ARREZO.
The town where Life Is Beautiful was filmed. They also have little model man and women holding umbrellas hanging down over the street. Naturally there had to be numerous "Mary Poppins. photos taken. (See Julie's blog)
Also just like the other places, they didn't like the Florentines either! There is a Florentine "crest" which they erected just to show the people of Arrezo, who was in charge. It was just a silver shield with six bumps in it.
No one really knows what the six bumps mean. They could represent coins because the Medici Florentines were bankers. The bumps could be pills because the Medicis were also doctors. They could also be six bumps in a shield made by a giant's stones. As the guide said, if you don't like those explainations, just make up your own! They would be just as credible.
It was also the place where our coach broke down, and our departure date kept being put back. Which meant a waiter at one of the restaurants got to know us and some of our group quite well. We joined him for morning coffee and then for lunch. He joked with me that he would not say goodbye because perhaps we might meet again for dinner!
Even though there was a bit of time killing done, because there isn't that much to see in Arrezo I really liked the place.
SAN MARINO.
Below is the flag of San Marino, or to give it it's official title. The Divine Republic of San Marino.
Although everything about it is Italian, San Marino wasn't absorbed into Italy when the country was being unified by Garibaldi. The reason was that the country sheltered and protected many people who were sympathetic to Garibaldi's cause. So out of respect and thanks, he let the country stay
There is so much to like about this place. Because of its mountain location, the views are breathtaking.
I also think that it also has some of the most appealing and attractive sculptures of any city I have seen. Such a refreshing change from all the Neo-classical stuff that we found elsewhere.
The highlight of the evening if not the day was our evening meal. Pasta entree, steak main, then dessert and coffee. When we arrived chef and the kitchen staff were having their meal, and because we had spent so much time sightseeing there wasn't much time left until we had to leave on the coach. I asked the head waiter if we would have time to eat the meal and pay for it, in 40 minutes. Yes yes he said no problem. I wasn't really convinced but ordered anyway. What followed could have been in a movie.
After getting the Chefs into the kitchen orders were barked, pointed retorts were given, and chefs were not happy. I had a reason to pass the kitchen whilst all this was going on. The waiter was yelling at the top of his voice whilst looking like he was butterfly swimming and begging in supplication. Some the kitchen staff were standing hands on hips voicing an opinion, sometimes all at once. Whilst Chef had both hands on the table, one holding a very large knife which he looked as if he was about to throw. I remember thinking at the time that although I love Italians dearly it would be so nice if just for once, things could be done quietly and calmly.
However dinner did arrive and what a feast. A big bowl of beautiful pasta followed by a full size T bone! Dessert was also on the generous side which we had to take home in a bag. This takeaway request did not go down well until I made a little speech in very bad Italian about how well we had eaten, and then I just stood and applauded. Ruffled feathers were calmed and there was much smiling and hand shaking. So all in all, a great night.
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