April 14

Biking through the Chianti region on the most beautiful day in Italy since arriving in January. Kelsey, Alex, and I booked a bike tour for the weekend upon seeing (and squealing) the weather report. High of 74, no chance of rain, and winds only at 1mph. With that kind of forecast, it would be sinful to spend the day indoors. We met our guide and group in the city center and then we were transported by van to the touring company's Chianti headquarters to get bikes. Our guide was a character. Joseph was from Australia, came to Italy on a whim, swore like a sailor, and had an opinion about everything. He was spitting facts, dates, and names left and right during the tour, leaving Alex and I joking that he was making everything up and tourists' gullible ears would never know the difference. The ride was a combination of challenge and leisure: after winding and grinding our way to the top of a hill, we rested our sweaty-selves and tired booties and took in the sights. Cute Alex made the effort to say "Boungiorno!" to every person we passed while biking. We stopped for lunch at a winery (specializing in Chianti wines) and had a dual wine tasting (I completely preferred the 13 euro bottle to the 28); potato, beet, and chickpea salad; leek risotto; and pasta with a cheesy ragu. Kelsey was killing it with her wine knowledge today. Every question Joseph asked (What kind of grapes make Chianti? What is the meaning of this label? How do wineries produce a rose?), Kelsey knew the answer to! Coincidentally, there was a couple on the tour with us from Colorado with a daughter who just graduated from Chapel Hill. It was strange to see the UNC emblem on the dad's baseball cap! We ended the tour with a gelato stop and the three of us had fun providing restaurant recommendations and giving our Florence two-cents. A great day, through and through. Tomorrow, may be a different story though. Those bikes are tough on the glutes, if you catch my drift.