The Hochmuth Adventures 2017 . . . The Apennines to the Andes followed by Acadia and the Azores: TRIP TO TUSCANY - Saturday, January 14, 2017 - Day Five

For Ron's birthday we let him sleep in a little and decided to explore some of the areas close to the hotel. Montecatini Alto is a small village that looks down from the hills on to Montecatini Terme. It is only a short 15 minute drive but quite winding and narrow. We parked before we entered the village and walked up since cars are not allowed on all areas. The village is what I envision when I think of a small Italian town. Narrow streets dotted by stone houses with shutters and flower boxes lined the roads. We walked up the cobbled streets and first went to the Church of San Pietro. It was a beautiful small church with an attached museum. The museum had some very historic religious pieces i.e. a statue of Mary and Child from 1222. Ron is getting snooty in that if he sees something from the early 1900's he scoffs at its' "newness.". We looked at the bell tower in front before we wound our way to the clock tower on the Castle. You couldn't go inside but we enjoyed the lovely panoramic views of the valley and the mountains in the distance. It was a bit hazy so I'm not sure if the pictures will do it justice. It was also a bit chilly 36 degrees at noon but we did see the sun today which made it seem better. We stopped for our usual tea and had some delicious desserts - warm custard with fresh fruit and whipped cream cake with hot chocolate. It will have to do for Ron's birthday cake.

Came back down the mountain and further explored Montecatini Terme. We'd have to stay longer to discover more of this town with all the twisty alley ways and turns. Many tourist from other parts of Italy appear to descend upon Montecatini on a daily basis but particularly on weekends. I can only imagine how busy this place must be during the summer season. We went on the VRBO site to check out the cost of a month's stay during October or November. How cool would it be to stay in a century's old cottage? We saw the Merry-Go-Round and the Ferris Wheel which we weren't aware of until we saw them from above. The town is really cute and we are very pleased with our accommodations. The staff is very helpful and Ron got his birthday kiss from the young woman who has helped us daily with directions and dinner suggestions, etc. So far her directions and the phone's gps have got us to our locations. Tomorrow, Sunday we venture to San Gimignano, and Siena through the mountains via our car.

Views of/from Montecatini Alto