We were ready to check out of the hotel this morning when the staff asked us if we were going to eat breakfast first – we didn’t realize that it was bed and breakfast so we enjoyed eating outdoors taking in the view and hearing the waves. Across from where we were, is the island of Elba which is the island that Napolean was exiled to. Ferries run back and forth regularly from the mainland to the island.
What we can’t get over is the number of castles that we have seen in Europe – probably all part of their defense program during war times. They usually sit high up on the hills and now are surrounded by complete towns. Taking photos of this won’t do justice at all because we are too far away.
Since we were so close to Pisa we decide we need to see the leaning tower – you have to see it in relation to another building to see how it leans. It was too busy to take a tour of the tower – many other tourists had the same idea today.
Driving along the Riviera we see the American influence on this area – American flags fly along with the European ones. This goes on for quite a while and all of a sudden the appearance changes and it’s not as luxurious any more…..being Saturday the joggers and cyclists are out on the roads all enjoying the good weather. The tourism book says that the Rivieras are strung with resorts and towns, many of them spoiled because of unregulated development. We didn’t notice that but then we didn’t spend much time there. Now we are out of the Tuscan Region of Italy and the scenery changes. Tuscany is quoted as being a region filled with vineyards, cypress-ringed villas and olive-cloaked hills and this is so true. The cypress trees are unique to this area.
From there we go into the mountain ranges again with the towns/castles nestled right on top and lush green trees all around us. Every now and then we get a peek of the coastline again. One area we passed through was almost like a rainforest. Lots of farming yet as well, all terraced along the side of the mountain. Olive trees are in abundance as well as vineyards….we stop for a lunch break and then decide if we are to make good time today we had probably best get back on the freeways for a while. Being on the freeways, you go through one tunnel after another – the Italians have mastered the building of tunnels. Joe says it’s almost like having tunnel vision…..
Another must place to visit today is Monte Carlo/Monaco. These places too were very busy with tourists today. We checked out the price of staying there but decided we couldn’t afford it and they had no vacancies even if we wanted to stay. This is where the rich and famous hang out…..Joe and Bernie checked out the Ferrari dealership and gloated over the cars there. They have never seen so many Ferraris out on the streets that belong to people there.
By now it’s getting to be supper time and time to find a place to stay. We had to drive for another 2 hours to find both. It was late but we did succeed. Tomorrow we will make reservations somewhere earlier so we can enjoy the evening.
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