Montalcino and Brunello. As close to perfection as you get

We woke up, went to our favorite morning cafe, unsure that they'd be open on a Sunday morning. Like old friends at Cheers, they waved us in and brought our normal breakfast to us without having to order. We were so sad to leave that cute little cafe, as well as our fabulous, AIR CONDITIONING, apartment in Siena. Well, life goes on and so did our journey. We really truly loved that place and our host. Ciao Siena, we'll see each other again...

We found SR2 again, heading back south again. Our next home, which was 2 kilometers outside of the town of Montalcino, was not available until 3PM so we headed straight for Montalcino. We wanted to explore the town before decided to have lunch.

Most everything was closed on Sunday, there were local kids playing soccer in the church front courtyard. We went everywhere... to the old convent with a hospital high atop the next hill to the town center. Hiking back took a few stops for a breather.  But the view and experience couldn't be beat. We passed so many houses that were preparing this Sunday lunch, the great smelling cooking aroma was driving me insane with hunger.

The restaurant we decided on was terrific. We were a little early and was the only 2nd table seated (unlike most other times when we took the last :)  It had a fabulous view of the valley, great pate for S (in Italy, right?) and a nice flight of tasting Brunello for me. Not a bad start Montalcino.

After lunch we went to explore the rest of the town. Of all the places so far we've visited this trip, Volterra and Montalcino share the same vibe, and we would not think twice about spending extended time in either place. Before long we ran up to check in time, so I texted the hostess of our upcoming AirB&B to ask her for a recommendation for a nice Brunello. She is a local wine expert and runs a business educating and giving tours to local wineries, We picked up a nice bottle from her suggestion. Then we headed to her place.

Did I say 10 times or more S is a great navigator and travel partner? With the Google lady working overtime, we still needed S great effort to find the turn off to our new place. The driveway of pebbles was long and steeeeep... our little Fiat was about to die when we found the parking.

And paradise.

We checked into our new place, through those double doors there, The place was clean, spacious, with a small kitchen and a comfy bed. BUT NO AC. :(

It was hot but had a nice breeze going through. We popped open our bottle of wine and went back outside for fresh air, some coolness and relaxation.

We settled in, had our wine, relaxed, read, played on our iPad's. Soon it was time to head back to town for dinner. Afterwards, we stroll through town to take in the tremendous sunset.

What a great day in paradise.