck into the forest to find some shelter. We huddled together under some trees for about a half hour watching the rain fall all around us (and getting pretty cold too) before the sun finally broke through and we made it home. We will be very sad to leave (heavenly, slow paced) Cortona tomorrow, but were also looking forward to seeing more of Tuscany.
Now, as for our last day in Sorrento (2 days ago) we woke up early and headed for the ancient ruins of Pompei. We arrived just as it was opening and there was no line, so we headed right in. Using a Rick Steves audioguide(downloaded to our ipods) to show us around, we saw so many amazing sights. We saw homes, baths, mosaics, frescoes, town center, pillars, people entombed in plaster, a gladiator arena, and even a brothel (complete with stone beds and frescoes on the stone portraying scenes of services offered!!). All of this preserved by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. The afternoon was spent relaxing at our hotel and swimming in the pool before we headed into the town center for dinner.

We cant believe this adventure is almost over. We are so sad to see it come to an end, but also are very excited to return home and, of course, see all of you.

Ciao for now,

J and J