Day 3 Tuscany

Train travel although fun for the kids, was taking a toll on a not so young man who had to lug our luggage up and down the steps. That was why we were looking forward to a road trip, a relaxing drive in Tuscany.

It was the hubby's first encounter with left hand drive but he took to it in no time. Soon, we were cruising along the winding roads and enjoying the Tuscan landscape.

The kids were doing fine on the first leg but E started feeling sick on the second leg. I mistakenly thought the distances between towns were short (about half an hour's drive) but it turned out to be one to two hours. We had to stop a few times because E wanted to throw up.

Due to the frequent stops, we arrived in San Gimignano when it was dark. Drama seemed like a constant companion on this vacation. 

The GPS failed us. Our hotel location could not be found. 

I called the hotel but the staff spoke only Italian. We asked around for directions but no one knew. Finally, someone had internet connection and gave us directions via Google maps. 

What a welcome sight the hotel was and it boosted our spirits tremendously that a cosy room in a lovely house greeted us.

We finally settled down for dinner at 10pm. Snacks are a must on any vacation with kids. And in this scenario, snacks were the lifesavers. It prevented any meltdowns caused by hunger pangs! I'm not sure if it's because we were starving but it was here that we had one of the most delicious meals.

I've always lamented that relaxing holidays are a bore (think beach holidays where you just laze in the sun) but this was really on the opposite end of the spectrum. But who's complaining? Drama aside, it was fun and memorable and I think the kids agree.

Evidence that the kids are having fun 

 

Asciano

Gelato, our daily fix. So many flavours to choose from but the boy always wanted vanilla!

 

Montepulciano

A different kind of carbonara. It's dry, not the wet, creamy ones we are used to but she's loving it.

Home away from home