Ian’s 12th birthday started off with a two-hour drive to Quarrata for three days of rest. Rome was hectic. We needed a time out…or a Tuscan agriturismo. Aaaaaaaah. Room to roam. And finally, a pool.

This place was fantastic. The first night, we had an amazing meal at a lovely table on the patio. We awkwardly watched Germany vs. Italy with the owners of the agriturismo. Good thing they barely understood what we were saying as we quietly cheered for Germany under the table.

After breakfast, the rest of the next day was spent in the water or under our quiet trellis/cabana.

We visited the nearby Pistoia for dinner that night. Lovely, clean town with some nice shops and restaurants. Happened upon a basketball tournament in the town’s main Piazza. Yes, you read correctly…basketball. We took that in for a bit (slow and strange) then got some dinner. Beautiful place…would love to spend more time there on another trip.

The following day went like this. Breakfast…swimming…made lunch in our kitchen…more swimming…dinner down the street…more swimming…

After three amazing nights in Tuscany, it was time to begin our journey to France. Fiona said goodbye to the little horses and we were off.

On our way out of Italy, we stopped in Lucca for a bike ride around the wall that surrounds the city and had a quick pizza (the best one we ate in Italy!). Then back on the road for 20 minutes to Pisa to see the leaning tower. Sadly, the grass is currently fenced off and we could not picnic like the last time we were there. Oh well, glad the grass is being restored.

Onward to France! Excited to eat some eggs and steak frite after the pizza/pasta overload. Need protein.