Tuscan Horseback Ride

Today was my favorite day I've had in Florence since I've been here. I took a tour with a company, and had just about the best time ever-- even though no one from SACI wanted to go with me.. Their loss!!!! We started off the day by stopping for a beautiful view of Florence. It was SO clear because it was really windy in the morning. I may like Rome a lot better, but when you have this panoramic view of Florence, you still fall in love with the landscape.

We then visited a medieval village called San Gimignano, also called the Manhattan of Tuscany. I had been before, but it was a short stop so it was fine. It was way more crowded than when I was there... Our guide even bought us all gelato from a shop that's won many awards for the best homemade gelato! 

We then went wine tasting at Tenuta Torciano. I wasn't a big fan of the wines, except of course my favorite San Gimignano white wine and prosecco. Lunch was pretty good. We had a salad with 30 year old balsamic vinaigrette, salami, cheese, and bread with olive oil to start. For a second course, we had homemade vegetable soup. For the main course we had homemade lasagna with truffle oil which was the best lasagna I have ever had. For dessert we had biscotti. 

Afterwards, we went to our guide's house for some coffee while we waited to go horseback riding. We then went to Agriturismo Il Vecchio Maneggio where the stables were. But first, we tasted honey. 

Then it was FINALLY time to go horseback riding. We rode through vineyards in the Italian country side. In the picture below you can even see the towers of San Gimignano if you look to the left of the telephone pole. 

I rode a horse named Milo, who was the most advanced horse since I've had a lot of experience at camp. He reminded me of the horse I rode at camp because he tried to stop and eat constantly. But he was a sweetie pie, just like Chili (my camp horse). I made sure to shower him with lots of hugs...

And give all the other horses love too! I'm standing next to Milo below too.

We hit so much traffic coming back into Florence (nearly 2 hours, even with short cuts... It's supposed to take 30 minutes to get back). But, it was worth it. I don't know if it's because I'm not used to an English saddle (I've only ever ridden in Western saddles) or if it's because I haven't gone horseback riding in nearly two years, but I am so sore and my sprained ankle hurts a lot more than I thought it would. But, I don't regret a thing. I'd do it all over again. It was the best day I've had in Tuscany.

Ciao for now!