The September weather is still nice and balmy, not too hot and so perfect for visiting some more small towns.
Montecatini is quite close and so we drive up the 'Firenze mare' motorway to have a peak. The name Montecatini is synonymous with its luxury health spas, playground to the rich and famous who seek to take refuge here and give themselves some serious pampering. The composer Verdi was a frequent visitor and even Mussolini took time out from world domination to bathe here in 1930!
The baths were originally built in 1530 to house the already known Spa waters. The town of Montecatini alto as a strategic stronghold though, goes back to the 1300's, as its excellent location to Florence leant itself to being a close Ally.
Most of the 'Terme' are at the bottom, but at Montecatini 'alto' there is the old, interesting part. We stop at the top for a picnic lunch and enjoy the vast views towards Lucca. We take a wander through the pretty little town and stop for a cappuccino in an outdoor cafe in the main square. Today there is a wedding and it's great to just sit and watch the wedding party outside the cathedral.
In the evening we're playing 'gooseberry' to friends Lydia and Stefano for a truly special meal at the Caffè Concerto in Florence. A very expensive fish restaurant along the Arno River. The risotto is amazing and we enjoy a very memorable evening...
http://www.caffeconcerto.net/florentine-recipes.htm
(Original journal entry 6/9/02)
2 comments:
Your pictures are breathtaking, just wonderful to read, thanks for sharing. I also just started a blog, love every second of it.
Many thanks Medifast! Good luck too with the Blog! Lee
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