Duomo Climb and Wine

Wednesday, 3.12.2014:

Everyone woke up and to enjoy some free breakfast before heading out for the day. Everyone decided to split up since some people where leaving that day. Erica, Amy and I decided to stick together all day. The three of us spent our morning walking to the top of the Duomo and Bell Tower and then looking in the Cathedral. The view was stunning: 

 

 After all of this we ran into Wendy and Shannon and chatted with them for a little bit. After all of this we went back to the hostel for a little bit to get directions to our Wine Tasting meeting place and to use a bathroom. We were all about utilizing any free bathroom when we had the chance. We then made our way to the meeting place for the wine tasting. Along the way we picked up some lunch and met a couple of Americas. Although they aren't our new besties, they were nice to chat with. Once we finished we ran to the train station to see if we could change our train tickets but were disappointed to find out we could not. Then we met up with everyone to join our wine tasting tour. As we winded up the roads out of Florence we learned a lot about Tuscany, the Chianti land and Italy in general. Here are some fun facts from our guide:

Fun fact: The Medici family is one of the most famous families in Florence.

Fun fact: Before 1860 Italy was a bunch of independent states.  

Fun fact: Florence was the capital of Italy before Roma was. 

Fun fact: Chianti is not a grape name, it is a land within Tuscany. 

Fun fact: The mixture of grapes that make up Chianti was made to celebrate the unification of Italy. 

Fun fact: Extra virgin oil is a certification that is only given if you follow a list of restrictions. 

Fun fact: Olive trees with more than one trunk are older olive trees. A young tree is considered to be planted after 1986. 

On the drive up we stopped off at this tiny town called St Brigida. We looked out at the Tuscany view. Here are some of the pictures I got: 

We then drove the rest of the way to the castle where we were going to have the wine tasting. We got a tour through this little castle and then through the wine cellar. At the end of the tour we sat down and enjoyed three different wines - one white and two reds. The tasting also had a plate fun of delicious finger foods. We learned the proper way to hold, check and sip wine. Look at me getting so cultured!

After the last of the wine was finished we hopped on the bus back to the city center. At the city center some people went back to the hostel while the rest of went to the train station to find a free bathroom. In the 3 minute walk from the bus to the train station Amy and I managed to get separated from the other girls. We walked around the train station about 10 times looking for them before giving up and walking to find some wine and crepes. While we ate our crepes we walked along the river and chatted about random things. After picked up some cheap wine we walked back to the hostel. There we connected back up with everyone. We all just sat around sharing stories. I decided to get a kebab for dinner before skyping my parents. Checking in with the parents was nice, it's always good to hear their voices and what's going on their lives back in the Lou. After chatting with them and sharing some of the good stories I decided to call it a night.

Cheers,
Jenny