Friends for Life

You hope as you are growing older and have grandchildren to pass along some of your loves in life. Scuba, motorcycling..........travel, a sense of adventure. This is such a story.....
I decided to take a trip to Italy ,one of my dreams. I announced to the family and encouraged anyone of my family to venture with me. My youngest grandson, 15 at the time, ask if he could go. Kory was 6ft and weighed approximately 195. Kory was a very mature 15, youngest of two and several years junior of his sister with parents who instilled in their children respect of others. I felt this would be good for him and me. I also felt this was my chance to light a fire. My oldest son has never been very adventurous and their family travels were limited to Arkansas.
Kory worked all summer doing any odd job so he could raise enough money for his air fare and expenses. The day came in June we were off to Paris. Paris ! you say? Yes, for during our plans and talks Kory had ask to see the Effiel Tower and I love abstract art ... Paris then Florence,Italy by train to a villa overlooking San Gimignano. What a great trip I thought. We arrived at Paris. The city is very crowded and the roads are very narrow. The city was full of ornate statues and buildings,just beautiful. For the first day we took a open top tour bus and looked at all the sites.The fun was hopping off at interesting areas to explore. That afternoon we traveled down the Siene river in a boat,lots of good pictures. The second day we had lunch on the Eieffel Tower and went to the top. That was a great idea. Lunch was good and the sites from the top of the tower were unbelieveable. We spent the rest of the day walking the streets of Paris and viewing the shops. All the time creating a bond to last a life time.
On the day of our departure we went to the Mus'ee d'Orsay Museum , which is located in the former Beaux-Arts railway built in 1898-1900. This was a real treat for me. I was brought to tears viewing the beautiful, original works of art , by some of my favorite artists. That afternoon we gathered our luggage and headed to the Charles Degaulle train station for night bound double to Florence , Italy.
My grandson turned sixteen on our night ride into Florence. We both had a little trouble sleeping do to the excitement of being in another country in the morning , also the doubles were a little cramped. Remember Kory is 6ft.
The morning came and we headed to the lockers so we could stow our luggage til that afternoon. Then we would pickup our car rental and head out to the villa at San Gimignano.
Florence is everything and more that you may read. We were there for only the day ,but we made the most of it. I was able to go online and book the tickets for Accademia, Uffizi and see the Statue Of David. As late afternoon was nearing we made our way back to get our luggage and rental car.
The drive out of the city toward San Gimignano was really nice. Rolling hills with poplars, red poppies and grand villas. My grandson was my navigator and with a mapsand notes did a great job. We arrived at the villa of Poggetto Di Montese to be greeted by the owner where we were taken to our rooms and given a walk thru and demonstation where necessary. I felt right at home, washer, dryer, grill,kitchen with a window that opened to San Gigmignano. I was Home!!! Beautiful!!! The grandfather of our villa had a huge garden/orchard with all kinds of fresh fruit, vegetables . He came and told us to pick or gather anything we wanted . How great that was!
Each day was another adventure. New city,new direction everyday. Siena, Voltera, Pisa, Livorno, Montevarchi and more. The best eated Gelato and Pizza, remember I'm with my 16 year old grandson. Seriously, some the best I have eaten, anywhere.

My grandson and I spent two days on the Amalfi Coast on the beach. Why? The first day my grandson had a topless encounter with a sun bather. :} Yes, a biology lesson. It was the first thing he told his parents when he got home. The last day there we were able to see a little more of Florence where we caught a train back to Paris and flew home.

Most memorable times: Sitting in evening in lounge chairs overlooking The 14 towers of San Gimignano, me with my wine,Kory with his favorite beverage, sharing ear wires to a mp3 player with our favorite music ,side by side.
Kory is now 21, in College and yes he has a heart that seeks adventure and a love for his grandmother equal to hers for him :}