Day 13 - Pitigliano, Italy

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Activities

• Exploring the township of Pitigliano
  
• Family visits in Pitigliano and San Valentino
  
• Trying to stay dry
  

Highlight(s)

• Catching up with family
  
• Enjoying the slow paced friendliness of the local shopkeepers
  
  
  

Odd Spot(s)

• A vast contrast to Rome - when you enter a shop in Pitigliano (or any of the small Tuscan towns) it is mandatory to have some small talk. This is true even if you are the only one in the store or if there is a queue. When we went to the fruit shop - we were third in line to be serrved - and there were others queuing up behind us. We all had to wait as the person being served updated the fruit man on how her mother was and whether her leg was better etc.
  
  
• Gelati count = 0
  

Weather

Rain, rain, rain min 11 / max 13 degrees

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Photos

Pitigliano by day...
The beautiful town vista. Geez they could build. This - the old part of town - was constructed centuries ago.

Canteenas
Canteenas are storage spaces (kinda like caves) built in to the side of the hill. Each family has one - typically rented. Used to store wine, vegetables and meats - they are kinda like a giant fridge/pantry.

Street in the old town
Most of the places are quite modern inside - but very small. Access to this part of town is by Ape (Pronounced Arpey) only. Which are the cool little 3 wheel utes with a motor bike entry.

Fireworks for sale
New Years seems to be a bigger event than Christmas here. Lot's of DIY firework events.

Creme Catalina
A dessert treat made by cousin Rosana at her restaurant. The flames are kicked off by Grappa which then starts to burn the brown sugar on top. What's left is a hard sugar crust and then custard.

Christmas shopping
Some Christmas shopping in Pitigliano. The shops open at 10am-1pm, then re-open at 4pm and close around 7.30pm.