The Butcher, The Baker And The Cappuccino Maker......

Today in Italy began like many others with Clyde driving around a little village mingling with the Italians. We hopped from the region of Umbria over to Tuscany, all in about a two minute drive.  In fact this place we're at now is SO on the border that our landmark is a "Benvenuti in Toscana," (welcome to Tuscany) sign where we turn up our road, into Umbria.

Our private tour guide today was our next house sit host who wanted to familiarize us with the town of Mercatale di Cortona. First stop was at the bakery that her boyfriend is a co-owner of for a tour and tasting of some delectable pastries. Larger than it appeared from the outside, the bakery is well equipped to make breads, pastries, cookies, pizza and more. Against our will (yeah right) we were held captive until we tasted one of the delicious sweets.

The Bakery

Large Ovens

(Sweet Oven) In Italian

And Yes We HAD To Take Back Some Bread Too

Next was a stop at the local butcher where we got a peek of what is offered here for meats and poultry.  At every stop our host who is from the UK managed to bump into some of her expat friends who relocated here from their home countries. Actually we are quite surprised to see SO many expats living in this area, but from what we've been told, there are hundreds. We stopped to enjoy a cup of cappuccino at a local café before she showed us around some more.

Butcher Shop

Later in the afternoon Clyde and I took off to explore more of Tuscany on our own. Our first stop was
Sansepolcro, a town and commune in Tuscany in the province of Arezzo. Situated on the upper Tiber River the town is home to Buitoni pasta, founded by Giulia Buitoni in 1827.

Sansepolcro Village

Bell Tower And Church

According to the legend the town was founded around 1000 AD by two pilgrims. They carried a stone from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Sansepolcro in Italian) in the Holy Land with them.  They founded an oratory dedicated to Saint Leonard on the sight of the current cathedral.

Next we headed up to the ancient medieval village of Anghiari, the sight of a battle with the same name in 1440.  This small walled, stone city sits high up on a hill with the Tiber River at it's feet. This picturesque village is enclosed in massive walls built in the 13th century reminiscent of the way life was back then.  We strolled up and down the steep cobblestoned alleys to admire the stone houses dressed up with flowers, wooden shutters, and small windows so common during that era. Considered by some to be one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, it's just another reason to fall in love with Tuscany.

Lovely Hilltop Village Of Anghiari

Back in our temporary home we cooked up some fresh ravioli filled with spinach and cheese, garlic bread, salad and of course wine. So many reasons to fall in love with Tuscany, Umbria and the rest of the gorgeous country that we are so fortunate to have the time to explore.....along the gringo trail.

Terry and Clyde are able to "Travel The World House Sitting"  and so can you!  We have created a website to help people who want to learn about house sitting.    Information for both the prospective house sitter and for someone who needs a house sitter.

the New Website                          -->  CLICK HERE

How to Get Your First House Sit -->  CLICK HERE

How to find a house sitter          ---->  CLICK HERE

San Marino.....A Country Right In The Middle Of Italy.....

Today we left Italy to visit the nearby country of  San Marino, one of the smallest countries in the world. And the country is bordered on all sides by Italy.  It is a country within a country.

 According to legend, San Marino was founded in 301 AD by a Christian stonemason named Marinus who fled the island of Arbe and it's dictator.  He hid on the peak of Mount Titano and later teamed up with a group of people who all shared the same Christian beliefs.

Many believe that San Marino has been inhabited since prehistoric times, although actual evidence dates back only to the Middle Ages. The land was named the Republic of San Marino in honor of it's founder, Marinus.

Waiting For the Funivia (cable car)

Going Up

During the 19th century when Italy went through some unification San Marino became a place of refuge for many displaced Italians who were persecuted for their support of the cause. In their honor  the ruler of the area chose not to rejoin Italy and instead, remain and independent country. In 1988 San Marino joined the European union followed by the United Nations in 1992.

Views From The Top Of Mount Titano

Today San Marino relies heavily on tourism and as a result has low unemployment, no national debt and a even a surplus budget, thanks to people like us.

Located about two hours by car from the city of Umbertide, close to where we're staying, our GPS managed to find  the way.  The route was lined with lush, green mountains, rugged peaks and even some fall colors in the myriad of trees alongside the road. Far away from the hoards of tourists we had to admire this beautiful country and all that it has to offer. 

Stone Sculpture On Wall Above.....See The Horse

Once we crossed the border into the Republic of San Marino we followed the signs to the, "centro storico," or the historic part of town. From there we boarded a cable car that took us up Mount Titano for a spectacular view of the countryside below.  Mount Titano has three peaks and perched high upon each one is a tower that can be spotted from miles around. We walked the rocky, steep paths for hours exploring every inch of the lovely towers and admiring the views below. After ascending many stairs that lead to a ladder into the first tower I realized that if this is what it means to be a princess....I don't want to be one.

The Ladder Up The Tower

Our Favorite View

Going Down

A Hole With A Ladder

This magical place was loaded with paths leading to the towers, museums, shops, lookout points and so much more. When our legs had enough climbing we decided to call it a day and head back down the mountain.  While we never even know this place existed we are fortunate to have had the opportunity to explore it......along the gringo trail.

Clyde Was Fascinated With These Roots

Republic Of San Marino License Plate

Gelato With An Added Hat

Terry and Clyde are able to "Travel The World House Sitting"  and so can you!  We have created a website to help people who want to learn about house sitting.    Information for both the prospective house sitter and for someone who needs a house sitter.

the New Website                          -->  CLICK HERE

How to Get Your First House Sit -->  CLICK HERE

How to find a house sitter          ---->  CLICK HERE