Cycling under the Tuscan sun

When I was a kid, the best bikes had 18 gears in 3 lots of 6. Then, when I got older and my parents bought me the best bike ever (in my opinion), a luminous yellow Marin Muirwoods, it had 21 gears in 3 lots of 7. So when we arrived at the cycle hire to find out our bikes had 24 gears in 3 lots of 8, I thought it a little pointless. Until I saw the hills.

My word, Tuscany is hilly! The first hill of the day we were warned about and it was huge. In first gear, Pedalling like a maniac, making very little headway whilst your thighs slowly turn to jelly, really wasn't a pleasant experience. Amanda nearly passed out. No joke! But it was certainly worth it. After the hill, although there were a few more gruelling mini-mountains, the views were stunning. Cycling through olive plantations and wineries was exactly as you'd imagine it. We then stopped at a winery, had a lovely lunch, tasted the wines and then it was downhill all the way home. Great day. Mam, you would not have enjoyed the hills!















We left Florence the Next morning and went to pick up our car. What was going to be an Alfa Romeo turned into a Peugeot 207. Needless to say, we were a little disappointed but realised that 4 doors are actually pretty handy and the Alfa was only 2 so all good.

Driving in Florence was a disaster. One way, no way, 2 way nightmare! And, they put the steering wheel on the wrong side! What a shocker adjusting to driving on the right and changing gears with your right hand. Very strange I can tell you. But we settled in. I nearly hit a few cars on the right side, and I scraped the hub cap on the curb but I am now a duck to water. It's the most natural thing in the world. Besides, it's Amanda's turn today... :-)

So after a long drive, we are finally in Verona. The opera is on just up the road and the bars and wine are superb. All good so far. Romeo and Juliet today, opera tomorrow and Venice the next day. Life's tough. Oh...and as it's our fourth Monday not at work and traveling, we're heading for a champagne breakfast! Why not hey?!

Fact...Although we are going to see Juliet's balcony today, an actual balcony was not mentioned in Shakespeare's play at all. The quote is: But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? before she goes into the famous "Romeo Romeo..." bit. So it was definitely a window but not necessarily a balcony. Still, it'll be a nice day out! Thanks Dad for the fact by the way :-)

Ciao!

Dave Canavan MSc
www.thechingchokhunter.com

Location:Via Terre,Verona,Italy