The others - day 11 (Pienza)

Bad news first - still no luggage which is becoming quite ridiculous. They (Egyptair) just don't seem to care. Sizable insurance claim coming up. On to better things - another beautiful day in Tuscany. The day didn't quite work out as originally planned but very enjoyable nevertheless. After the usual magnificent breakfast her at Castelle Spedeletto we headed for the (hilltop of course) town of Montalcino from which the intention was to take the walk to the Abbey of St Ântimo. Had a look around the town which was as usual full of medieval structures and beautiful streetscape and asked directions to the information centre. First person said turn right to centre of town. No luck. Second person (policewoman) said back up the hill and turn left. Found. Advice given as to how to find the walking track with map but after a few blind alleys (and big hills) asked again and told the map is wrong go this way. Went that way and asked again at Chemist who told us long way to Abbey but follow this road. By this time it was getting pretty hot so we walked for a out a hour along a pretty rough track but with spectacular views of the countryside and decided best go go back and get the car and drive to the Abbey. Only 9 k by road and it is a beautiful 12th century structure - very high and a fabulous example of French Romanesque architecture. Lovely grounds as well. Again on advice of Laura we took the ring road via Quirico d' Or via- an incredible drive of twisting mountain roads but of course beautiful scenery. We had had a biggish lunch in Montalcino so picked up a takeaway panini sandwich in Bagno Vignone which we will have for dinner in the beautiful gardens here. Tough. Still no pictures sorry but blame Egyptair! I'll download a couple from Egypt just for fun!