The morning started slowly for all of us. We finished up Monday’s blog and then Jim prepared breakfast for us. He made eggs and mushrooms. Anne took care of toasting the newly baked bread. It was a fantastic meal.
After breakfast, Jim, Linda, and Dave took a walk on a trail below and around the town. We started near where we took sunset pictures the other night and then walked around the “middle” base of the butte to where the funicular station is located. It was about a 1.6 mile walk with elevation changes of about 400 feet that took us about an hour to complete. It wasn’t extremely strenuous, but the pace had more to do with stopping to take pictures in multiple places. It was a nice walk.
After the walk, we decided it was important to stop and have an adult beverage (a well-known Gateway tradition). We visited the Tennis Bar which is next to the funicular station. Linda and Jim each had a beer and Dave went with an Aperol Spritz. We got an aperitivo of potato chips and two kinds of cheese puffs.
We then walked home a spent a little time visiting.
Jim got a call from their friend and landlord, Pasquale, about getting together to discuss something he is helping them with and he wanted to meet us, as well. Linda and Dave went with them and spent about a half-hour talking with Pasquale. Pasquale invited us to see the cave under the home which they use as a wine cellar (they only use the first level of the caves). It was very cool (figuratively and literally). He then showed us the rest of the family space we were in. He was a gracious host and we were very happy we got to meet him.
After Jim and Anne finished their meeting with Pasquale, we left for an appointment Anne had and the rest of us went to the Blue Bar. Anne met us there and she, Linda, and Dave left to go back to a leather shop we saw yesterday. Linda and Anne each got a leather bracelet at the shop. We then headed back to the Blue Bar. After staying about one and one-half hours, it was easy to see why they find the bar enjoyable. It was less crowded than the other night and the people that were there were all very nice to be with. Anthony, the owner, treated us like family. We also got to see Phillip again. Jim told us that Phillip used to be a very highly sought-after fashioner designer. Well, before we left, we heard both Anthony and Phillip sing.
We then went back to Tavern Engel Keller where we had dinner the other night. This time we each had the pork shank (Dave and Linda shared one and Anne took half of hers home; Dave wishes he had his own, but half was probably better for him). We also had salad with the meal.
It was then time to head home and get ready for bed. Tomorrow’s departure for Siena was going to be an early one. The train leaves at 8:20, so we’ll need to be moving by 6:30 and out the door by 7:15.
2022 Italy Vacation 