You know you've arrived at the gay winery ...

... when you can hear the ABBA emanating from the tasting room before
you even get out your car.

Wine Country ... Beyond Quaint

A Cunning Plan That Cannot Fail

I got so sick of misplacing my USB flash drive that I put it on my keyring. Perfect! Problem solved! What could go wrong? There's no way I'd leave the drive plugged into a client's server downtown and not notice until I got home at 2:00 AM costing me $86.92 in taxis. That would just be stupid.



In other news, did you know that a darkened, deserted conference room with lovely nighttime views can be an oddly peaceful place to collect your thoughts? If you're stressed and trying to cope, I suggest a lovely Chardonnay / Sauvignon Blanc blend to relax the soul and lubricate the mind.

Putt, Putt, Zoom, Zoom Through The Countryside

I've done paintings, sculpture, architecture, food, tours, sightseeing and nightlife! It’s my last day in Italy. What’s left?

ROAD TRIP!

My travel buddy and I grabbed a matching pair of the iconic Italian scooter, the Vespa, for a magical journey through the Chianti region of Tuscany. Of course, it’s not that simple. I had to get an International Driver’s License in the U.S. before I left and the rental itself took an hour. Italians don’t hurry. But finally I got my sleek, black, little cutie and off we went.



I’ve had a motorcycle license for some twenty years now. But a scooter is a different creature and I haven’t biked in a couple years. So I was rusty and busy watching moving targets. In the first five minutes I took two wrong turns, got separated from my friend, got lost, had to back track and drove the wrong way up a one-way street.

Strong work.

Things improved one we got out of the bustle of Florence. Within a few hours all the old muscle memories had returned, along with a feel for the road and a sense of mastery of the vehicle.

On our way out of town we stopped at Michelangelo Plaza which offers views of all of Florence.











The David here was created by the artist himself. Yet it is a pale copy. I was aware immediately of it's many differences and shortcomings. After my time with the original, I feel I know David ... like a lover. Still, there is a fondness for even a copy ... like a photograph of family, hardly a replacement, yet a comfort nonetheless.

---

The cool breezes and warm sun of the Tuscan countryside enticed me to lay my skin bare to feel closer to the lavish world around me.











I plucked an unripe grape and squeezed it between my teeth, slowly releasing the powerful flavor. It was sharp and very strong, like concentrated lime juice, yet enjoyable in very small amounts.

We didn’t have time to visit all the vineyards ourselves. Which is OK because boozing and piloting a two-wheel vehicle are only a good combination if you’re keen on cranial intrusions and facial reconstruction surgery.

So we went to Le Cantine, a do-it-yourself wine and cheese tasting room. Machines dispense tastes of wine, cheese, meats and olive oil in an elegant yet low-key environment. You buy a Wine Card and then run amok.



Chianti Classico Riserva is one of my favorite wines. So I decided to sample a survey of 100% Sangiovese wines and record my impressions. My survey was neither scientific nor expert, but it was fun.



After lunch and a break to metabolize the wine, we headed to the tiny town of Castellina.



We were told they have the best Gelato in Italy.



They did. Click to check out this babe’s awesome eye makeup.



42 kilometers from Florence to Castellina for ice cream ... absolutely worth it.

Back to Florence we went.



Our tour was planned for us by the hardcore biker at the rental shop. Picture a guy with a beard, muscles, leather jacket and some serious tattoos giving directions on where to get the best ice cream, wine and cheese. Memo from Italy to American men: masculinity and culture are not mutually exclusive.

There’s just one more thing....



"Hands on the wheel, sir. I’m going to need to see your license and registration."