Lunch with the Bechi family 2001

 [June 29 2001, photos with white borders courtesy of Carl Bergman] 

Roberto, a local tour guide born in Siena, would be featured on several of Rick Steves' PBS programs. He and I would work on a video documentary in Tuscany in 2005. Wonderful people who also run a lovely B & B outside of Asciano in La Crete, the beautiful rolling hills south of Siena. For more details about touring Tuscany and beyond or their accommodations visit toursbyroberto.com. 

back: Joyce, Susan, me, Roberto Bechi, his wife Pattis and uncouple in front unknown

San Galgano and San Gimignano 2001

 [June 28 2001, photos with white borders courtesy of Carl Bergman]

The ruined abbey of San Galgano, formerly a Cistercian monastery, abandoned centuries ago, and the nearby chapel which houses the burial site of Galgano. The chapel is also where Galgano, formerly a soldier and wastrel, decided to give up fighting, and drove his sword into a stone to make his point. 

 

the ruined abbey in the distance

From San Galgano we headed off for San Gimignano in time for lunch.

Assisi 2001

 [June 26 2001, photos with white border courtesy of Carl Bergman]

Our drive to Assisi in Umbria was smooth and uneventful. The day was gorgeous and we spent quite a bit of time wandering the old part of the city and of course in the large church that overlooks the valley below. 

We also stopped in the church down the hill that contains the original chapel used by St. Francis. A truly  remarkable experience even for a non-believer.

remnant of the ancient Roman amphitheater

photographing St. Claire and St. Francis, both buried in Assisi

the Temple of Minerva

Sinalunga 2001

 [June 2001, photos with white borders courtesy of Carl Bergman]

Located just outside Sinalunga in Tuscany was the Villa San Giustino, our base of operations for the week we spent in Tuscany.

road to the villa

restaurant behind the large windows

Joyce

Susie, Joyce and me

Susie by the pool

another American family was also staying at the villa