Man of rolos

We are in love with this place. Manarola is insanely beautiful. We watched the sunset and took lots of pics and enjoyed each other's company. The views here are insane and the townspeople are so nice. There are kids running around everywhere and dogs and old couples.

For dinner we had stuffed squid which was fantastic, and lobster ravioli. The tomato sauce had lemon in it and was so amazing. Then we had tiramisu for dessert (Michael's had nutella in it) and we are completely stuffed. Michael cleaned his plate completely and tried to make a joke about how the restaurant should pay him for it... But I think the language barrier got in the way.

I keep saying "where are we" at each place we've gone to because each place is more surreal than the next. I can't believe how amazing it is. It's a million times more amazing in person than in the pictures.

Apparently Manarola has its own dialect and so does each town in Cinque Terre. Our host, Manuela, told us the best places to go, and the apartment where we are staying has an under the sea motif (ie the comforter has fish on it).

Shower time, we're pretty sweaty...

A sight for sore eyes

Michael and I spent the night in Siena yesterday. We were both terribly sick, and I had to give him eye drops all throughout the day (which some of you know is probably just as bad as me trying to take a pill). It was a beautiful city. Kind of a mix of old and new. We wandered the town and stayed in a bed and breakfast in a medieval building, and we ate a bunch of snacks.

Today we set off for a long journey and a bunch of train mix ups. No worries though because we ended up in Pisa for lunch! Michael high fived people who were trying to take pictures of them holding up the leaning tower. I have videos. We then got on a confusing train to Manarola! It's so pretty here and were going to eat soon at a local place that I read was great.

No more blogging. Gotta go enjoy heaven!

Radda

We are sitting on top of a hill in Radda in Chianti waiting for the bus with some gelato and an orange spritz (from a bottle this time). Couldn't be happier. We got a ride here from the lady at the Fattoria L'Ottavo, where we stayed, and we bought a bottle of olive oil that they make there. Would definitely recommend staying there if you have a car. One of he most beautiful places I've ever stayed - and cheaper than some hostels!

We found a few great restaurants on Chowhound to try tonight in Siena, and we are going to head there in a bit and do some sightseeing. Apparently it's better to stay overnight in Siena since the tourists on day trips leave around 5:00 and it gets less busy in the evening.

I have a cold. I think Michael had a cold and allergies at the same time and then I got his cold. Oh well.

Under the cherry tree

This morning we had McDonald's. We had their "Miami fries" which were AMAZING. Crispy and spicy and amazing.

Michael woke me up and asked me if I felt the bed shake. It was actually an earthquake! It's pretty crazy that it hit Florence as well, and that we felt it.

We finally made it to Chianti! We're staying in the most incredible place. It's an agriturismo that makes its own wine and olive oil, and it is right in the mountains. It's over 1000 years old but it has all been updated and is amazingly beautiful.

We got off the bus and a lady picked us up and brought us down the path to the place. The bus ride was so curvy and I thought I might puke. Then we got a bit of a tour and explanation, and they gave us a free bottle of wine!

Because its Tuesday, apparently the closest restaurant was closed. So we had to walk 3 km to the village of ducca and had dinner there. We walked uphill 3 km back to the farm, but it was a good walk. The sun was setting behind us and you could see the hills in the background.

We also went wine tasting. I got very very drunk and Michael stole a lemon and I put it in my purse. He claims it wasn't stealing since it was from a tree, but the tree was on private property. We asked each other hypothetical questions all day while sitting by the side of the road staring at vineyards and some of them (ok all of them) were ridiculous.

We finished the day with a glass of wine by the pool with the sun setting in the background.

Siena tomorrow!

Duomo

This morning we went to the duomo, which is the big church in Florence. We climbed to the top and saw the most incredible views! It was super claustrophobic, and it was 493 steps to the top. Totally worth it though.

Then we went to the leather market and Michael got 2 belts after haggling with a salesman. His allergies are also much better!

Lunch was at a small cafe and we got to make our own sandwiches and it was only 3.50 euro.

We've been planning tomorrow all day... We have to take 2 buses to get to where we want to go, and I have NO idea how we're going to get to Siena after Chianti. Look up Lucolena on a map. Then try to find a bus. Good luck.

Also I think I have some bed bug bites YAY! That's what happens when you do Italy on a budget I suppose?

We're going to a place that is a 3 course meal and quarter litre of wine for 13 euro for dinner. We drank free coke zeros that they were giving out at the train station (Michael was VERY happy) so today will be a cheap day!

Will blog tomorrow if we have internet!