Ragtime

Scraps of lace and torn fabric strung together decorate the courtyard of a winery in Chianti, Italy.

Quiet at the Top

A steep and narrow street in Montecatini Alto, the medieval town that sits atop the hill overlooking the spa town of Montecatini in Tuscany.

Cortona Garden

I passed this small, peaceful garden in the hilltown of Cortona in Tuscany during my walking tour.

On the Wall

A visitor walks along the ancient wall of Monteriggioni, a small fortified town in Tuscany. The wall and towers are still virtually intact after being erected by the Sienese in the early 1200s.

Gelateria

One of the highlights of the small Tuscan town of Monteriggioni was stopping by this gelateria/wine bar and practicing my Italian by ordering two scoops of their wonderful gelato. Delizioso!

Volterra Street Scene

A street in Volterra, Italy.

Medici Fortress

In the background is the Rocca Nuova, or New Fortress, built by Lorenzo the Magnificent in 1475. It sits at the highest point in Volterra, a town with a population of 11,000 which dates back to Etruscan and Roman times.

Fattoria

We passed this newly built fattoria with guest rooms during a walk in the Tuscan countryside near Monteriggioni.

Tuscan Afternoon

A stroll through the walled town of Monteriggioni leads down quiet streets and alleys such as this.

Pizza on the Piazza del Campo

I had lunch at this pizzeria while in Siena, Italy. It's located at the edge of the scallop shaped Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio takes place. The yellow flag bears a double headed eagle and represents the contrade del aquila, or district of the eagle. There are 17 contrade, and they date back to the middle ages.

Container Garden

I photographed this typical Tuscan container garden in Monteriggioni, while briefly visiting the walled medieval town with its population of several thousand.

Tuscan Doorway

This old door is brightened by the addition of flower pots. Texture by Shadowhouse Creations.

Doorway, Volterra

Walking down a street in Volterra, Italy, I chanced upon this doorway.  I loved the color of the aged stucco and the decorative details. Texture by Shadowhouse Creations.

Aqua Shutters

If I recall correctly this is the back of the Hotel Bartolini in Montecatini Terme, Italy. I walked past it daily on my way to get a cappucino and pastry.
Texture by Sienna62.

Doorway, Montecatini Alto

I photographed this doorway during an early evening stroll in Montecatini Alto, the medieval town that sits above the spa town of Montecatini and is accessible by funicular.
Texture by Shadowhouse Creations.

White Wash

This is another photo taken during my walk through the countryside near Monteriggioni in Tuscany.
Texture by Joes Sistah.

Tuscan Archway

While walking through the valley below Monteriggioni, we stopped for a quick break and I explored a few of the nearby buildings while others lined up to buy fresh fruit from a local farmer's cart.
Texture by Emma Cox

Going on Vacation - Back in a Week

This photo was taken in Florence while I was touring Tuscany. I've added a texture by Shadowhouse Creations.

Pienza Bar

I loved the streets and views of Pienza, a hilltop in Tuscany famous for its pecorino cheese.
Texture by Jodi Dogma.

Colle Verde in Bloom

The fattoria of Colle Verde  is located high in the hills of Tuscany, not far from Lucca. It's a wonderful place to visit for sampling their olive oil and wine, or just to enjoy their lovely views. I've added textures from Shadowhouse Creations and Dyrk Wyst.