But before I get to that, we took a side trip from our last stop in Montepulciano through the Val d’Orcia region to a medieval hot springs village with a hot pool in the centre square and a natural outdoor hot springs that was in the forest. Both are very cool. Warm, but cool.
Then it was back to Montepulciano via the famous Val d’Orcia drive.
Last dinner was in a lovely old restaurant and our lady somehow managed to get us the best seats in the house when she called to reserve a table for us.
Next morning – one last look at the famous chapel and we are off to our next destination.
We are now in Massa Marittima, which is west of Florence and south of Pisa. We have not been in this region before, but in two days we are headed to Pisa to drop off our little car and hop on a train headed for Riomaggiore in the Cinque Terre.
We arrived early (of course), only to find the desk firmly “chiuso”. The cleaning lady saw us and motioned that she would try to find someone. About 20 minutes later – not too happy about being disturbed from his lunchtime at home – a man who couldn’t do check in arrived. Tersely told us to come back at 2:00 when the desk was open.
As the reception area was accessible by literally anyone without any employee eyes on anything, I didn’t want to leave our luggage there and asked if it was safe to leave it in the car. Mediterranean shrug, gesture and dismissive “of course” as if just the question was an insult.
So we left everything in the car and started walking – up – to the medieval centre in search of lunch and, as it happens, right past the police station next door.
Found lunch, a couple of beers and a beautiful cathedral.
And a spritz menu! But when I asked the server about trying the one called Cynar Spritz, she made a sour face and shook her head. Better to have the Aperol, she said. Ok – not gonna argue.
So we headed back to try to check in again and maybe go for a swim in the hotel pool. There are lots of rules posted in the reception area, including all swimmers must wear a bathing cap. Which item they do not provide. Can’t wait to get a pic of Don wearing one of those.
And now our room. I made a little video for you (turn sound on).
We are not so fondly referring to it as the Bates Motel. It’s so outdated and tired, and not in a charming way. There is no air in the room – of any kind. The door to the outside balcony doesn’t lock, and since it is on the first floor, it is easily accessible from both sides. The manual says to make yourself aware of the room safe instructions before using, but of course there are no instructions to be found. I asked AI and it provided me with instructions but because it is “an older model” even AI said to double check before putting anything inside. Which I did – the thing is useless. So that all adds up to a thief’s delight as far as I can tell – caribinieri or not!
Of course the reception desk has been closed all morning and my what’s app message has gone unread as of now – 11:51.
So we are taking a pool day today – even though the gate is locked and we definitely do not have pool caps. Maybe someone will show up to give us heck and then we can talk about a few things relating to our room.
Which reminds me – when we went for dinner last night – the Papa at the sweet family restaurant headed my way, seeing that I had not eaten all my pasta. I looked at Don and said, uh oh – I think I’m gonna get in trouble! Which I did, but managed to mollify him with delizioso – molto grande!! Ok then – apparently this is the only acceptable reason for not finishing one’s pasta.
While we were back at our hotel for the afternoon (to hit the pool), there was about an hour of torrential downpour. I had a nap instead. Then I got this photo back up at the cathedral.
Which pretty much made up for everything else. It’s one of my favourite puddle shots.
Today is pool day and we have it to ourselves so far, which is nice. No manager in sight though . . .
