We decide that we’ll go on a Tuscany run today, to Pienza and then back to Montepulciano for lunch. Then home to Cortona.

The country side is all versions of green and plenty of versions of brown with ploughed fields in various stages of getting ready for crops to go in. It’s the Tuscany of the paintings and photos, pencil pine avenues up to stone villa’s, olive trees and shedding grape vines, the sun is out but a biting cool breeze takes the warmth out of the day.

The Mechanic is driving again, and driving well, a few moments of panic on skinny roads with Italian would be rally drivers doing twice the speed limit. There are speed cameras everywhere, and the limit changes regularly from 30 to 50 to 70. You only get over 70 if you’re on a freeway or 130 on an autostrada.

Tomorrow morning we leave for Rome before we fly out early Saturday morning.

I’m looking forward to getting home next week and staying still, roomy hot showers, my own chair, driving my own car and having a coffee at 179 Darling St with Dave and John.

Ciao for now

Pauolo