Italy part two- Lastra a Signa to Florence and Cinque Terre

Finally, the guest writer has found some motivation to write a blog post! Yes, it's not just Ngoc running the show around here. Honestly though, I (Jamie) have been just sitting back enjoying the view as Ngoc documents this wonderful trip. 

He's tasked me with posting the rest of the photos from Italy and it was not easy to choose which ones to post. From the country side at our 13th Century Villa Hayloft to the historic hustle and bustle of Florence and Bologna. Oh, and the beauty of Cinque Terre, how to choose what beauty to speak to?

Feeling slightly more "civilized" once we picked up our car rental (Fiat 500), off we went on the Italian freeways! Needless to say, the word "civilized" is not one you would use to describe Italian drivers. Blinkers, staying within lanes, speed limits, what ever...what are these things? Those of you who know my driving style, know that I took full advantage of the fun that can come from these "relaxed" rules. Oddly, Ngoc didn't even yell at me!

We walked the cities, trekked from one village to another in Cinque Terre, and drove through the beautiful mountain towns of Tuscany. I can't image a more perfect place to spend a week, I only hope that I can convince my family to plan our future summer vacation to Italy.

Sculpture in Bologna

We're going to have a Stanley version made for our future home

Hmmmmm

Vernazza from above 

Hiking in the summer heat

We could see the relief in the distance

YES, finally into the sea

Dinner in a 1000 year-old castle looking over the sea

The best pizza

Ngoc's wonderful photography 

More...

Little break from our mountain drive to Lucca

Mortadella in Bologna (the second one was porchetta)

The Hayloft entrance- Our private home in Tuscany...Absolutely mad, no?