Italy - Tuscany(2)

To see more of the Tuscan countryside and the Chianti region we set course for San Gimignano which is southwest of Greve and not far away. It was another of those winding twisting roads up onto the hills and down again into the dales, testing Fifi's nimbleness and Joan's nerves. Progress was slow, but that is the idea so that the scenery can be enjoyed, and Tuscany is not short on scenery.
Now San Gimignano (San jimmy hahno) has a long history from many points of view -

- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Two films had scenes shot here; Tea with Mussolini, and St Francis of Assisi
- and more

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Gimignano

Arriving on the roundabout nearest the main parking area (no vehicle traffic inside the town) we became instantly aware of what appeared to be one of those ubiquitous Italian scooter riders, doing shenanigans on the thing. He was waving at us, sliding around in the saddle, looking over his shoulder and careering all over the road with the scooter. We realised that we was telling us to follow him, more so once we saw his dayglo vest with 'CAMPER' written on the back.

The 'follow me' scooter

Fifi parked and Joan poking tongue 

He lead us for two miles down the road to the camperstop and the reception office. So far so good ....
We took the free shuttle bus into San Gimignano and were deposited near the main entry portal to walk the 500m into the walled medieval town. This is when I (we) realised that our visit would be underwhelming, if you like. The main thoroughfare was nothing but a mix of shops selling arts and crafts with some expensive deli style outlets trying to sell you some wine or cold meats. And then the revelation of tour groups dropped off by tourist buses. I will stop short of calling it a tourist trap, the town does have some charm, but bus loads of tourists in a small medieval town, does not do it for us. There was the torture museum which had an enticing entrance but at 10 Euros per adult, I gave it a miss. I was not surprised to see many others do the same.

By the bus load

To me the highlight of the afternoon was whilst watching some window display, I heard an Afrikaans voice saying "Ek wag net vir die man om pad te gee dan neem ek die foto" (I'm just waiting for this guy to move before I take the photo). I nonchalantly turned around and saw the lady with a group of friends, obviously thinking there will be no other Afrikaans speakers in Italy. "Goeie middag en waar kom julle vandaan" (Good afternoon and where are you all from) I responded. Of course the look on the face and the stunned silence is what made my visit! They were a small group, mainly from Pretoria, sharing a Tuscan villa nearby.
The stone, brick and terracotta tile mix, so dominant in much of Italian architecture, does come to the fore in San Gimignano and more so because of its age. This too I enjoyed.

Tuscan stone, brick and terracotta

 



We left the town at 17:30 after a three hour walk around and took the shuttle back. Pasta with salad and Salami washed down with the local Vernaccia. The morning would see us departing for an overnighter in Rome.