After breakfast at the Minerva, we took a great walk to the Nobleman’s bath, a Roman ruin on the sea. Then we walked back to town and had a pizza at the Aurora in the main square followed by a visit to Standa and a walk back up the hill for happy hour on our terraces at the Minerva. Then wrapped up the evening with a walk back to town for dinner at St. Antonino’s and Gelato.
We drove from Cortona to Sorrento today and I can now share one of the most beautiful places on earth with my friends….
Ristorante La Pentolaccia: A very small, family owned restaurant in Montepulciano with some of the best food in Italy. The care that the family takes in preparing all the Tuscan favorites is surpassed only by the friendliness of the waitress who cares for all the patrons. We tried this restaurant originally during our trip in 2011 and again in 2013 and the quality has not waivered. Pici pasta Alla Cinghiale (boar), Ribolitta, fresh fish, everything we tried was amazing! Via di Voltaia nel Corso, 86. Tel. 0578 757582. Closed on Giovedi.
We took a day trip to Montepulciano and despite the constant drizzling rain, we had a great time exploring the town, tasting wine, shopping and eating. This trip has had everything from great old friends re-uniting to new friends getting to know each other. I have to give a shout out to Bill for his willingness to keep us all safe while driving us all over Italy. As anyone who has tried it knows, driving in Italy is often not the most enjoyable thing to do. Thanks Bill!
We took the train to Florence for a great day followed by yet another amazing dinner!
We had 3 excursions from Cortona yesterday; a trip to San Gimignano, a long 17,000 step hike up the mountain and a shopping extravaganza. Then we wrapped up the evening with a nice dinner.
After a challenging flight on RyanAir (crazy luggage rules and 1.5 hours late), I met up with Bill, Sandy Antica, Grace, Susan and the Smitty’s. We had a nice day walking around the city, lunch in Piazza Navona, drinks at the Gusto wine bar and dinner at Otello. I think the trip is off to. Great start!
Flights from Brussels to other cities in Europe leave from Charleroi Airport, not the main International Airport. To get to Charleroi, there is a shuttle bus from the Brussels Midi (also known as Brussels Zuid). I had a heck of a time finding the shuttle. I finally asked the information booth which helped somewhat. Go out the left end of the station (when facing away from the tracks). Once outside, go left and at the side of the station, you’ll see several busses lined up. I just asked until I found it. I attached a picture of what mine looked like. It was 13 Euros and bring exact change to pay the driver. I think you can also order tickets online. It leaves every half hour starting at 10 after the hour.
It’s winter in Brussels but that didn’t stop me from tracking down the best fries in the world….
I discovered that MARTA does not have a stop at the new International Terminal (city did not want to spend the money). So, if you get off at the airport station, there is a shuttle to the International Terminal. It is easy to get to (just keep going right and when you get outside, you’ll see them on the left) and quick – 12 minutes. Once there, you can check in at the ticketing counter, go through security and get to any gate (international – E or F or domestic – A thru D). By the way, the new terminal is very nice and there is a new Crown Room upstairs after you go through security.
There & Back Again - A Traveler's Tale 