Day 10 brought us to Impruneta, a town outside of Florence, where Tony's former language partner and friend (Bernardo) lives. But first, we ventured to Greve.
It's just our opinion, but this place is likely the most overrated Tuscan town. Though its roots are historic and its wine famous, the town has undergone a revitalization that turned Italian-style buildings into Floridian condos (not very becoming, indeed). In addition, it was quite touristy and its fare unappealing. Our recommendation- come to this area,
travel its nearby winding roads (uniquely fantastic and woody),
drink its wine,
and pass over the actual town of Greve.
We met up with Bernardo in the main square of Impruneta in late afternoon, and were promptly treated to a couple of cappuccinos. He then lead us to his parents' home overlooking the country-side...
and we thought we were rid of the gorgeous views outside our bedroom windows...sheesh. :)
Anyway, the guesthouse was as Tony remembered, rustic and wonderful. Since Tony last saw him, Bernardo got married and had a boy named Pietro; we were excited to meet the little one, who turned out to be very talkative for his age and spoke with an Italian lisp (which we did not directly pick up, given our English predominant auditory cortex). Dinner was served that evening by Bernardo's mother, as she did not want us to suffer her son's cooking as guests in her country (Pietro's mom, Elena, was working that night). Emily was amazed by the fact that each of the ingredients in a simple pasta dish were fresh and obtained not from the local Safeway or Costco, but rather from various gardens of family or friends.
'Twas a warm, generous, Italian welcome to be sure.
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