The room in Lucca has shutters which completely block out the sun! It is the absolute best way to sleep! The room becomes completely dark until you actually want to see or feel any inclination to wake up or see light! It's so simple, yet so perfect! Every bedroom should have one! Hell! They are better than any Window furnishings I've ever had! May I also say Robyn has been so strategic and skilled in choosing each of our accommodation points in these Tuscan towns; it has been a surprise package opening each door. They have all been practical, yet passionate and perfectly pleasing in kwirky and clever ways! I'd stay in them all again (see blog photos for each one) and recommend them to anyone with utter confidence! Thanks lovely Robyn! X

...now, having got that off my chest...today we picked up our little Fiat and set off into the picturesque and perfect Tuscan Countryside...on our way to Sunny Siena!

We had some gatekeeper dramas at the Hertz rental desk. It pays to
Dot all i's & cross t's as far as excess insurance is concerned. Another one for the work memory bank! Simonetta seemed to be crossing the entire bloody alphabet! Finally we were up and running!

Dropped in and saw the leaning tower of Pisa (wasn't really in the way but we ended up there somehow). It was one of those tick off the list things! Nice enough!

Now to the car experience...I wasn't driving but could feel the temperature rise and calm, peaceful dynamics change. The roads are confusing and without the convenience of google maps or a GPS it became a blooming nightmare! Add to that, all of us sure we know which way to go with a separate map and the roads spiralling like water slides and you have a recipe for a schmoz! At best a learning experience for us all: everywhere you turn off and to you hit a toll booth (we have that system better organised with our tags!). I'm sure plenty of folk will tell me they think it's great driving around Italy: good for you/them. My estimation is that is a nightmarish merry go round of mish mash! Roadworks are commonplace and change routes at a moments notice!

We finally arrived at our accommodation in Siena. It's a 13th Century Convent. Monks used to live here! Beautiful building. And appropriate for my lifestyle at present!

After our whirlwind car trip we all need a bit of a kip! Then to explore the next Tuscan treasure!