Sharing a Bedroom

Yesterday's drive was more exacting than the previous ones.  The roads were narrow and the views were beautiful (but you will be glad to know that, as the driver, I saw very little and kept my eyes on the road).  The motorways were busier and, on occasion, the rain was torrential.  So when we eventually arrived at Castelfiorentino in near Florence at about 7.30pm we were very much in need of a stop for the night.  We landed on our feet once again as Diane saw a sign for Albergo La Pieve and took the instant decision that we would head for it.  Good choice!  The young lady at reception spoke immaculate English (with an English accent) which, given how tired I was, was a Good Thing.  It turned out that she also spoke fluent German (with a German accent).  I assume her Italian was good too! (OK, Frances, I didn't really need an ! but it seemed like a good idea.)  When I wrote the last few sentences I didn't know the whole story about the young lady.  That will be a separate post.

The food and local wine was good, the rooms were large and the bathrooms large and clean and very well appointed with lovely towels and plenty of them (although for a one-night stay I only use the large bath towel).  One thing I have noticed in all the hotels - and it makes a big difference - is that they have all used expensive toilet paper.  

When I arrived in my room after dinner I was asleep as my head hit the pillow.  Until 4.30am.  I have no idea why I woke but I had this uncanny feeling that I was not alone.  I wasn't!  Those of you who have heard the insidious whining buzz of a mosquito will understand.  I covered my head with the sheet and tried to get back to sleep but I was too hot (rich food still trying to be digested generates heat I guess).  I can't blame the hotel because the windows have mozzie screens on them.  I showered.  I went back to bed.  At around 5.30 I fell back to sleep.  Oh how I sympathise with people who don't find sleep easy.  I usually do.  I should make that a Thankful Thursday post one day.

I'm not usually mozzie fodder (the little sandflies love me though) but I guess this lady was not going to pass up a meal and feed she did.  I've decided that I definitely don't like sharing a room any more.

Dark morning and rain over Lake Como from Menaggio

A typical community clinging to the hillside above the lake

And again

Have you anything for me?  At La Pieve

Albergo La Pieve

Our first Tuscan evening view (taken this morning when the sun deserted us - oh dear).