Day 9,

We missed breakfast but they decided they would be nice and served us a cup of black coffee and a piece of dry sour pastry!.....

We drove to Populonia to see the Etruscan ruins and had a lovely surprise, because there was also a mini castle on top of the hill. (Jo counted the steps: 110 + the ones that we did here another 100) We spent 2 and 1/2 hours sightseeing and had a lovely lunch: paid our bills and went to the W/C where we were chased by the waiter because we had not left enough money (they did not give us a bill, nevertheless it was embarrassing). Well, we are getting used to that.

Back on the road to our next stop, Le Guardiole, through unknown territory full of back roads and up, down and around mountains, actually trusting the GPS today. We arrived within 2 km of our actual destination , the GPS had us in a farmer's field and it had not Hotel in it (we did not have a number for the Fattoria)....

The Fattoria is absolutely gorgeous, very classy working farm; they make their own wine, olive oil and many other products. There is a lake for fishing, a beautiful pool, which we took advantage of after we checked in. Sitting out, finally relaxing, watching the sun go down: beautiful and so peaceful.

They opened the restaurant just for us, at 8:00 PM. We had a 3" - 31/2 " T-bone steak between the 2 of us. We could not finish it. The Chef came out and served us personally and the waiter was very attentive. We are settle down for the night and wish you all a lovely evening.

The Tuscany Ladies.

PS: Tomorrow we are visiting the therme of Saturnia and intent to soak until we are wrinkled like prunes. Then we are off to Spoleto, in Umbria. We hope it will not and be a difficult drive.

PPS: Jo and I are so looking forward to Dievole so we can unpack and fell at home for a week.