An entry in the TFS Travel Journal
Same breakfast routine, but up late enough that it was warm enough to eat outside (and also to drag the clothes-laden standina out into the sun). Then down to the pool area (which fortunately had been vacated by all children) to read for the morning.
The weather was odd - when the sun was out, felt like sunburn caliber; when a cloud would pass, it got chilly! Same heavenly view, with a foreground of a tree-branch lattice structure with several still blossoming red rose bushes and a few lizards. Quiet, but with the sound of grape harvesting equipment off in the distance.
A comment after soaking in the expansive view: Tuscany is actually about 80% forest, with almost all the rest being vineyards, some cut right up to, and surrounded by, the forest. Thus, the soothing tranquility of this valley — so much green and then the light terra cotta stone towns.
Drove to Castellina in Chianti (about 10 minutes away, just another of our neighborhood places) for lunch, where we dined at La Torre (a BDF recommendation). The crostini misto was several crostinis each topped by what seemed to be a different flavored butter; the bruschetta was quite good and fresh. Pastas were a tagleatelle w/rabbit (excellent, though only one of us would eat it) and a tasty fusilli bolognese. Entrees were pheasant (not so great) and a perfetto veal chop. The rosso was a perfectly acceptable local Chianti Classico. Dessert was a familiar thin pignoli cake. We then re-walked the cute town, picking up a couple of wine-carrying bags and headed back to change for the drive to Florence and Rosh Hashannah services.
First we attempted to drive to Avis and switch cars for an automatic. With their instructions, we got only marginally lost, but we’re getting so smart that we had built in copious extra time. The transfer went as smoothly as such things can in this country, and we then taxied over to the synagogue. While waiting with the group to go in (the security process of checking IDs and all bags slowing things down a bit), we overheard much english, and started talking with Paul and Ellen, a late 40s couple from Florida.
As it is an orthodox synagogue, men and women are separated, so Milton and Paul sat together and Wendy sat with Ellen. The building, outside and inside, is stupendous — enormous, in height also, and grandly ornate. The service, however, left a bit to be desired. About 80 or so minutes of Hebrew prayers, some led by a cantor, most just accompanied by him, with not one announcement, nothing responsive, then it was over. The women were way off to the side behind the michetza (a wall topped with a wooden screen), or upstairs, with no prayerbooks. Not a whole lot of warmth or welcome for us visitors. . .Nor was it quite the family experience we’re looking for! Alas.
Cabbed back (enjoying the vibrancy of Florence in the evening) to pick up our new car (a Fiat Mera), which is definitely not quite in the same league as the Lancia, but at least both of us (and soon all four of us) can drive it! Got home smoothly, though with some traffic, and did a quick pack (we’re getting pretty good at that) for tomorrow’s departure.