Ciao - Giorno Tre

Day Three: during our morning briefing we learn about salutations in Italy.

* Ciao as most people know means both hello and goodbye but it is typically reserved for people you know.

* Buon Giorno, on the other hand, is good day / good morning and it can be used to greet strangers as well as friends.

* The seldom used Buon Pomeriggio means good afternoon and is appropriate anytime between noon and early evening.

* Afterwards it's time for Buona Sera (good evening) and finally Buona Notte when one says good night.

Our hike today takes us from Gaiole on towards Radda where we will spend the night. We cheated along the way and took the support van for part of the hike. Interestingly, while waiting for the rest of the group we met the owner of Søllerød Kro, a Michelin Restaurant in Copenhagen, who was biking with his wife. He shared photos of some of their restaurant's specialties. We promised to visit on August 10, 2024 when we'll be back in Copenhagen.

At lunch we met Fabrizio for a Balsamic Vinegar Tasting (ummm delicious) and a demonstration of the making of Panzanella (a Tuscan summer salad that includes soaked stale bread, sweet onion, tomatoes and basil). A perfect picnic with wine, shade, great food and fellow-hikers.

Once again, we opted to take the shuttle to our next hotel and avoid the glaring heat of the afternoon. We were staying at a beautifully refurbished palace - Palazzo Leopoldo. A shower, a quick nap and good to go again for our dinner at the Casa di Chanti Classico. There we watched a cooking demonstration of Lasagna (mine is better – haha). We sampled the wine and had a great dinner of Pork and Roasted Potatoes.

Once back at the hotel we enjoyed a relaxing time in the cool evening air chatting with our fellow hiker Fran. One of 13 children, retired from the military and very fun to be with. She has a great sense of humor and we really enjoyed her company throughout the hike.