Vino!

Beck and Lydia love playing at the playground just outside the village walls. So much so Beck can't decide what he likes best about Italia, the pool, or the playground. Do to unforeseen circumstances they got to spend a lot of time at there yesterday. The plan was to shuttle the whole family in two trips to a vineyard for a tour, the place was supposedly only a half hour away. Five hours later...

Don, Iris, and I were the scout team. After taking the wrong back road we finally made it to the winery we set out to find. Only to find out they only give tours and tastings by appointment, which being Nelsons we did not have. So we asked for directions to another winery that is open to the public. So we made it to the second vineyard, which was part of a resort, that Don described as, "where the one percent go on vacation". By this time Janelle, Deanna, and the kids said go on with out them.
We were famished so we sat down to eat at the resort restaurant, where my 20€ dish had one ravioli, yes just one. Regardless, we moved on to the wine shop, which was just as over priced and unsatisfying. After all that whining I do have to admit I like getting lost, it turns errands into adventures.

Determined to visit at least one real winery/vineyard, we tried on last place. Jackpot! Our host who at first seem annoyed to have to deal with us, quickly warmed up to her international guests; us, an Argentine couple, a Brazilian couple, and a Lithuanian couple.


English was the common language so everyone got along splendidly. There was even a joke about Lingua Franca, being replaced. To say Don was in his element was an understatement, by the time we left the Argentines, who own their own vineyard, we're coming to the Willamette Valley, and Don is planning his next international trip. Iris made friends with the vineyard dog.





We tried to make it up to Janelle and Deanna, by bringing back Chianti and chocolate. We're in Tuscana, there'll be more wineries. The plan is to take the bus next time so no one is left behind.





-Issac

Location:Somewhere near Siena, we're still not quite sure.