Today was our horseback riding adventure in Chianti and what an adventure it was! The morning started off a bit rough when I came back up from my morning coffee (or a reasonable facsimile thereof) and juice to find Bridget still asleep. She didn't hear the wake up call (which she insists never happened) and had about 25 minutes before we needed to leave to walk to the station. I give her credit. Never has a teenager freshened up, dressed, eaten breakfast, and come out smiling, ready to face a freezing, dreary, damp morning walk.
We made it to the terminal, remembering to turn "at the only stoplight" this time in record time and had nearly 30 minutes to stand and wait. When a young man approached me and said "Come with me" I was astounded. I questioned him and he seemed surprised that I did. "That's my granddaughter" and I need to feel assured before we go anywhere. All in all, it was the mini van to the Chianti region and we had a wonderful tour guide, Francesco. Off to the beautiful countryside.

We had coffee while our horses were brought out and then saddled up for a 2-hour ride through the vineyards and surrounding countryside. We got to pet the friendly barn cat who rubbed your hand if you stopped as well as the three dogs, two of which were old and plump German Shepherds that rolled over on their bellies just like my Lacey when they wanted a scratch. Yes, I took pictures. It was a traditional trail ride with Bridget (having ridden before and recently) second in line behind the owner (I am always number 1!) and I being in last position so I might keep them moving, as he put it and being that I had ridden for the most years of the group next to him. Bridget rode Nadia and I rode Felau. It was lovely.
Following the ride and some wine in front of a wood fire (wait until you see the pics of "grandma")we headed off for lunch. And what a lunch!
We drove to a family home amidst the vineyards and near a beautiful lake - forget the swimming it was rainy and cold and WINDY - went in and waited while they lit the fire for us. Our meal began with a glass of white wine (Did you know that white wine is to be served in smaller "champagne" style glasses and not full bulb styles reserved for red?) and an appetizer of small dough squares filled with bits of sausage and cheese. Incredible! Wish I could remember the name. We then had, in addition to the bottles of water provided, a plate of polenta with various dipping sauces. All my life I thought I didn't like polenta; was I ever wrong. Yummy again.
Next we were served a wonderful red wine with the main course of pasta in a garlic/ricotta cheese sauce - again too incredible for my words! By now, with a mere tasting of each course (and don't forget the chunks of hard-crusted bread - eat your heart out Potter! - served in small brown paper bags..too cute) on the table, I was dying. How do all these people eat and eat and not take a nap? What is served next but the most delicious desert I have ever experienced. A very light pastry rolled and filled with some type of fruit filling and drizzled with a warm caramel and cream. OMG
We visited awhile, took pictures, kissed everyone on the cheek good bye, hugged, took pictures of another grandmother making homemade pasta, and headed for the ancient castle ruins.
We toured, took more pictures, bought some incredible desert wine and the required bread to eat with it (referred to as Heavenly wine) and headed back to Florence. We exchanged Facebook names with our new friends and Bridget made plans to return, stay in a hostel as the Austrailian girls did, and connect again with everyone.
We both agreed that, although the trip has been amazing, this was the best day yet.