After two or three flight delays we finally had the group together and were ready to begin our Journey. Day 1 included an 8 hour drive to our destination...a house Michael found in Armaolo, Italy (in Tuscany). On our way we were allowed a stop or two by the driver (2 guesses who that was). On our first stop in Italy we stopped at a gas station. I first have to say that the "gas station sandwiches" take on a whole new meaning when you experience Italian sandwiches from the gas station. It's nicer than some of the date nights we have had.
On this stop a new companion joined the group. Big Popi. Big Popi was a 3 Liter bottle of red wine. We were concerned that we would get in too late and not have any wine, and so Big Popi became on of us on our journey to saturate our livers in the delicious wines of Italy.
When we arrived at the house I have to say, we were amazed at what Michael had found. The house had 4 bedrooms (each with it's own bathroom), 3 floors, a BEAUTIFUL Tuscan kitchen, 2 decks and a pool. We were in heaven.
With stomachs growling we set out on foot to find a restaurant the owner had told us about. The town we stayed in was so small and quaint that it was very easy to find dinner. The food was incredible and the service was even better. Jack caught the eye of our Portuguese waitress (Anna) and stole her heart when she brought him his dinner and he said, "Gratzie Bellisimo". She actually blushed and said, " I think I'm falling in love". Too funny. Our shy little guy eventually loosened up, allowed Anna to kiss his cheek and showed her his trucks. I think he may have slipped her his number but I'm not sure.
The next day we got up early to head into Siena (30 min. away). We had lunch in the square where twice a year The Palio takes place. The Palio is bareback horse race among the surrounding towns. The winner gets bragging rights for the year and their towns flag is put on top of the town hall. Molly and Carol are standing in the square where the race takes place.
We had to rush to make it to our first wine tasting that Michael had planned. He paid 125 Euro and in return we would taste 3 wines, bruschetta, cheese and get 15% off any purchase. When we got to the winery Gracie made herself comfortable and the kids pulled out the DVD player. They were great! The winery...not so much. The lady that ran the place (Antoinette, who was coined the rest of the trip as the "wine bitch") was not as friendly as you would hope. We were rushed through 3 wines by an 18 year old who didn't know much and there was no food!!! Ahhh! So in the end we bartered to take the taste bottles that still had some wine in and had to prove the agreement was 15% off purchases. None of us were thrilled with the event, so I obtained a really cool wine opener from the winery. I'm just not so sure it was supposed to be free.
We took a chance and visited another winery on the way home. The tasting was free, the wine dude was awesome and the wine was good. Below is a pic of Michael with Big Popi's brother that we met at the winery!!
The next day was Mark's day...he had planned a surprise for us all...unreal
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