(7708,1,'2011-10-02 20:59:27','2011-10-03 03:59:27','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Mia Cugina, Fabio 2 and Me\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met me at the water cooler to talk about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oh, well.  It was too late now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school?  No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson burst out laughing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI sheepishly defended myself.  \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI kept on with the defense.  \"Plus, it\'s been averaging 116 degrees in Phoenix!  It can\'t possibly be healthy to train in those temps!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson attempted to comfort me.  \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nShe didn\'t sound convincing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group for the first time.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, </strong>a working vineyard, farm, and hotel.  (If you are planning a visit to Italy, I highly recommend researching<strong> <a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/agriturismo\">agriturismo</a> </strong>for an authentic experience.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut that\'s o.k.  I had youth on my side which certainly gave me some smattering of physical prowess.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYep.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting?  I was.  Oops again!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car, they pay attention.  i.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, I was the last to pull into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  So much for youth.  I mused that my 65 year-old father is a marathon runner, and my fellow tour group members are cycling ANIMALS!  The 60s are obviously the new 40s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs for me -- the group baby -- I needed a tricycle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling this tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7702\" title=\"P1000225\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-21','','','2011-10-02 20:59:27','2011-10-03 03:59:27','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(7709,1,'2011-10-02 21:00:47','2011-10-03 04:00:47','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Mia Cugina, Fabio 2 and Me\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met me at the water cooler to talk about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oh, well.  It was too late now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school?  No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson burst out laughing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI sheepishly defended myself.  \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI kept on with the defense.  \"Plus, it\'s been averaging 116 degrees in Phoenix!  It can\'t possibly be healthy to train in those temps!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson attempted to comfort me.  \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nShe didn\'t sound convincing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group for the first time in the lobby of our Florence hotel.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, </strong>a working vineyard, farm, and hotel.  (If you are planning a visit to Italy, I highly recommend researching<strong> <a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/agriturismo\">agriturismo</a> </strong>for an authentic experience.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut that\'s o.k.  I had youth on my side which certainly gave me some smattering of physical prowess.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYep.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting?  I was.  Oops again!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car, they pay attention.  i.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, I was the last to pull into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  So much for youth.  I mused that my 65 year-old father is a marathon runner, and my fellow tour group members are cycling ANIMALS!  The 60s are obviously the new 40s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs for me -- the group baby -- I needed a tricycle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling this tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7702\" title=\"P1000225\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-22','','','2011-10-02 21:00:47','2011-10-03 04:00:47','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(7710,1,'2011-10-02 21:01:45','2011-10-03 04:01:45','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Mia Cugina, Fabio 2 and Me\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met me at the water cooler to talk about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oh, well.  It was too late now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school?  No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson burst out laughing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI sheepishly defended myself.  \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI kept on with the defense.  \"Plus, it\'s been averaging 116 degrees in Phoenix!  It can\'t possibly be healthy to train in those temps!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson attempted to comfort me.  \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nShe didn\'t sound convincing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group for the first time in the lobby of our Florence hotel.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, </strong>a working vineyard, farm, and hotel.  (If you are planning a visit to Italy, I highly recommend researching<strong> <a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/agriturismo\">agriturismo</a> </strong>for an authentic experience.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut that\'s o.k.  I had youth on my side which certainly gave me some smattering of physical prowess.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYep.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting?  I was.  Oops again!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car, they pay attention.  i.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, I was the last to pull into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  So much for youth.  I mused that my 65 year-old father is a marathon runner, and my fellow tour group members are cycling ANIMALS!  The 60s are obviously the new 40s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs for me -- the group baby -- I needed a tricycle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling this tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7702\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Baby M, Fabio 1, and Luigi\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7702\" title=\"P1000225\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-23','','','2011-10-02 21:01:45','2011-10-03 04:01:45','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(7711,1,'2011-10-02 21:01:46','2011-10-03 04:01:46','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Mia Cugina, Fabio 2 and Me\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met me at the water cooler to talk about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOops!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oh, well.  It was too late now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school?  No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson burst out laughing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI sheepishly defended myself.  \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI kept on with the defense.  \"Plus, it\'s been averaging 116 degrees in Phoenix!  It can\'t possibly be healthy to train in those temps!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson attempted to comfort me.  \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe didn\'t sound convincing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group for the first time in the lobby of our Florence hotel.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, </strong>a working vineyard, farm, and hotel.  (If you are planning a visit to Italy, I highly recommend researching<strong> <a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/agriturismo\">agriturismo</a> </strong>for an authentic experience.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that\'s o.k.  I had youth on my side which certainly gave me some smattering of physical prowess.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYep.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting?  I was.  Oops again!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car, they pay attention.  i.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, I was the last to pull into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  So much for youth.  I mused that my 65 year-old father is a marathon runner, and my fellow tour group members are cycling ANIMALS!  The 60s are obviously the new 40s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs for me -- the group baby -- I needed a tricycle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling this tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7702\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Baby M, Fabio 1, and Luigi\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7702\" title=\"P1000225\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-24','','','2011-10-02 21:01:46','2011-10-03 04:01:46','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(7712,1,'2011-10-02 21:04:24','2011-10-03 04:04:24','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Mia Cugina, Fabio 2 and Me\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met me at the water cooler to talk about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oh, well.  It was too late now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school?  No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson burst out laughing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI sheepishly defended myself.  \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI kept on with the defense.  \"Plus, it\'s been averaging 116 degrees in Phoenix!  It can\'t possibly be healthy to train in those temps!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson attempted to comfort me.  \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nShe didn\'t sound convincing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group for the first time in the lobby of our Florence hotel.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, </strong>a working vineyard, farm, and hotel.  (If you are planning a visit to Italy, I highly recommend researching<strong> <a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/agriturismo\" target=\"_blank\">agriturismo</a> </strong>for an authentic experience.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut that\'s o.k.  I had youth on my side which certainly gave me some smattering of physical prowess.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYep.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting?  I was.  Oops again!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car, they pay attention.  i.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, I was the last to pull into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  So much for youth.  I mused that my 65 year-old father is a marathon runner, and my fellow tour group members are cycling ANIMALS!  The 60s are obviously the new 40s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs for me -- the group baby -- I needed a tricycle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling this tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7702\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Baby M, Fabio 1, and Luigi\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7702\" title=\"P1000225\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-25','','','2011-10-02 21:04:24','2011-10-03 04:04:24','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-25/',0,'revision','',0),(7713,1,'2011-10-02 21:05:33','2011-10-03 04:05:33','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Mia Cugina, Fabio 2 and Me\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met me at the water cooler to talk about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oh, well.  It was too late now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school?  No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson burst out laughing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI sheepishly defended myself.  \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI kept on with the defense.  \"Plus, it\'s been averaging 116 degrees in Phoenix!  It can\'t possibly be healthy to train in those temps!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson attempted to comfort me.  \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nShe didn\'t sound convincing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group for the first time in the lobby of our Florence hotel.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, </strong>a working vineyard, farm, and hotel.  (If you are planning a visit to Italy, I highly recommend researching<strong> <a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/agriturismo\" target=\"_blank\">agriturismo</a> </strong>for an authentic experience.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut that\'s o.k.  I had youth on my side which certainly gave me some smattering of physical prowess.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYep.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting?  I was.  Oops again!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car, they pay attention.  i.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, I was the last to pull into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  So much for youth.  I mused that my 65 year-old father is a marathon runner, and my fellow tour group members are cycling ANIMALS!  The 60s are obviously the new 40s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs for me -- the group baby -- I needed a tricycle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling this tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7702\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Baby M, Fabio 1, and Luigi\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7702\" title=\"P1000225\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-26','','','2011-10-02 21:05:33','2011-10-03 04:05:33','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-26/',0,'revision','',0),(7714,1,'2011-10-02 21:06:06','2011-10-03 04:06:06','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Mia Cugina, Fabio 2 and Me\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met me at the water cooler to talk about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOops!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oh, well.  It was too late now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school?  No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson burst out laughing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI sheepishly defended myself.  \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI kept on with the defense.  \"Plus, it\'s been averaging 116 degrees in Phoenix!  It can\'t possibly be healthy to train in those temps!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson attempted to comfort me.  \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe didn\'t sound convincing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group for the first time in the lobby of our Florence hotel.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, </strong>a working vineyard, farm, and hotel.  (If you are planning a visit to Italy, I highly recommend researching<strong> <a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/agriturismo\" target=\"_blank\">agriturismo</a> </strong>for an authentic experience.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that\'s o.k.  I had youth on my side which certainly gave me some smattering of physical prowess.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYep.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting?  I was.  Oops again!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car, they pay attention.  i.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, I was the last to pull into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  So much for youth.  I mused that my 65 year-old father is a marathon runner, and my fellow tour group members are cycling ANIMALS!  The 60s are obviously the new 40s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs for me -- the group baby -- I needed a tricycle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling this tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7702\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Baby M, Fabio 1, and Luigi\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7702\" title=\"P1000225\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-27','','','2011-10-02 21:06:06','2011-10-03 04:06:06','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-27/',0,'revision','',0),(7715,1,'2011-10-02 21:07:45','2011-10-03 04:07:45','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Mia Cugina, Fabio 2 and Me\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met me at the water cooler to talk about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oh, well.  It was too late now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school?  No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson burst out laughing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI sheepishly defended myself.  \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI kept on with the defense.  \"Plus, it\'s been averaging 116 degrees in Phoenix!  It can\'t possibly be healthy to train in those temps!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson attempted to comfort me.  \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nShe didn\'t sound convincing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group for the first time in the lobby of our Florence hotel.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, </strong>a working vineyard, farm, and hotel.  (If you are planning a visit to Italy, I highly recommend researching<strong> <a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/agriturismo\" target=\"_blank\">agriturismo</a> </strong>for an authentic experience.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut that\'s o.k.  I had youth on my side which certainly gave me some smattering of physical prowess.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYep.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting???  I was.  Oops again!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car, they pay attention.  i.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, I was the last to pull into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  So much for youth.  I mused that my 65 year-old father is a marathon runner, and my fellow tour group members are cycling ANIMALS!  The 60s are obviously the new 40s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs for me -- the group baby -- I needed a tricycle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling this tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7702\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Baby M, Fabio 1, and Luigi\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7702\" title=\"P1000225\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-28','','','2011-10-02 21:07:45','2011-10-03 04:07:45','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-28/',0,'revision','',0),(7716,1,'2011-10-02 21:17:43','2011-10-03 04:17:43','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Me, Fabio 2 e Mia Cugina\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met me at the water cooler to talk about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oh, well.  It was too late now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school?  No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson burst out laughing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI sheepishly defended myself.  \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI kept on with the defense.  \"Plus, it\'s been averaging 116 degrees in Phoenix!  It can\'t possibly be healthy to train in those temps!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson attempted to comfort me.  \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nShe didn\'t sound convincing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group for the first time in the lobby of our Florence hotel.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, </strong>a working vineyard, farm, and hotel.  (If you are planning a visit to Italy, I highly recommend researching<strong> <a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/agriturismo\" target=\"_blank\">agriturismo</a> </strong>for an authentic experience.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut that\'s o.k.  I had youth on my side which certainly gave me some smattering of physical prowess.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYep.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting???  I was.  Oops again!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car, they pay attention.  i.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, I was the last to pull into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  So much for youth.  I mused that my 65 year-old father is a marathon runner, and my fellow tour group members are cycling ANIMALS!  The 60s are obviously the new 40s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs for me -- the group baby -- I needed a tricycle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling this tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7702\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Baby M, Fabio 1, and Luigi\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7702\" title=\"P1000225\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you would like more information on The Tuscan Coast bicycle tour, please visit <strong>www.vbt.com.</strong>','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-29','','','2011-10-02 21:17:43','2011-10-03 04:17:43','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-29/',0,'revision','',0),(7717,1,'2011-10-02 21:18:03','2011-10-03 04:18:03','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Me, Fabio 2 e Mia Cugina\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met me at the water cooler to talk about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOops!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oh, well.  It was too late now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school?  No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson burst out laughing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI sheepishly defended myself.  \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI kept on with the defense.  \"Plus, it\'s been averaging 116 degrees in Phoenix!  It can\'t possibly be healthy to train in those temps!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson attempted to comfort me.  \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe didn\'t sound convincing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group for the first time in the lobby of our Florence hotel.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, </strong>a working vineyard, farm, and hotel.  (If you are planning a visit to Italy, I highly recommend researching<strong> <a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/agriturismo\" target=\"_blank\">agriturismo</a> </strong>for an authentic experience.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that\'s o.k.  I had youth on my side which certainly gave me some smattering of physical prowess.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYep.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting???  I was.  Oops again!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car, they pay attention.  i.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, I was the last to pull into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  So much for youth.  I mused that my 65 year-old father is a marathon runner, and my fellow tour group members are cycling ANIMALS!  The 60s are obviously the new 40s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs for me -- the group baby -- I needed a tricycle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling this tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7702\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Baby M, Fabio 1, and Luigi\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7702\" title=\"P1000225\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you would like more information on The Tuscan Coast bicycle tour, please visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.vbt.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.vbt.com.</a></strong>','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-30','','','2011-10-02 21:18:03','2011-10-03 04:18:03','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-30/',0,'revision','',0),(7719,1,'2011-10-02 21:18:53','2011-10-03 04:18:53','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Me, Fabio 2 e Mia Cugina\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met me at the water cooler to talk about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOops!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oh, well.  It was too late now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school?  No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson burst out laughing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI sheepishly defended myself.  \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI kept on with the defense.  \"Plus, it\'s been averaging 116 degrees in Phoenix!  It can\'t possibly be healthy to train in those temps!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson attempted to comfort me.  \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe didn\'t sound convincing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group for the first time in the lobby of our Florence hotel.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, </strong>a working vineyard, farm, and hotel.  (If you are planning a visit to Italy, I highly recommend researching<strong> <a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/agriturismo\" target=\"_blank\">agriturismo</a> </strong>for an authentic experience.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that\'s o.k.  I had youth on my side which certainly gave me some smattering of physical prowess.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYep.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting???  I was.  Oops again!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car, they pay attention.  i.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, I was the last to pull into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  So much for youth.  I mused that my 65 year-old father is a marathon runner, and my fellow tour group members are cycling ANIMALS!  The 60s are obviously the new 40s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs for me -- the group baby -- I needed a tricycle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling this tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7702\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Baby M, Fabio 1, and Luigi\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7702\" title=\"P1000225\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you would like more information on The Tuscan Coast bicycle tour, please visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.vbt.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.vbt.com.</a></strong>','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-32','','','2011-10-02 21:18:53','2011-10-03 04:18:53','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-32/',0,'revision','',0),(7718,1,'2011-10-02 21:18:09','2011-10-03 04:18:09','<p>[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Me, Fabio 2 e Mia Cugina\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n<p>The day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met me at the water cooler to talk about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>Allyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>Oops!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oh, well.  It was too late now.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>I stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school?  No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>Allyson burst out laughing.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>I sheepishly defended myself.  \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!.\"</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>I kept on with the defense.  \"Plus, it\'s been averaging 116 degrees in Phoenix!  It can\'t possibly be healthy to train in those temps!\"</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>Allyson attempted to comfort me.  \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>She didn\'t sound convincing.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>**********</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>On Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group for the first time in the lobby of our Florence hotel.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>To protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>I knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>All 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>Since the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>An \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, </strong>a working vineyard, farm, and hotel.  (If you are planning a visit to Italy, I highly recommend researching<strong> <a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/agriturismo\" target=\"_blank\">agriturismo</a> </strong>for an authentic experience.)</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>After checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>NOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>But that\'s o.k.  I had youth on my side which certainly gave me some smattering of physical prowess.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>Yep.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>The leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>We then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>I pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>He looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>What I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting???  I was.  Oops again!</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>Fortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car, they pay attention.  i.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>I took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>After our refreshing, easy ride, I was the last to pull into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  So much for youth.  I mused that my 65 year-old father is a marathon runner, and my fellow tour group members are cycling ANIMALS!  The 60s are obviously the new 40s.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>As for me -- the group baby -- I needed a tricycle.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>The pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling this tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>I called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>Fabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>Fabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>**********</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>That night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>After two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>[caption id=\"attachment_7702\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Baby M, Fabio 1, and Luigi\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7702\" title=\"P1000225\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>**********</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>If you would like more information on The Tuscan Coast bicycle tour, please visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.vbt.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.vbt.com.</a></strong></p>\r\n','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-31','','','2011-10-02 21:18:09','2011-10-03 04:18:09','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-31/',0,'revision','',0),(7720,1,'2011-10-02 21:19:01','2011-10-03 04:19:01','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Me, Fabio 2 e Mia Cugina\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met me at the water cooler to talk about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOops!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oh, well.  It was too late now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school?  No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson burst out laughing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI sheepishly defended myself.  \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI kept on with the defense.  \"Plus, it\'s been averaging 116 degrees in Phoenix!  It can\'t possibly be healthy to train in those temps!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson attempted to comfort me.  \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe didn\'t sound convincing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group for the first time in the lobby of our Florence hotel.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, </strong>a working vineyard, farm, and hotel.  (If you are planning a visit to Italy, I highly recommend researching<strong> <a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/agriturismo\" target=\"_blank\">agriturismo</a> </strong>for an authentic experience.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that\'s o.k.  I had youth on my side which certainly gave me some smattering of physical prowess.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYep.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting???  I was.  Oops again!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car, they pay attention.  i.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, I was the last to pull into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  So much for youth.  I mused that my 65 year-old father is a marathon runner, and my fellow tour group members are cycling ANIMALS!  The 60s are obviously the new 40s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs for me -- the group baby -- I needed a tricycle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling this tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7702\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Baby M, Fabio 1, and Luigi\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7702\" title=\"P1000225\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you would like more information on The Tuscan Coast bicycle tour, please visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.vbt.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.vbt.com.</a></strong>','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-33','','','2011-10-02 21:19:01','2011-10-03 04:19:01','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-33/',0,'revision','',0),(7721,1,'2011-10-02 21:20:01','2011-10-03 04:20:01','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Me, Fabio 2 e Mia Cugina\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met me at the water cooler to talk about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOops!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oh, well.  It was too late now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school?  No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson burst out laughing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI sheepishly defended myself.  \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI kept on with the defense.  \"Plus, it\'s been averaging 116 degrees in Phoenix!  It can\'t possibly be healthy to train in those temps!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson attempted to comfort me.  \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe didn\'t sound convincing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group for the first time in the lobby of our Florence hotel.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, </strong>a working vineyard, farm, and hotel.  (If you are planning a visit to Italy, I highly recommend researching<strong> <a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/agriturismo\" target=\"_blank\">agriturismo</a> </strong>for an authentic experience.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that\'s o.k.  I had youth on my side which certainly gave me some smattering of physical prowess.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYep.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting???  I was.  Oops again!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car, they pay attention.  i.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, I was the last to pull into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  So much for youth.  I mused that my 65 year-old father is a marathon runner, and my fellow tour group members are cycling ANIMALS!  The 60s are obviously the new 40s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs for me -- the group baby -- I needed a tricycle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling this tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7702\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Baby M, Fabio 1, and Luigi\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7702\" title=\"P1000225\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you would like more information on The Tuscan Coast bicycle tour, please visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.vbt.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.vbt.com.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-34','','','2011-10-02 21:20:01','2011-10-03 04:20:01','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-34/',0,'revision','',0),(7722,1,'2011-10-02 21:20:08','2011-10-03 04:20:08','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Me, Fabio 2 e Mia Cugina\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met me at the water cooler to talk about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOops!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oh, well.  It was too late now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school?  No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson burst out laughing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI sheepishly defended myself.  \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI kept on with the defense.  \"Plus, it\'s been averaging 116 degrees in Phoenix!  It can\'t possibly be healthy to train in those temps!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson attempted to comfort me.  \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe didn\'t sound convincing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group for the first time in the lobby of our Florence hotel.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, </strong>a working vineyard, farm, and hotel.  (If you are planning a visit to Italy, I highly recommend researching<strong> <a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/agriturismo\" target=\"_blank\">agriturismo</a> </strong>for an authentic experience.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that\'s o.k.  I had youth on my side which certainly gave me some smattering of physical prowess.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYep.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting???  I was.  Oops again!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car, they pay attention.  i.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, I was the last to pull into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  So much for youth.  I mused that my 65 year-old father is a marathon runner, and my fellow tour group members are cycling ANIMALS!  The 60s are obviously the new 40s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs for me -- the group baby -- I needed a tricycle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling this tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7702\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Baby M, Fabio 1, and Luigi\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7702\" title=\"P1000225\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you would like more information on The Tuscan Coast bicycle tour, please visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.vbt.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.vbt.com.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-35','','','2011-10-02 21:20:08','2011-10-03 04:20:08','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-35/',0,'revision','',0),(7723,1,'2011-10-02 21:21:43','2011-10-03 04:21:43','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Me, Fabio 2 e Mia Cugina\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met me at the water cooler to talk about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOops!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oh, well.  It was too late now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school?  No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson burst out laughing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI sheepishly defended myself.  \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI kept on with the defense.  \"Plus, it\'s been averaging 116 degrees in Phoenix!  It can\'t possibly be healthy to train in those temps!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson attempted to comfort me.  \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe didn\'t sound convincing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group for the first time in the lobby of our Florence hotel.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, </strong>a working vineyard, farm, and hotel.  (If you are planning a visit to Italy, I highly recommend researching<strong> <a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/agriturismo\" target=\"_blank\">agriturismo</a> </strong>for an authentic experience.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that\'s o.k.  I had youth on my side which certainly gave me some smattering of physical prowess.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYep.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting???  I was.  Oops again!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car, they pay attention.  i.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, I was the last to pull into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  So much for youth.  I mused that my 65 year-old father is a marathon runner, and my fellow tour group members are cycling ANIMALS!  The 60s are obviously the new 40s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs for me -- the group baby -- I needed a tricycle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling this tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7702\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Baby M, Fabio 1, and Luigi\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7702\" title=\"P1000225\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you would like more information on The Tuscan Coast bicycle tour, please visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.vbt.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.vbt.com.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-36','','','2011-10-02 21:21:43','2011-10-03 04:21:43','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-36/',0,'revision','',0),(7725,1,'2011-10-03 20:52:08','2011-10-04 03:52:08','One year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and started a big girl blog.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I always hoped for \"someday\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  My grandfather passed away in October, and I needed to pause for 10 days to grieve and spend time with my family.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 354, our group met on the veranda of the Hotel Elisabetta at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.  (Correction:  the group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while Michelle swept in circa 8:11 wondering how this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.)  My breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision','','','2011-10-03 20:52:08','2011-10-04 03:52:08','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/03/7724-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7726,1,'2011-10-03 21:07:43','2011-10-04 04:07:43','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Following directions is a drag.  Personal coaching is much preferred. ','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-589','','','2011-10-03 21:07:43','2011-10-04 04:07:43','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7727,1,'2011-10-03 21:09:12','2011-10-04 04:09:12','One year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a></strong>.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  My grandfather passed away last October, and I needed to pause for 10 days to grieve and spend time with my family.  You can find a small tribute to him <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 354, our group met on the veranda of the Hotel Elisabetta at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.  (Correction:  the group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while Michelle swept in circa 8:11 wondering how this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.)  My breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her newfound favorite breakfast because why on <em>earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please read <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-2','','','2011-10-03 21:09:12','2011-10-04 04:09:12','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/03/7724-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(7728,1,'2011-10-03 21:09:58','2011-10-04 04:09:58','One year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a></strong>.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  My grandfather passed away last October, and I needed to pause for 10 days to grieve and spend time with my family.  You can find a small tribute to him <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 354, our group met on the veranda of the Hotel Elisabetta at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.  (Correction:  the group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while Michelle swept in circa 8:11 wondering how this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.)  My breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her newfound favorite breakfast because why on <em>earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please read <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-3','','','2011-10-03 21:09:58','2011-10-04 04:09:58','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/03/7724-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(7729,1,'2011-10-03 21:16:12','2011-10-04 04:16:12','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-590','','','2011-10-03 21:16:12','2011-10-04 04:16:12','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7730,1,'2011-10-03 21:10:10','2011-10-04 04:10:10','One year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a></strong>.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  My grandfather passed away last October, and I needed to pause for 10 days to grieve and spend time with my family.  You can find a small tribute to him <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 354, our group met on the veranda of the Hotel Elisabetta at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.  (Correction:  the group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while Michelle swept in circa 8:11 wondering how this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.)  My breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her newfound favorite breakfast because why on <em>earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please read <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-4','','','2011-10-03 21:10:10','2011-10-04 04:10:10','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/03/7724-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(7731,1,'2011-10-03 21:17:20','2011-10-04 04:17:20','[caption id=\"attachment_7729\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7729 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOne year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a></strong>.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  My grandfather passed away last October, and I needed to pause for 10 days to grieve and spend time with my family.  You can find a small tribute to him <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 354, our group met on the veranda of the Hotel Elisabetta at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.  (Correction:  the group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while Michelle swept in circa 8:11 wondering how this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.)  My breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her newfound favorite breakfast because why on <em>earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please read <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-5','','','2011-10-03 21:17:20','2011-10-04 04:17:20','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/03/7724-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(7732,1,'2011-10-03 21:17:25','2011-10-04 04:17:25','[caption id=\"attachment_7729\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7729 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOne year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a></strong>.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  My grandfather passed away last October, and I needed to pause for 10 days to grieve and spend time with my family.  You can find a small tribute to him <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 354, our group met on the veranda of the Hotel Elisabetta at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.  (Correction:  the group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while Michelle swept in circa 8:11 wondering how this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.)  My breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her newfound favorite breakfast because why on <em>earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please read <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-6','','','2011-10-03 21:17:25','2011-10-04 04:17:25','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/03/7724-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(7844,1,'2011-10-13 20:18:31','2011-10-14 03:18:31','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7849\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I signed up for the Tuscan Coast Cycling Tour, but after slamming my head into the pavement on Day 356, I pondered my post-crash options. Should I suck it up and get back on the bike, or take it easy and sit the day out in the van with Fabio 1?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided to follow that old \"listen to your body\" adage.  With my head feeling like it was still being squeezed by a giant clamp, I felt as though resting was the prudent thing to do.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t feel too sorry for me.   How often does a single woman get the chance to lock herself up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who showers her with compliments by the minute?  (Not to mention that somehow, compliments always sound better with an accent, do they not?)  Carpe Diem, Sisters!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd guess what?  Tuscany is just as beautiful from a van window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7850\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"We followed the same road as the cyclists.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7850\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 was an excellent host.  He was on a mission to make my van day special.  We made a few extra cappuccino stops in the morning, and we pulled over for G.O.D (Gelato of the Day) in the afternoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs honorary tour guide sidekick, I even helped set out the snacks for the cyclists.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7852\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Snack prep is a tough job, but somebody has to do it!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7852 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince it was a transfer day to a different agriturismo, I was the first tour member to see what turned out to be my personal favorite lodging of the tour:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Montebelli.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how Scarlett O\'Hara waxed nostalgic about <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_Plantation\" target=\"_blank\">Tara</a></strong>?  That\'s how I now feel about Montebelli.  The grounds are peacefully spectacular.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7854\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Montebelli: The Italian Tara\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7854\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a suite -- yes, a SUITE! -- with a view.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7855\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7856\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven more charming:  I was greeted with a handwritten note!  (Louise is my middle name.  Bleck.  I planned on changing it to \"Louisette\" on one of my \"blog days\", but I never found the time.  I was also worried about hurting my parents feelings.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7859\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the bathroom, I discovered My New Favorite Bath Products which I am currently addicted to and don\'t know how I\'m going to live without them once I finish milking every last drop.  :-(\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7860\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Bath Paradise Found\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7860\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt yet <em>another</em> wine tasting that evening, I was introduced to My New Favorite Wine which I loved a little too much on Night 358 which made for a rather loooonnnnngggg bus trip to Roma on Day 359.  (To be continued.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7863\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs for Day and Night 357 . . . Bliss.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCare to see more photos of the Montebelli grounds?  You can view their photo gallery <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/gallery.html\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour and . . . Montebelli.  Sigh.','','publish','open','open','','day-357-tuscan-coast-van-tour-and-montebelli-sigh','','','2011-10-13 20:32:49','2011-10-14 03:32:49','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=7844',0,'post','',17),(7734,1,'2011-10-03 21:22:22','2011-10-04 04:22:22','[caption id=\"attachment_7729\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7729 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nOne year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a></strong>.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  My grandfather passed away last October, and I needed to pause for 10 days to grieve and spend time with my family.  You can find a small tribute to him <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 354, our group met on the veranda of the Hotel Elisabetta at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.  (Correction:  the group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while Michelle swept in circa 8:11 wondering how this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.)  My breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her newfound favorite breakfast because why on <em>earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please read <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nmorning bike ride and uphill\n\ntown at top -- yet another charming medieval village\n\npicnic and bday surprise\n\nbike ride through pine forest\n\nhotel pool\n\ndrinks on patio\n\nbday surprise again!  wishes twice in one day mean they\'ll come true, right?\n\ngrappa\n\nlimoncello\n\noh, yeah.  and i forgot to tell you about the octopus.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany\n\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-7','','','2011-10-03 21:22:22','2011-10-04 04:22:22','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/03/7724-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(7735,1,'2011-10-03 21:22:22','2011-10-04 04:22:22','[caption id=\"attachment_7729\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7729 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOne year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a></strong>.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  My grandfather passed away last October, and I needed to pause for 10 days to grieve and spend time with my family.  You can find a small tribute to him <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 354, our group met on the veranda of the Hotel Elisabetta at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.  (Correction:  the group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while Michelle swept in circa 8:11 wondering how this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.)  My breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her newfound favorite breakfast because why on <em>earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please read <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nmorning bike ride and uphill\r\n\r\ntown at top -- yet another charming medieval village\r\n\r\npicnic and bday surprise\r\n\r\nbike ride through pine forest\r\n\r\nhotel pool\r\n\r\ndrinks on patio\r\n\r\nbday surprise again!  wishes twice in one day mean they\'ll come true, right?\r\n\r\ngrappa\r\n\r\nlimoncello\r\n\r\noh, yeah.  and i forgot to tell you about the octopus.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-8','','','2011-10-03 21:22:22','2011-10-04 04:22:22','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/03/7724-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(7736,1,'2011-10-04 19:38:14','2011-10-05 02:38:14','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-591','','','2011-10-04 19:38:14','2011-10-05 02:38:14','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7737,1,'2011-10-04 19:54:22','2011-10-05 02:54:22','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-592','','','2011-10-04 19:54:22','2011-10-05 02:54:22','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7738,1,'2011-10-04 19:56:10','2011-10-05 02:56:10','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-593','','','2011-10-04 19:56:10','2011-10-05 02:56:10','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7739,1,'2011-10-04 20:08:07','2011-10-05 03:08:07','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-594','','','2011-10-04 20:08:07','2011-10-05 03:08:07','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7740,1,'2011-10-04 20:10:06','2011-10-05 03:10:06','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-595','','','2011-10-04 20:10:06','2011-10-05 03:10:06','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7741,1,'2011-10-04 20:17:21','2011-10-05 03:17:21','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-596','','','2011-10-04 20:17:21','2011-10-05 03:17:21','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7742,1,'2011-10-04 20:23:36','2011-10-05 03:23:36','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-597','','','2011-10-04 20:23:36','2011-10-05 03:23:36','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7743,1,'2011-10-04 20:27:57','2011-10-05 03:27:57','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-598','','','2011-10-04 20:27:57','2011-10-05 03:27:57','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7744,1,'2011-10-04 20:29:08','2011-10-05 03:29:08','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-599','','','2011-10-04 20:29:08','2011-10-05 03:29:08','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7749,1,'2011-10-04 20:34:53','2011-10-05 03:34:53','One year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a> </strong>on my birthday.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  My grandfather passed away last October, and I needed to pause for 10 days to grieve and spend time with my family.  You can find a small tribute to him <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 354, our group met on the veranda of the Hotel Elisabetta at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCorrection:  The group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while Michelle swept in circa 8:11 wondering how <em>on earth</em> this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.  My breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her newfound favorite breakfast because why <em>on earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please read <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe set off to enjoy a 15 mile morning ride where we caught our first glimpse of the sea!  I\'m an ocean baby at heart, and I couldn\'t have hand-picked a more satisfying birthday surprise.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWalking our bikes along the shore, my cousin nearly threw his neck out whilst craning his head to watch a woman relax into her birthday suit.  She was probably around 70.  But she was naked as a jaybird.  American men are so predictable!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere\'s what caught my eye:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7736\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere are numerous reasons why I love Italia.  Their dog-friendly culture is one of them.  If I lived there, I would take Bella down to the dog beach every chance I could.  Even the dogs are living La Dolce Vita!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt the end of the morning, after a pretty significant uphill (which I properly trained for with those hill-crazed spin instructors), we were rewarded with a view of yet another quaint medieval village, Casale Marritimo.  (The original settlement dates back to the Etruscans of the 5th century BC!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7737\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7738\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFollowing our brief excursion into the village, we all gathered for a luscious picnic prepared by Fabio 2.  The picnic included some sort of Italian cake loaded with candles for birthday wishes, but since I was in the midst of this surprise, I didn\'t take a photo.  Ladies, hopefully Fabio 1 feeding The Birthday Girl pineapple juice will suffice.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7739\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7740\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWith full bellies and a few sips of a REALLY POTENT Italian wine that I can\'t recall the name of, we headed into the pine forest for a cool and breezy 18 mile afternoon ride.  Our only stops were for water and G.O.D.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7741\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Water Break\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7741\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nG.O.D. = Gelato of the Day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI tried the Fig and Ricotta along with the Vanilla Milk one that I can\'t remember the name of in Italian.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs if all this weren\'t enough to make my birthday the Best EVER, how about . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHalf-naked Italian men unloading grapes back at Agrihotel Elisabetta (American women are so predictable!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7742\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\na taste test between homemade limoncello and \"industrial\" limoncello (homemade wins!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7743\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\na Fabio 1 tutorial on the wonders of grappa (I tasted it just as he instructed, and it didn\'t kill me!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7744\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nand a 2nd birthday cake and candle surprise!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSurely when you are given the rare opportunity to make birthday wishes twice on one birthday day, it means that they\'ll really come true.  Right?\n\n&nbsp;\n\noh, yeah.  and i forgot to tell you about the octopus.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany\n\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-12','','','2011-10-04 20:34:53','2011-10-05 03:34:53','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/04/7724-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(7745,1,'2011-10-04 20:31:44','2011-10-05 03:31:44','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-600','','','2011-10-04 20:31:44','2011-10-05 03:31:44','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7746,1,'2011-10-04 20:32:51','2011-10-05 03:32:51','[caption id=\"attachment_7729\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7742\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7729 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nOne year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a> </strong>on my birthday.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  My grandfather passed away last October, and I needed to pause for 10 days to grieve and spend time with my family.  You can find a small tribute to him <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 354, our group met on the veranda of the Hotel Elisabetta at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCorrection:  The group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while Michelle swept in circa 8:11 wondering how <em>on earth</em> this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.  My breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her newfound favorite breakfast because why <em>on earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please read <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe set off to enjoy a 15 mile morning ride where we caught our first glimpse of the sea!  I\'m an ocean baby at heart, and I couldn\'t have hand-picked a more satisfying birthday surprise.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWalking our bikes along the shore, my cousin nearly threw his neck out whilst craning his head to watch a woman relax into her birthday suit.  She was probably around 70.  But she was naked as a jaybird.  American men are so predictable!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere\'s what caught my eye:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7736\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere are numerous reasons why I love Italia.  Their dog-friendly culture is one of them.  If I lived there, I would take Bella down to the dog beach every chance I could.  Even the dogs are living La Dolce Vita!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt the end of the morning, after a pretty significant uphill (which I properly trained for with those hill-crazed spin instructors), we were rewarded with a view of yet another quaint medieval village, Casale Marritimo.  (The original settlement dates back to the Etruscans of the 5th century BC!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7737\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7738\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFollowing our brief excursion into the village, we all gathered for a luscious picnic prepared by Fabio 2.  The picnic included some sort of Italian cake loaded with candles for birthday wishes, but since I was in the midst of this surprise, I didn\'t take a photo.  Ladies, hopefully Fabio 1 feeding The Birthday Girl pineapple juice will suffice.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7739\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7740\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWith full bellies and a few sips of a REALLY POTENT Italian wine that I can\'t recall the name of, we headed into the pine forest for a cool and breezy 18 mile afternoon ride.  Our only stops were for water and G.O.D.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7741\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Water Break\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7741\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nG.O.D. = Gelato of the Day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI tried the Fig and Ricotta along with the Vanilla Milk one that I can\'t remember the name of in Italian.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs if all this weren\'t enough to make my birthday the Best EVER, how about . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHalf-naked Italian men unloading grapes back at Agrihotel Elisabetta (American women are so predictable!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7742\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\na taste test between homemade limoncello and \"industrial\" limoncello (homemade wins!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7743\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\na Fabio 1 tutorial on the wonders of grappa (I tasted it just as he instructed, and it didn\'t kill me!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7744\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nand a 2nd birthday cake and candle surprise!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSurely when you are given the rare opportunity to make birthday wishes twice on one birthday day, it means that they\'ll really come true.\n\n&nbsp;\n\noh, yeah.  and i forgot to tell you about the octopus.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany\n\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-9','','','2011-10-04 20:32:51','2011-10-05 03:32:51','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/04/7724-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(7748,1,'2011-10-04 20:33:53','2011-10-05 03:33:53','[caption id=\"attachment_7729\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7742\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7729 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nOne year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a> </strong>on my birthday.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  My grandfather passed away last October, and I needed to pause for 10 days to grieve and spend time with my family.  You can find a small tribute to him <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 354, our group met on the veranda of the Hotel Elisabetta at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCorrection:  The group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while Michelle swept in circa 8:11 wondering how <em>on earth</em> this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.  My breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her newfound favorite breakfast because why <em>on earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please read <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe set off to enjoy a 15 mile morning ride where we caught our first glimpse of the sea!  I\'m an ocean baby at heart, and I couldn\'t have hand-picked a more satisfying birthday surprise.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWalking our bikes along the shore, my cousin nearly threw his neck out whilst craning his head to watch a woman relax into her birthday suit.  She was probably around 70.  But she was naked as a jaybird.  American men are so predictable!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere\'s what caught my eye:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7736\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere are numerous reasons why I love Italia.  Their dog-friendly culture is one of them.  If I lived there, I would take Bella down to the dog beach every chance I could.  Even the dogs are living La Dolce Vita!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt the end of the morning, after a pretty significant uphill (which I properly trained for with those hill-crazed spin instructors), we were rewarded with a view of yet another quaint medieval village, Casale Marritimo.  (The original settlement dates back to the Etruscans of the 5th century BC!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7737\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7738\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFollowing our brief excursion into the village, we all gathered for a luscious picnic prepared by Fabio 2.  The picnic included some sort of Italian cake loaded with candles for birthday wishes, but since I was in the midst of this surprise, I didn\'t take a photo.  Ladies, hopefully Fabio 1 feeding The Birthday Girl pineapple juice will suffice.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7739\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7740\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWith full bellies and a few sips of a REALLY POTENT Italian wine that I can\'t recall the name of, we headed into the pine forest for a cool and breezy 18 mile afternoon ride.  Our only stops were for water and G.O.D.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7741\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Water Break\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7741\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nG.O.D. = Gelato of the Day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI tried the Fig and Ricotta along with the Vanilla Milk one that I can\'t remember the name of in Italian.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs if all this weren\'t enough to make my birthday the Best EVER, how about . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHalf-naked Italian men unloading grapes back at Agrihotel Elisabetta (American women are so predictable!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7742\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\na taste test between homemade limoncello and \"industrial\" limoncello (homemade wins!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7743\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\na Fabio 1 tutorial on the wonders of grappa (I tasted it just as he instructed, and it didn\'t kill me!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7744\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nand a 2nd birthday cake and candle surprise!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSurely when you are given the rare opportunity to make birthday wishes twice on one birthday day, it means that they\'ll really come true.  Right?\n\n&nbsp;\n\noh, yeah.  and i forgot to tell you about the octopus.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany\n\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-11','','','2011-10-04 20:33:53','2011-10-05 03:33:53','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/04/7724-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(7747,1,'2011-10-04 20:33:16','2011-10-05 03:33:16','[caption id=\"attachment_7729\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7742\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7729 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOne year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a> </strong>on my birthday.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  My grandfather passed away last October, and I needed to pause for 10 days to grieve and spend time with my family.  You can find a small tribute to him <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 354, our group met on the veranda of the Hotel Elisabetta at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCorrection:  The group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while Michelle swept in circa 8:11 wondering how <em>on earth</em> this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.  My breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her newfound favorite breakfast because why <em>on earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please read <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe set off to enjoy a 15 mile morning ride where we caught our first glimpse of the sea!  I\'m an ocean baby at heart, and I couldn\'t have hand-picked a more satisfying birthday surprise.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWalking our bikes along the shore, my cousin nearly threw his neck out whilst craning his head to watch a woman relax into her birthday suit.  She was probably around 70.  But she was naked as a jaybird.  American men are so predictable!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere\'s what caught my eye:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7736\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere are numerous reasons why I love Italia.  Their dog-friendly culture is one of them.  If I lived there, I would take Bella down to the dog beach every chance I could.  Even the dogs are living La Dolce Vita!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the end of the morning, after a pretty significant uphill (which I properly trained for with those hill-crazed spin instructors), we were rewarded with a view of yet another quaint medieval village, Casale Marritimo.  (The original settlement dates back to the Etruscans of the 5th century BC!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7737\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7738\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFollowing our brief excursion into the village, we all gathered for a luscious picnic prepared by Fabio 2.  The picnic included some sort of Italian cake loaded with candles for birthday wishes, but since I was in the midst of this surprise, I didn\'t take a photo.  Ladies, hopefully Fabio 1 feeding The Birthday Girl pineapple juice will suffice.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7739\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7740\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith full bellies and a few sips of a REALLY POTENT Italian wine that I can\'t recall the name of, we headed into the pine forest for a cool and breezy 18 mile afternoon ride.  Our only stops were for water and G.O.D.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7741\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Water Break\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7741\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nG.O.D. = Gelato of the Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried the Fig and Ricotta along with the Vanilla Milk one that I can\'t remember the name of in Italian.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs if all this weren\'t enough to make my birthday the Best EVER, how about . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHalf-naked Italian men unloading grapes back at Agrihotel Elisabetta (American women are so predictable!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7742\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\na taste test between homemade limoncello and \"industrial\" limoncello (homemade wins!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7743\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\na Fabio 1 tutorial on the wonders of grappa (I tasted it just as he instructed, and it didn\'t kill me!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7744\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nand a 2nd birthday cake and candle surprise!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSurely when you are given the rare opportunity to make birthday wishes twice on one birthday day, it means that they\'ll really come true.  Right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\noh, yeah.  and i forgot to tell you about the octopus.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-10','','','2011-10-04 20:33:16','2011-10-05 03:33:16','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/04/7724-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(7753,1,'2011-10-04 20:46:33','2011-10-05 03:46:33','[caption id=\"attachment_7729\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7729\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOne year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a> </strong>on my birthday.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  You can find out why <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 354, our group met on the veranda of the Hotel Elisabetta at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCorrection:  The group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while Michelle swept in circa 8:11 wondering how <em>on earth</em> this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.  My breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her newfound favorite breakfast because why <em>on earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please read <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe set off to enjoy a 15 mile morning ride where we caught our first glimpse of the sea!  I\'m an ocean baby at heart, and I couldn\'t have hand-picked a more satisfying birthday surprise.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWalking our bikes along the shore, my cousin nearly threw his neck out whilst craning his head to watch a woman relax into her birthday suit.  She was probably around 70.  But she was naked as a jaybird.  American men are so predictable!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere\'s what caught my eye:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7736\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere are numerous reasons why I love Italia.  Their dog-friendly culture is one of them.  If I lived there, I would take Bella down to the dog beach every chance I could.  Even the dogs are living La Dolce Vita!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the end of the morning, after a pretty significant uphill (which I properly trained for with those hill-crazed spin instructors), we were rewarded with a view of yet another quaint medieval village, Casale Marritimo.  (The original settlement dates back to the Etruscans of the 5th century BC!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7737\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7738\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFollowing our brief excursion into the village, we all gathered for a luscious picnic prepared by Fabio 2.  The picnic included some sort of Italian cake loaded with candles for birthday wishes, but since I was in the midst of this surprise, I didn\'t take a photo.  Ladies, hopefully Fabio 1 feeding The Birthday Girl pineapple juice will suffice.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7739\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7740\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith full bellies and a few sips of a REALLY POTENT Italian wine that I can\'t recall the name of, we headed into the pine forest for a cool and breezy 18 mile afternoon ride.  Our only stops were for water and G.O.D.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7741\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Water Break\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7741\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nG.O.D. = Gelato of the Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried the Fig and Ricotta along with the Vanilla Milk one that I can\'t remember the name of in Italian.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs if all this weren\'t enough to make my birthday the Best EVER, how about . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHalf-naked Italian men unloading grapes back at Agrihotel Elisabetta (American women are so predictable!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7742\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\na taste test between homemade limoncello and \"industrial\" limoncello (homemade wins!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7743\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\na Fabio 1 tutorial on the wonders of grappa (I tasted it just as he instructed, and it didn\'t kill me!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7744\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nand a 2nd birthday cake and candle surprise!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSurely when you are given the rare opportunity to make birthday wishes twice on one birthday day, it means that they\'ll really come true.  Right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\noh, yeah.  and i forgot to tell you about the octopus.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-14','','','2011-10-04 20:46:33','2011-10-05 03:46:33','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/04/7724-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(7750,1,'2011-10-07 12:40:25','2011-10-07 19:40:25','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI forgot to tell you about a \"first\" for me on Day 353.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052.jpg\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-7766 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI almost threw up in my mouth when I saw Octopussy floating around with her friends in that pot.  I can\'t remember exactly what I said to my cousin, Rhonda, at the buffet line, but it was certainly some snarky remark followed by mock dry heaving.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRhonda promptly served herself a piece.  I continued with the theatrics.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen we arrived back at the table, my cousin, Bill, insinuated that I must sample Octopussy because wasn\'t this whole year about living \"curiously\"?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe other guests at the table unanimously agreed with Bill, and before I knew it, I had been sucked into a double dog dare.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUgh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could have talked my way out of this one, because I figured out early on in this process that my \"curious\" adventures needed to qualify as \"soul-scintillating\", or what was the point?  Noshing on octopus, in my opinion, is gnarly.  Eeewwww.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably point out here that I have \"issues\" with all seafood.  It stems back to my formative childhood years when I was severely scarred by seafood trauma.  No amount of therapy could possibly undo the damage.  I\'m a lost cause.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGrowing up on the water in Southampton, NY.  I witnessed many a fish kill.  And I don\'t mean the environmental kind when dead fish start washing up on shore due to some sort of ocean mishap.  I am talking about fish murders.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy grandfather, a native of Portugal, was an avid fisherman.  We would fish from the shore.  We would fish off the dock.  We would fish off the boat.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNana, another Portuguese native and therefore genetically wired to love fish, would wait at home ready to cook it, fry it, grill it, bake it -- whatever she had in mind that particular evening.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne fateful summer afternoon on the boat, I decided that I had \"seen too much\".  I was around the tender and sensitive age of 8, and apparently, I was a budding animal rights activist.  I took Papa\'s bucket full of fish and threw the fishies overboard.  This was loooooong before <em>Free Willie</em>, peeps.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPapa was stunned.  I could tell that he was a mixture of amused, angry and scared.  (Scared because Nana was going to have a FIT when she learned that dinner was swimming free!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTeddy Bear that he was, Papa took a few breaths and made a deal with me right then and there:  I could catch and release all of my fish.  All other fish needed to stay in the bucket.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to Day 353 . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy cousins and fellow tour group members -- ALL adventurous eaters with Octopussy on their plates -- wouldn\'t zip it.  They were relentless. They taunted me for several minutes.  The never-ending bottles of wine only fueled the harassment.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to shut everyone up and enjoy my dinner in peace (a soul-scintillating pay-off, at least!), I held my breath, closed my eyes, stuffed a piece of octopus in my mouth . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140055.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7781\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140055-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chewed.  And chewed.  And chewed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'ve eaten octopus before, then you know exactly what I\'m talking about it.  If you haven\'t, imagine chewing a piece of salty, seaweed-infused piece of rubber.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow delicious.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can see exactly why everyone loaded up on their plates.  To think that I have been missing out on this culinary wonder all these years!  I think that during my next PMS episode, I will intensely crave octopus rather than chocolate.  Octopus is so .... enticing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7786\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This ranks as the worst photo of me circulating in public. Would you have posted this? SHOULD I TAKE IT DOWN?!?! :-o\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91400561.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7786\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91400561-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHardly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPersonally, I think people eat it for attention.  A food badge of courage.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ll pass on the octopus, but please do pass the tiramisu.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  The Lost Footage','','publish','open','open','','day-353-the-lost-footage','','','2011-10-07 15:53:42','2011-10-07 22:53:42','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=7750',0,'post','',3),(7751,1,'2011-10-04 20:36:11','2011-10-05 03:36:11','','Day 353:  The Lost Footage','','inherit','open','open','','7750-revision','','','2011-10-04 20:36:11','2011-10-05 03:36:11','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/04/7750-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7752,1,'2011-10-04 20:35:20','2011-10-05 03:35:20','[caption id=\"attachment_7729\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7729\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOne year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a> </strong>on my birthday.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  My grandfather passed away last October, and I needed to pause for 10 days to grieve and spend time with my family.  You can find a small tribute to him <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 354, our group met on the veranda of the Hotel Elisabetta at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCorrection:  The group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while Michelle swept in circa 8:11 wondering how <em>on earth</em> this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.  My breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her newfound favorite breakfast because why <em>on earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please read <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe set off to enjoy a 15 mile morning ride where we caught our first glimpse of the sea!  I\'m an ocean baby at heart, and I couldn\'t have hand-picked a more satisfying birthday surprise.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWalking our bikes along the shore, my cousin nearly threw his neck out whilst craning his head to watch a woman relax into her birthday suit.  She was probably around 70.  But she was naked as a jaybird.  American men are so predictable!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere\'s what caught my eye:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7736\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere are numerous reasons why I love Italia.  Their dog-friendly culture is one of them.  If I lived there, I would take Bella down to the dog beach every chance I could.  Even the dogs are living La Dolce Vita!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the end of the morning, after a pretty significant uphill (which I properly trained for with those hill-crazed spin instructors), we were rewarded with a view of yet another quaint medieval village, Casale Marritimo.  (The original settlement dates back to the Etruscans of the 5th century BC!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7737\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7738\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFollowing our brief excursion into the village, we all gathered for a luscious picnic prepared by Fabio 2.  The picnic included some sort of Italian cake loaded with candles for birthday wishes, but since I was in the midst of this surprise, I didn\'t take a photo.  Ladies, hopefully Fabio 1 feeding The Birthday Girl pineapple juice will suffice.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7739\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7740\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith full bellies and a few sips of a REALLY POTENT Italian wine that I can\'t recall the name of, we headed into the pine forest for a cool and breezy 18 mile afternoon ride.  Our only stops were for water and G.O.D.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7741\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Water Break\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7741\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nG.O.D. = Gelato of the Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried the Fig and Ricotta along with the Vanilla Milk one that I can\'t remember the name of in Italian.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs if all this weren\'t enough to make my birthday the Best EVER, how about . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHalf-naked Italian men unloading grapes back at Agrihotel Elisabetta (American women are so predictable!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7742\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\na taste test between homemade limoncello and \"industrial\" limoncello (homemade wins!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7743\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\na Fabio 1 tutorial on the wonders of grappa (I tasted it just as he instructed, and it didn\'t kill me!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7744\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nand a 2nd birthday cake and candle surprise!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSurely when you are given the rare opportunity to make birthday wishes twice on one birthday day, it means that they\'ll really come true.  Right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\noh, yeah.  and i forgot to tell you about the octopus.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-13','','','2011-10-04 20:35:20','2011-10-05 03:35:20','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/04/7724-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(7754,1,'2011-10-04 20:46:39','2011-10-05 03:46:39','[caption id=\"attachment_7729\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7729\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOne year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a> </strong>on my birthday.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  You can find out why <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 354, our group met on the veranda of the Hotel Elisabetta at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCorrection:  The group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while Michelle swept in circa 8:11 wondering how <em>on earth</em> this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.  My breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her newfound favorite breakfast because why <em>on earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please read <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe set off to enjoy a 15 mile morning ride where we caught our first glimpse of the sea!  I\'m an ocean baby at heart, and I couldn\'t have hand-picked a more satisfying birthday surprise.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWalking our bikes along the shore, my cousin nearly threw his neck out whilst craning his head to watch a woman relax into her birthday suit.  She was probably around 70.  But she was naked as a jaybird.  American men are so predictable!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere\'s what caught my eye:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7736\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere are numerous reasons why I love Italia.  Their dog-friendly culture is one of them.  If I lived there, I would take Bella down to the dog beach every chance I could.  Even the dogs are living La Dolce Vita!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the end of the morning, after a pretty significant uphill (which I properly trained for with those hill-crazed spin instructors), we were rewarded with a view of yet another quaint medieval village, Casale Marritimo.  (The original settlement dates back to the Etruscans of the 5th century BC!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7737\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7738\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFollowing our brief excursion into the village, we all gathered for a luscious picnic prepared by Fabio 2.  The picnic included some sort of Italian cake loaded with candles for birthday wishes, but since I was in the midst of this surprise, I didn\'t take a photo.  Ladies, hopefully Fabio 1 feeding The Birthday Girl pineapple juice will suffice.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7739\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7740\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith full bellies and a few sips of a REALLY POTENT Italian wine that I can\'t recall the name of, we headed into the pine forest for a cool and breezy 18 mile afternoon ride.  Our only stops were for water and G.O.D.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7741\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Water Break\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7741\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nG.O.D. = Gelato of the Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried the Fig and Ricotta along with the Vanilla Milk one that I can\'t remember the name of in Italian.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs if all this weren\'t enough to make my birthday the Best EVER, how about . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHalf-naked Italian men unloading grapes back at Agrihotel Elisabetta (American women are so predictable!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7742\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\na taste test between homemade limoncello and \"industrial\" limoncello (homemade wins!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7743\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\na Fabio 1 tutorial on the wonders of grappa (I tasted it just as he instructed, and it didn\'t kill me!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7744\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nand a 2nd birthday cake and candle surprise!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSurely when you are given the rare opportunity to make birthday wishes twice on one birthday day, it means that they\'ll really come true.  Right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\noh, yeah.  and i forgot to tell you about the octopus.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-15','','','2011-10-04 20:46:39','2011-10-05 03:46:39','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/04/7724-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(7755,1,'2011-10-04 20:49:48','2011-10-05 03:49:48','[caption id=\"attachment_7729\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7729\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOne year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a> </strong>on my birthday.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  You can find out why <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 354, our tour group met on the veranda of the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a></strong> at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCorrection:  The group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while Michelle swept in circa 8:11 wondering how <em>on earth</em> this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.  My breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her new-found favorite breakfast because why <em>on earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please read <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe set off to enjoy a 15 mile morning ride where we caught our first glimpse of the sea!  I\'m an ocean baby at heart, and I couldn\'t have hand-picked a more satisfying birthday surprise.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWalking our bikes along the shore, my cousin nearly threw his neck out whilst craning his head to watch a woman relax into her birthday suit.  She was probably around 70.  But she was naked as a jaybird.  American men are so predictable!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere\'s what caught my eye:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7736\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere are numerous reasons why I love Italia.  Their dog-friendly culture is one of them.  If I lived there, I would take Bella down to the dog beach every chance I could.  Even the dogs are living La Dolce Vita!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the end of the morning, after a pretty significant uphill (which I properly trained for with those hill-crazed spin instructors), we were rewarded with a view of yet another quaint medieval village, Casale Marritimo.  (The original settlement dates back to the Etruscans of the 5th century BC!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7737\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7738\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFollowing our brief excursion into the village, we all gathered for a luscious picnic prepared by Fabio 2.  The picnic included some sort of Italian cake loaded with candles for birthday wishes, but since I was in the midst of this surprise, I didn\'t take a photo.  Ladies, hopefully Fabio 1 feeding The Birthday Girl pineapple juice will suffice.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7739\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7740\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith full bellies and a few sips of a REALLY POTENT Italian wine that I can\'t recall the name of, we headed into the pine forest for a cool and breezy 18 mile afternoon ride.  Our only stops were for water and G.O.D.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7741\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Water Break\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7741\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nG.O.D. = Gelato of the Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried the Fig and Ricotta along with the Vanilla Milk one that I can\'t remember the name of in Italian.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs if all this weren\'t enough to make my birthday the Best EVER, how about . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHalf-naked Italian men unloading grapes back at Agrihotel Elisabetta (American women are so predictable!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7742\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\na taste test between homemade limoncello and \"industrial\" limoncello (homemade wins!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7743\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\na Fabio 1 tutorial on the wonders of grappa (I tasted it just as he instructed, and it didn\'t kill me!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7744\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nand a 2nd birthday cake and candle surprise!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSurely when you are given the rare opportunity to make birthday wishes twice on one birthday day, it means that they\'ll really come true.  Right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\noh, yeah.  and i forgot to tell you about the octopus.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-16','','','2011-10-04 20:49:48','2011-10-05 03:49:48','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/04/7724-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(7756,1,'2011-10-04 20:58:11','2011-10-05 03:58:11','[caption id=\"attachment_7729\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7729\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nOne year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a> </strong>on my birthday.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  You can find out why <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 354, our tour group met on the veranda of the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a></strong> at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCorrection:  The group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while I swept in circa 8:11 wondering how <em>on earth</em> this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her new-found favorite breakfast because why <em>on earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please refer to <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe set off to enjoy a 15 mile morning ride where we caught our first glimpse of the sea!  I\'m an ocean baby at heart, and I couldn\'t have hand-picked a more satisfying birthday present.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn case you\'re wondering whether or not this was a nude beach . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWalking our bikes along the shore, my cousin nearly threw his neck out whilst craning his head to watch a woman relax into her birthday suit.  She was probably around 70.  But she was naked as a jaybird.  That\'s all that mattered.  American men are so predictable!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI would like to think that I am beyond that.  Here\'s what caught my eye:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7736\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere are numerous reasons why I love Italia.  Their dog-friendly culture is one of them.  If I lived there, I would take Bella down to the dog beach every chance I could.  Even the dogs are living La Dolce Vita!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt the end of the morning, after a pretty significant uphill (which I properly trained for with those hill-crazed spin instructors), we were rewarded with a view of yet another quaint medieval village, Casale Marritimo.  (The original settlement dates back to the Etruscans of the 5th century BC!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7737\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7738\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFollowing our brief excursion into the village, we all gathered for a luscious picnic prepared by Fabio 2.  The picnic included some sort of Italian cake loaded with candles for birthday wishes, but since I was in the midst of this surprise, I didn\'t take a photo.  Ladies, hopefully Fabio 1 feeding The Birthday Girl pineapple juice will suffice.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7739\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7740\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWith full bellies and a few sips of a REALLY POTENT Italian wine that I can\'t recall the name of, we headed into the pine forest for a cool and breezy 18 mile afternoon ride.  Our only stops were for water and G.O.D.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7741\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Water Break\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7741\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nG.O.D. = Gelato of the Day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI tried the Fig and Ricotta along with the Vanilla Milk one that I can\'t remember the name of in Italian.  (Fongool!  What\'s the matter with me?!?!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs if all this weren\'t enough to make my birthday the Best EVER, how about . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHalf-naked Italian men unloading grapes back at Agrihotel Elisabetta (American women are so predictable!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7742\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\na taste test between homemade limoncello and \"industrial\" limoncello (homemade wins!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7743\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\na Fabio 1 group tutorial on the wonders of grappa (I tasted it just as he instructed, and it didn\'t kill me!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7744\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nand a 2nd birthday cake and candle surprise!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSurely when you are given the rare opportunity to make a birthday wish twice on one birthday, it means that your wish will really come true.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRight?\n\n&nbsp;\n\noh, yeah.  and i forgot to tell you about the octopus.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany\n\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-17','','','2011-10-04 20:58:11','2011-10-05 03:58:11','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/04/7724-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(7757,1,'2011-10-04 20:59:11','2011-10-05 03:59:11','[caption id=\"attachment_7729\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7729\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nOne year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a> </strong>on my birthday.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  You can find out why <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 354, our tour group met on the veranda of the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a></strong> at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCorrection:  The group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while I swept in circa 8:11 wondering how <em>on earth</em> this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her new-found favorite breakfast because why <em>on earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please refer to <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe set off to enjoy a 15 mile morning ride where we caught our first glimpse of the sea!  I\'m an ocean baby at heart, and I couldn\'t have hand-picked a more satisfying birthday present.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn case you\'re wondering whether or not this was a nude beach . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWalking our bikes along the shore, my cousin nearly threw his neck out whilst craning his head to watch a woman relax into her birthday suit.  She was probably around 70.  But she was naked as a jaybird.  That\'s all that mattered.  American men are so predictable!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI would like to think that I am beyond that.  Here\'s what caught my eye:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7736\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere are numerous reasons why I love Italia.  Their dog-friendly culture is one of them.  If I lived there, I would take Bella down to the dog beach every chance I could.  Even the dogs are living La Dolce Vita!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt the end of the morning, after a pretty significant uphill (which I properly trained for with those hill-crazed spin instructors), we were rewarded with a view of yet another quaint medieval village, Casale Marritimo.  (The original settlement dates back to the Etruscans of the 5th century BC!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7737\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7738\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFollowing our brief excursion into the village, we all gathered for a luscious picnic prepared by Fabio 2.  The picnic included some sort of Italian cake loaded with candles for birthday wishes, but since I was in the midst of this surprise, I didn\'t take a photo.  Ladies, hopefully Fabio 1 feeding The Birthday Girl pineapple juice will suffice.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7739\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7740\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWith full bellies and a few sips of a REALLY POTENT Italian wine that I can\'t recall the name of, we headed into the pine forest for a cool and breezy 18 mile afternoon ride.  Our only stops were for water and G.O.D.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7741\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Water Break\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7741\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nG.O.D. = Gelato of the Day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI tried the Fig and Ricotta along with the Vanilla Milk one that I can\'t remember the name of in Italian.  (Fongool!  What\'s the matter with me?!?!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs if all this weren\'t enough to make my birthday the Best EVER, how about . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHalf-naked Italian men unloading grapes back at Agrihotel Elisabetta (American women are so predictable!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7742\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\na taste test between homemade limoncello and \"industrial\" limoncello (homemade wins!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7743\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\na Fabio 1 group tutorial on the wonders of grappa (I tasted it just as he instructed, and it didn\'t kill me!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7744\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nand a 2nd birthday cake and candle surprise!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSurely when you are given the rare opportunity to make a birthday wish twice on one birthday, it means that your wish will really come true.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-18','','','2011-10-04 20:59:11','2011-10-05 03:59:11','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/04/7724-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(7758,1,'2011-10-04 21:02:00','2011-10-05 04:02:00','[caption id=\"attachment_7729\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7729\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nOne year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a> </strong>on my birthday.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  You can find out why <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 354, our tour group met on the veranda of the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a></strong> at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCorrection:  The group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while I swept in circa 8:11 wondering how <em>on earth</em> this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her new-found favorite breakfast because why <em>on earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please refer to <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe set off to enjoy a 15 mile morning ride where we caught our first glimpse of the sea!  I\'m an ocean baby at heart, and I couldn\'t have hand-picked a more satisfying birthday present.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn case you\'re wondering whether or not this was a nude beach . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWalking our bikes along the shore, my cousin nearly threw his neck out whilst craning his head to watch a woman relax into her birthday suit.  She was probably around 70.  But she was naked as a jaybird.  That\'s all that mattered.  American men are so predictable!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI would like to think that I am beyond that.  Here\'s what caught my eye:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7736\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere are numerous reasons why I love Italia.  Their dog-friendly culture is one of them.  If I lived there, I would take Bella down to the dog beach every chance I could.  Even the dogs are living La Dolce Vita!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt the end of the morning, after a pretty significant uphill (which I properly trained for with those \"hill\"-crazed spin instructors), we were rewarded with a view of yet another quaint medieval village, Casale Marritimo.  (The original settlement dates back to the Etruscans of the 5th century BC!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7737\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7738\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFollowing our brief excursion into the village, we all gathered for a luscious picnic prepared by Fabio 2.  The picnic included some sort of Italian cake loaded with candles for birthday wishes, but since I was in the midst of this surprise, I didn\'t take a photo.  Ladies, hopefully Fabio 1 feeding The Birthday Girl pineapple juice will suffice.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7739\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7740\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWith full bellies and a few sips of a REALLY POTENT Italian wine that I can\'t recall the name of, we headed into the pine forest for a cool and breezy 18 mile afternoon ride.  Our only stops were for water and G.O.D.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7741\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Water Break\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7741\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nG.O.D. = Gelato of the Day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI tried the Fig and Ricotta along with the Vanilla Milk one that I can\'t remember the name of in Italian.  (Fongool!  What\'s the matter with me?!?!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs if all this weren\'t enough to make my birthday the Best EVER, how about . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHalf-naked Italian men unloading grapes back at Agrihotel Elisabetta (American women are so predictable!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7742\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\na taste test between homemade limoncello and \"industrial\" limoncello (homemade wins!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7743\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\na Fabio 1 group tutorial on the wonders of grappa (I tasted it just as he instructed, and it didn\'t kill me!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7744\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nand a 2nd birthday cake and candle surprise!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSurely when you are given the rare opportunity to make a birthday wish twice on one birthday, it means that your wish will really come true.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-19','','','2011-10-04 21:02:00','2011-10-05 04:02:00','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/04/7724-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(7759,1,'2011-10-04 21:04:19','2011-10-05 04:04:19','[caption id=\"attachment_7729\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7729\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOne year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a> </strong>on my birthday.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  You can find out why <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 354, our tour group met on the veranda of the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a></strong> at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCorrection:  The group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while I swept in circa 8:11 wondering how <em>on earth</em> this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her new-found favorite breakfast because why <em>on earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please refer to <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe set off to enjoy a 15 mile morning ride where we caught our first glimpse of the sea!  I\'m an ocean baby at heart, and I couldn\'t have hand-picked a more satisfying birthday present.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn case you\'re wondering whether or not this was a nude beach . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWalking our bikes along the shore, my cousin nearly threw his neck out whilst craning his head to watch a woman relax into her birthday suit.  She was probably around 70.  But she was naked as a jaybird.  That\'s all that mattered.  American men are so predictable!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would like to think that I am beyond that.  Here\'s what caught my eye:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7736\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere are numerous reasons why I love Italia.  Their dog-friendly culture is one of them.  If I lived there, I would take Bella down to the dog beach every chance I could.  Even the dogs are living La Dolce Vita!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the end of the morning, after a pretty significant uphill (which I properly trained for with those \"hill\"-crazed spin instructors), we were rewarded with a view of yet another quaint medieval village, Casale Marritimo.  (The original settlement dates back to the Etruscans of the 5th century BC!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7737\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7738\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFollowing our brief excursion into the village, we all gathered for a luscious picnic prepared by Fabio 2.  The picnic included some sort of Italian cake loaded with candles for birthday wishes, but since I was in the midst of this surprise, I didn\'t take a photo.  Ladies, hopefully Fabio 1 feeding The Birthday Girl pineapple juice will suffice.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7739\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7740\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith full bellies and a few sips of a REALLY POTENT Italian wine that I can\'t recall the name of, we headed into the pine forest for a cool and breezy 18 mile afternoon ride.  Our only stops were for water and G.O.D.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7741\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Water Break\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7741\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nG.O.D. = Gelato of the Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried the Fig and Ricotta along with the Vanilla Milk one that I can\'t remember the name of in Italian.  (Fongool!  What\'s the matter with me?!?!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs if all this weren\'t enough to make my birthday the Best EVER, how about . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHalf-naked Italian men unloading grapes back at Agrihotel Elisabetta (American women are so predictable!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7742\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\na taste test between homemade limoncello and \"industrial\" limoncello (homemade wins!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7743\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\na Fabio 1 group tutorial on the wonders of grappa (I tasted it just as he instructed, and it didn\'t kill me!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7744\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nand a 2nd birthday cake and candle surprise!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSurely when you are given the rare opportunity to make a birthday wish twice on one birthday, it means that your wish will really come true.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-20','','','2011-10-04 21:04:19','2011-10-05 04:04:19','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/04/7724-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(7761,1,'2011-10-04 21:12:25','2011-10-05 04:12:25','[caption id=\"attachment_7729\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7729\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nOne year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a> </strong>on my birthday.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  You can find out why <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 354, our tour group met on the veranda of the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a></strong> at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCorrection:  The group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while I swept in circa 8:11 wondering how <em>on earth</em> this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her new-found favorite breakfast because why <em>on earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please refer to <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe set off to enjoy a 15 mile morning ride where we caught our first glimpse of the sea!  I\'m an ocean baby at heart, and I couldn\'t have hand-picked a more satisfying birthday present.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn case you\'re wondering whether or not this was a nude beach . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWalking our bikes along the shore, my cousin nearly threw his neck out whilst craning his head to watch a woman relax into her birthday suit.  She was probably around 70.  But she was naked as a jaybird.  That\'s all that mattered.  American men are so predictable!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI would like to think that I am beyond that.  Here\'s what caught my eye:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7736\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere are numerous reasons why I love Italia.  Their dog-friendly culture is one of them.  If I lived there, I would take Bella down to the dog beach every chance I could.  Even the dogs are living La Dolce Vita!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt the end of the morning, after a pretty significant uphill (which I properly trained for with those \"hill\"-crazed spin instructors), we were rewarded with a view of yet another quaint medieval village, Casale Marritimo.  (The original settlement dates back to the Etruscans of the 5th century BC!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7737\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7738\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFollowing our brief excursion into the village, we all gathered for a luscious picnic prepared by Fabio 2.  The picnic included some sort of Italian cake loaded with candles for birthday wishes, but since I was in the midst of this surprise, I didn\'t take a photo.  Ladies, hopefully Fabio 1 feeding The Birthday Girl pineapple juice will suffice.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7739\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7740\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWith full bellies and a few sips of a REALLY POTENT Italian wine that I can\'t recall the name of, we headed into the pine forest for a cool and breezy 18 mile afternoon ride.  Our only stops were for water and G.O.D.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7741\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Water Break\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7741\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nG.O.D. = Gelato of the Day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI tried the Fig and Ricotta along with the Vanilla Milk one that I can\'t remember the name of in Italian.  (Fongool!  What\'s the matter with me?!?!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs if all this weren\'t enough to make my birthday the Best EVER, how about . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHalf-naked Italian men unloading grapes back at Agrihotel Elisabetta (American women are so predictable!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7742\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\na taste test between homemade limoncello and \"industrial\" limoncello (homemade wins!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7743\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\na Fabio 1 group tutorial on the wonders of grappa (I tasted it just as he instructed, and it didn\'t kill me!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7744\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nand a 2nd birthday cake and candle surprise!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSurely when you are given the rare opportunity to make a birthday wish twice on one birthday, it means that your wish will really come true.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat do you think?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you would like more information on The Tuscan Coast bicycle tour, please visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.vbt.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.vbt.com.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-22','','','2011-10-04 21:12:25','2011-10-05 04:12:25','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/04/7724-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(7760,1,'2011-10-04 21:06:48','2011-10-05 04:06:48','[caption id=\"attachment_7729\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7729\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOne year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a> </strong>on my birthday.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  You can find out why <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 354, our tour group met on the veranda of the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a></strong> at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCorrection:  The group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while I swept in circa 8:11 wondering how <em>on earth</em> this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her new-found favorite breakfast because why <em>on earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please refer to <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe set off to enjoy a 15 mile morning ride where we caught our first glimpse of the sea!  I\'m an ocean baby at heart, and I couldn\'t have hand-picked a more satisfying birthday present.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn case you\'re wondering whether or not this was a nude beach . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWalking our bikes along the shore, my cousin nearly threw his neck out whilst craning his head to watch a woman relax into her birthday suit.  She was probably around 70.  But she was naked as a jaybird.  That\'s all that mattered.  American men are so predictable!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would like to think that I am beyond that.  Here\'s what caught my eye:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7736\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere are numerous reasons why I love Italia.  Their dog-friendly culture is one of them.  If I lived there, I would take Bella down to the dog beach every chance I could.  Even the dogs are living La Dolce Vita!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the end of the morning, after a pretty significant uphill (which I properly trained for with those \"hill\"-crazed spin instructors), we were rewarded with a view of yet another quaint medieval village, Casale Marritimo.  (The original settlement dates back to the Etruscans of the 5th century BC!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7737\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7738\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFollowing our brief excursion into the village, we all gathered for a luscious picnic prepared by Fabio 2.  The picnic included some sort of Italian cake loaded with candles for birthday wishes, but since I was in the midst of this surprise, I didn\'t take a photo.  Ladies, hopefully Fabio 1 feeding The Birthday Girl pineapple juice will suffice.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7739\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7740\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith full bellies and a few sips of a REALLY POTENT Italian wine that I can\'t recall the name of, we headed into the pine forest for a cool and breezy 18 mile afternoon ride.  Our only stops were for water and G.O.D.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7741\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Water Break\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7741\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nG.O.D. = Gelato of the Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried the Fig and Ricotta along with the Vanilla Milk one that I can\'t remember the name of in Italian.  (Fongool!  What\'s the matter with me?!?!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs if all this weren\'t enough to make my birthday the Best EVER, how about . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHalf-naked Italian men unloading grapes back at Agrihotel Elisabetta (American women are so predictable!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7742\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\na taste test between homemade limoncello and \"industrial\" limoncello (homemade wins!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7743\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\na Fabio 1 group tutorial on the wonders of grappa (I tasted it just as he instructed, and it didn\'t kill me!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7744\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nand a 2nd birthday cake and candle surprise!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSurely when you are given the rare opportunity to make a birthday wish twice on one birthday, it means that your wish will really come true.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat do you think?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you would like more information on The Tuscan Coast bicycle tour, please visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.vbt.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.vbt.com.</a></strong>','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-21','','','2011-10-04 21:06:48','2011-10-05 04:06:48','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/04/7724-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(7762,1,'2011-10-04 21:13:44','2011-10-05 04:13:44','[caption id=\"attachment_7729\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7729\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nOne year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a> </strong>on my birthday.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  You can find out why <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 354, our tour group met on the veranda of the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a></strong> at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCorrection:  The group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while I swept in circa 8:11 wondering how <em>on earth</em> this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her new-found favorite breakfast because why <em>on earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please refer to <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe set off to enjoy a 15 mile morning ride where we caught our first glimpse of the sea!  I\'m an ocean baby at heart, and I couldn\'t have hand-picked a more satisfying birthday present.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn case you\'re wondering whether or not this was a nude beach . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWalking our bikes along the shore, my cousin nearly threw his neck out whilst craning his head to watch a woman relax into her birthday suit.  She was probably around 70.  But she was naked as a jaybird.  That\'s all that mattered.  American men are so predictable!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI would like to think that I am beyond that.  Here\'s what caught my eye:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7736\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere are numerous reasons why I love Italia.  Their dog-friendly culture is one of them.  If I lived there, I would take Bella down to the dog beach every chance I could.  Even the dogs are living La Dolce Vita!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt the end of the morning, after a pretty significant uphill (which I properly trained for with those \"hill\"-crazed spin instructors), we were rewarded with a view of yet another quaint medieval village, Casale Marritimo.  (The original settlement dates back to the Etruscans of the 5th century BC!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7737\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7738\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFollowing our brief excursion into the village, we all gathered for a luscious picnic prepared by Fabio 2.  The picnic included some sort of Italian cake loaded with candles for birthday wishes, but since I was in the midst of this surprise, I didn\'t take a photo.  Ladies, hopefully Fabio 1 feeding The Birthday Girl pineapple juice will suffice.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7739\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7740\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWith full bellies and a few sips of a REALLY POTENT Italian wine that I can\'t recall the name of, we headed into the pine forest for a cool and breezy 18 mile afternoon ride.  Our only stops were for water and G.O.D.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7741\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Water Break\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7741\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nG.O.D. = Gelato of the Day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI tried the Fig and Ricotta along with the Vanilla Milk one that I can\'t remember the name of in Italian.  (Fongool!  What\'s the matter with me?!?!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs if all this weren\'t enough to make my birthday the Best EVER, how about . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHalf-naked Italian men unloading grapes back at Agrihotel Elisabetta (American women are so predictable!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7742\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\na taste test between homemade limoncello and \"industrial\" limoncello (homemade wins!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7743\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\na Fabio 1 group tutorial on the wonders of grappa (I tasted it just as he instructed, and it didn\'t kill me!),\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7744\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nand a 2nd birthday cake and candle surprise!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSurely when you are given the rare opportunity to make a birthday wish twice on one birthday, it means that your wish will really come true.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat do you think?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAre you dreaming of an Italian Escape?  If you would like more information on The Tuscan Coast bicycle tour, please visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.vbt.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.vbt.com.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-23','','','2011-10-04 21:13:44','2011-10-05 04:13:44','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/04/7724-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(7763,1,'2011-10-04 21:14:24','2011-10-05 04:14:24','[caption id=\"attachment_7729\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7729\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOne year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a> </strong>on my birthday.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  You can find out why <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 354, our tour group met on the veranda of the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a></strong> at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCorrection:  The group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while I swept in circa 8:11 wondering how <em>on earth</em> this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her new-found favorite breakfast because why <em>on earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please refer to <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe set off to enjoy a 15 mile morning ride where we caught our first glimpse of the sea!  I\'m an ocean baby at heart, and I couldn\'t have hand-picked a more satisfying birthday present.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn case you\'re wondering whether or not this was a nude beach . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWalking our bikes along the shore, my cousin nearly threw his neck out whilst craning his head to watch a woman relax into her birthday suit.  She was probably around 70.  But she was naked as a jaybird.  That\'s all that mattered.  American men are so predictable!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would like to think that I am beyond that.  Here\'s what caught my eye:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7736\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere are numerous reasons why I love Italia.  Their dog-friendly culture is one of them.  If I lived there, I would take Bella down to the dog beach every chance I could.  Even the dogs are living La Dolce Vita!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the end of the morning, after a pretty significant uphill (which I properly trained for with those \"hill\"-crazed spin instructors), we were rewarded with a view of yet another quaint medieval village, Casale Marritimo.  (The original settlement dates back to the Etruscans of the 5th century BC!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7737\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7738\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFollowing our brief excursion into the village, we all gathered for a luscious picnic prepared by Fabio 2.  The picnic included some sort of Italian cake loaded with candles for birthday wishes, but since I was in the midst of this surprise, I didn\'t take a photo.  Ladies, hopefully Fabio 1 feeding The Birthday Girl pineapple juice will suffice.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7739\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7740\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith full bellies and a few sips of a REALLY POTENT Italian wine that I can\'t recall the name of, we headed into the pine forest for a cool and breezy 18 mile afternoon ride.  Our only stops were for water and G.O.D.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7741\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Water Break\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7741\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nG.O.D. = Gelato of the Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried the Fig and Ricotta along with the Vanilla Milk one that I can\'t remember the name of in Italian.  (Fongool!  What\'s the matter with me?!?!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs if all this weren\'t enough to make my birthday the Best EVER, how about . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHalf-naked Italian men unloading grapes back at Agrihotel Elisabetta (American women are so predictable!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7742\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\na taste test between homemade limoncello and \"industrial\" limoncello (homemade wins!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7743\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\na Fabio 1 group tutorial on the wonders of grappa (I tasted it just as he instructed, and it didn\'t kill me!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7744\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nand a 2nd birthday cake and candle surprise!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSurely when you are given the rare opportunity to make a birthday wish twice on one birthday, it means that your wish will really come true.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat do you think?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you dreaming of an Italian Escape?  If you would like more information on The Tuscan Coast bicycle tour, please visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.vbt.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.vbt.com.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-24','','','2011-10-04 21:14:24','2011-10-05 04:14:24','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/04/7724-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(7764,1,'2011-10-04 21:18:59','2011-10-05 04:18:59','[caption id=\"attachment_7729\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7729\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOne year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a> </strong>on my birthday.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  You can find out why <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 354, our tour group met on the veranda of the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a></strong> at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCorrection:  The group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while I swept in circa 8:11 wondering how <em>on earth</em> this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her new-found favorite breakfast because why <em>on earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please refer to <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe set off to enjoy a 15 mile morning ride where we caught our first glimpse of the sea!  I\'m an ocean baby at heart, and I couldn\'t have hand-picked a more satisfying birthday present.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn case you\'re wondering whether or not this was a nude beach . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWalking our bikes along the shore, my cousin nearly threw his neck out whilst craning his head to watch a woman relax into her birthday suit.  She was probably around 70.  But she was naked as a jaybird.  That\'s all that mattered.  American men are so predictable!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would like to think that I am beyond that.  Here\'s what caught my eye:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7736\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere are numerous reasons why I love Italia.  Their dog-friendly culture is one of them.  If I lived there, I would take Bella down to the dog beach every chance I could.  Even the dogs are living La Dolce Vita!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the end of the morning, after a pretty significant uphill (which I properly trained for with those \"hill\"-crazed spin instructors), we were rewarded with a view of yet another quaint medieval village, Casale Marritimo.  (The original settlement dates back to the Etruscans of the 5th century BC!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7737\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7738\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFollowing our brief excursion into the village, we all gathered for a luscious picnic prepared by Fabio 2.  The picnic included some sort of Italian cake loaded with candles for birthday wishes, but since I was in the midst of this surprise, I didn\'t take a photo.  Ladies, hopefully Fabio 1 feeding The Birthday Girl pineapple juice will suffice.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7739\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7740\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith full bellies and a few sips of a REALLY POTENT Italian wine that I can\'t recall the name of, we headed into the pine forest for a cool and breezy 18 mile afternoon ride.  Our only stops were for water and G.O.D.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7741\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Water Break\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7741\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nG.O.D. = Gelato of the Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried the Fig and Ricotta along with the Vanilla Milk one that I can\'t remember the name of in Italian.  (Fongool!  What\'s the matter with me?!?!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs if all this weren\'t enough to make my birthday the Best EVER, how about . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHalf-naked Italian men unloading grapes back at Agrihotel Elisabetta (American women are so predictable!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7742\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\na taste test between homemade limoncello and \"industrial\" limoncello (homemade wins!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7743\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\na Fabio 1 group tutorial on the wonders of grappa (I tasted it just as he instructed, and it didn\'t kill me!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7744\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nand a 2nd birthday cake and candle surprise!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSurely when you are given the rare opportunity to make a birthday wish twice on one birthday, it means that your wish really will come true.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat do you think?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you dreaming of an Italian Escape?  If you would like more information on The Tuscan Coast bicycle tour, please visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.vbt.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.vbt.com.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-25','','','2011-10-04 21:18:59','2011-10-05 04:18:59','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/04/7724-revision-25/',0,'revision','',0),(7765,1,'2011-10-04 21:19:19','2011-10-05 04:19:19','[caption id=\"attachment_7729\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7729\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOne year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a> </strong>on my birthday.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  You can find out why <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 354, our tour group met on the veranda of the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a></strong> at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCorrection:  The group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while I swept in circa 8:11 wondering how <em>on earth</em> this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her new-found favorite breakfast because why <em>on earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please refer to <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe set off to enjoy a 15 mile morning ride where we caught our first glimpse of the sea!  I\'m an ocean baby at heart, and I couldn\'t have hand-picked a more satisfying birthday present.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn case you\'re wondering whether or not this was a nude beach . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWalking our bikes along the shore, my cousin nearly threw his neck out whilst craning his head to watch a woman relax into her birthday suit.  She was probably around 70.  But she was naked as a jaybird.  That\'s all that mattered.  American men are so predictable!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would like to think that I am beyond that.  Here\'s what caught my eye:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7736\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere are numerous reasons why I love Italia.  Their dog-friendly culture is one of them.  If I lived there, I would take Bella down to the dog beach every chance I could.  Even the dogs are living La Dolce Vita!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the end of the morning, after a pretty significant uphill (which I properly trained for with those \"hill\"-crazed spin instructors), we were rewarded with a view of yet another quaint medieval village, Casale Marritimo.  (The original settlement dates back to the Etruscans of the 5th century BC!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7737\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7738\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFollowing our brief excursion into the village, we all gathered for a luscious picnic prepared by Fabio 2.  The picnic included some sort of Italian cake loaded with candles for birthday wishes, but since I was in the midst of this surprise, I didn\'t take a photo.  Ladies, hopefully Fabio 1 feeding The Birthday Girl pineapple juice will suffice.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7739\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7740\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith full bellies and a few sips of a REALLY POTENT Italian wine that I can\'t recall the name of, we headed into the pine forest for a cool and breezy 18 mile afternoon ride.  Our only stops were for water and G.O.D.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7741\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Water Break\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7741\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nG.O.D. = Gelato of the Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried the Fig and Ricotta along with the Vanilla Milk one that I can\'t remember the name of in Italian.  (Fongool!  What\'s the matter with me?!?!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs if all this weren\'t enough to make my birthday the Best EVER, how about . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHalf-naked Italian men unloading grapes back at Agrihotel Elisabetta (American women are so predictable!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7742\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\na taste test between homemade limoncello and \"industrial\" limoncello (homemade wins!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7743\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\na Fabio 1 group tutorial on the wonders of grappa (I tasted it just as he instructed, and it didn\'t kill me!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7744\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nand a 2nd birthday cake and candle surprise!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSurely when you are given the rare opportunity to make a birthday wish twice on one birthday, it means that your wish really will come true.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat do you think?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you dreaming of an Italian Escape?  If you would like more information on The Tuscan Coast bicycle tour, please visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.vbt.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.vbt.com.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes! ','','inherit','open','open','','7724-revision-26','','','2011-10-04 21:19:19','2011-10-05 04:19:19','',7724,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/04/7724-revision-26/',0,'revision','',0),(7766,1,'2011-10-05 19:22:33','2011-10-06 02:22:33','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-601','','','2011-10-05 19:22:33','2011-10-06 02:22:33','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7767,1,'2011-10-05 19:21:55','2011-10-06 02:21:55','I forgot to tell you about a \"first\" for me on Day 353.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany','Day 353:  The Lost Footage','','inherit','open','open','','7750-revision-2','','','2011-10-05 19:21:55','2011-10-06 02:21:55','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/05/7750-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(7768,1,'2011-10-05 19:24:09','2011-10-06 02:24:09','I forgot to tell you about a \"first\" for me on Day 353.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-7766\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany','Day 353:  The Lost Footage','','inherit','open','open','','7750-revision-3','','','2011-10-05 19:24:09','2011-10-06 02:24:09','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/05/7750-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(7769,1,'2011-10-05 19:24:20','2011-10-06 02:24:20','I forgot to tell you about a \"first\" for me on Day 353.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-7766\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany','Day 353:  The Lost Footage','','inherit','open','open','','7750-revision-4','','','2011-10-05 19:24:20','2011-10-06 02:24:20','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/05/7750-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(7770,1,'2011-10-05 19:24:26','2011-10-06 02:24:26','I forgot to tell you about a \"first\" for me on Day 353.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-7766\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany','Day 353:  The Lost Footage','','inherit','open','open','','7750-revision-5','','','2011-10-05 19:24:26','2011-10-06 02:24:26','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/05/7750-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(7771,1,'2011-10-05 19:29:02','2011-10-06 02:29:02','I forgot to tell you about a \"first\" for me on Day 353.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052.jpg\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-7766 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI almost threw up in my mouth when I saw Octopussy floating around with her friends in that pot.  I can\'t remember exactly what I said to my cousin, Rhonda, but it was probably some snarky remark followed by mock dry heaving.\r\n\r\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany','Day 353:  The Lost Footage','','inherit','open','open','','7750-revision-6','','','2011-10-05 19:29:02','2011-10-06 02:29:02','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/05/7750-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(7772,1,'2011-10-05 19:29:57','2011-10-06 02:29:57','I forgot to tell you about a \"first\" for me on Day 353.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052.jpg\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-7766 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI almost threw up in my mouth when I saw Octopussy floating around with her friends in that pot.  I can\'t remember exactly what I said to my cousin, Rhonda, at the buffet line, but it was probably some snarky remark followed by mock dry heaving.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRhonda promptly served herself a piece.  I continued with the theatrics.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen we arrived back at the table,\r\n\r\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany','Day 353:  The Lost Footage','','inherit','open','open','','7750-revision-7','','','2011-10-05 19:29:57','2011-10-06 02:29:57','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/05/7750-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(7773,1,'2011-10-05 19:30:15','2011-10-06 02:30:15','I forgot to tell you about a \"first\" for me on Day 353.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052.jpg\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-7766 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI almost threw up in my mouth when I saw Octopussy floating around with her friends in that pot.  I can\'t remember exactly what I said to my cousin, Rhonda, at the buffet line, but it was probably some snarky remark followed by mock dry heaving.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRhonda promptly served herself a piece.  I continued with the theatrics.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen we arrived back at the table,\r\n\r\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany','Day 353:  The Lost Footage','','inherit','open','open','','7750-revision-8','','','2011-10-05 19:30:15','2011-10-06 02:30:15','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/05/7750-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(7774,1,'2011-10-05 19:40:07','2011-10-06 02:40:07','&nbsp;\n\nI forgot to tell you about a \"first\" for me on Day 353.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052.jpg\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-7766 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI almost threw up in my mouth when I saw Octopussy floating around with her friends in that pot.  I can\'t remember exactly what I said to my cousin, Rhonda, at the buffet line, but it was probably some snarky remark followed by mock dry heaving.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRhonda promptly served herself a piece.  I continued with the theatrics.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen we arrived back at the table, my cousin, Bill, insinuated that I must sample Octopussy because wasn\'t this whole year about living \"curiously\"?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe other guests at the table unanimously agreed with Bill, and before I knew it, I had been sucked into a double dog dare.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUgh.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI could have talked my way out of this one, because I figured out early on in this process that my \"curious\" adventures needed to\n\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany','Day 353:  The Lost Footage','','inherit','open','open','','7750-revision-9','','','2011-10-05 19:40:07','2011-10-06 02:40:07','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/05/7750-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(7775,1,'2011-10-06 19:36:24','2011-10-07 02:36:24','PUT DOGS OF TUSCANY AS ANOTHER LOST FOOTAGE -- HAVE THEM ALL TOGETHER.  ELISABETTA, OLIVE OIL MILL, CICCA\'S, MONTEBELLI\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany','Day 353:  MOre lost footage for future:  dogs of tuscany','','draft','open','closed','','','','','2011-10-07 12:22:30','2011-10-07 19:22:30','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=7775',0,'post','',0),(7781,1,'2011-10-07 12:26:27','2011-10-07 19:26:27','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-602','','','2011-10-07 12:26:27','2011-10-07 19:26:27','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140055.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7782,1,'2011-10-07 12:25:38','2011-10-07 19:25:38','&nbsp;\n\nI forgot to tell you about a \"first\" for me on Day 353.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052.jpg\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-7766 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI almost threw up in my mouth when I saw Octopussy floating around with her friends in that pot.  I can\'t remember exactly what I said to my cousin, Rhonda, at the buffet line, but it was certainly some snarky remark followed by mock dry heaving.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRhonda promptly served herself a piece.  I continued with the theatrics.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen we arrived back at the table, my cousin, Bill, insinuated that I must sample Octopussy because wasn\'t this whole year about living \"curiously\"?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe other guests at the table unanimously agreed with Bill, and before I knew it, I had been sucked into a double dog dare.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUgh.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI could have talked my way out of this one, because I figured out early on in this process that my \"curious\" adventures needed to qualify as \"soul-scintillating\", or what was the point?  Noshing on octopus, in my opinion, is gnarly.  Eeewwww.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI should probably point out here that I have \"issues\" with all seafood.  It stems back to my formative childhood years when I was severely scarred by seafood trauma.  No amount of therapy could possibly undo the damage.  I\'m a lost cause.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGrowing up on the water in Southampton, NY.  I witnessed many a fish kill.  And I don\'t mean the environmental kind when dead fish start washing up on shore due to some sort of ocean mishap.  I am talking about fish murders.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy grandfather, a native of Portugal, was an avid fisherman.  We would fish from the shore.  We would wish off the dock.  We would fish off the boat.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNana, another Portuguese native and therefore genetically wired to love fish, would wait at home ready to cook it, fry it, grill it, bake it -- whatever she had in mind that particular evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne fateful summer afternoon on the boat, I decided that I had \"seen too much\".  I was around the tender and sensitive age of 8, and apparently, I was a budding animal rights activist.  I took Papa\'s bucket full of fish and threw the fishies overboard.  This was loooooong before <em>Free Willie</em>, peeps.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPapa was stunned.  I could tell that he was a mixture of amused, angry and scared.  (Scared because Nana was going to have a FIT when she learned that dinner was swimming free!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTeddy Bear that he was, he took a few breaths and made a deal with me right then and there:  I could catch and release all of my fish.  All other fish needed to stay in the bucket.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBack to Day 353 . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy cousins and fellow tour group members -- ALL adventurous eaters with Octopussy on their plates -- wouldn\'t zip it.  They were relentless. They taunted me for several minutes.  The never-ending bottles of wine only fueled the harassment.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn order to shut everyone up and enjoy my dinner in peace (a soul-scintillating pay-off, at least!), I held my breath, closed my eyes, stuffed a piece of octopus in my mouth . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nand chewed.  And chewed.  And chewed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you\'ve eaten octopus before, then you know exactly what I\'m talking about it.  If you haven\'t, imagine chewing a piece of salty, seaweed-infused piece of rubber.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow delicious.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI can see exactly why everyone loaded up on their plates.  To think that I have been missing out on this culinary wonder all these years!  I think that during my next PMS episode, I will intensely crave octopus rather than chocolate.  Octopus is so .... enticing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHardly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPersonally, I think people eat it for attention.  A food badge of courage.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ll pass on the octopus, but please do pass the tiramisu.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  The Lost Footage','','inherit','open','open','','7750-revision-13','','','2011-10-07 12:25:38','2011-10-07 19:25:38','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/07/7750-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(7776,1,'2011-10-06 19:36:24','2011-10-07 02:36:24','<p>needed to qualify as \"soul-scintillating\".  Noshing on octopus, in my opinion, is gnarly.  Eeewwww.</p>\n<p> </p>\n<p>I should probably point out here that I have \"issues\" with all seafood.  It stems back to my formative childhood years when I was severely scarred by seafood trauma.  No amount of therapy could possibly undo the damage.  I\'m a lost cause.</p>\n<p> </p>\n<p>Growing up on the water in Southampton, NY.  I witnessed many a fish kill.  And I don\'t mean the environmental kind when dead fish start washing up on shore due to some sort of ocean mishap.  I mean fish murders.</p>\n<p> </p>\n<p>My grandfather, a native of Portugal, was an avid fisherman.  We would fish from the shore.  We would wish off the dock.  We would fish off the boat.</p>\n<p> </p>\n<p>Nana, another Portuguese native and therefore genetically wired to love fish, would wait at home ready to cook it, fry it, grill it, bake it -- whatever she had in mind that particular evening.</p>\n<p> </p>\n<p>One fateful summer afternoon, I decided that I had \"seen too much\".  I was around the tender and sensitive age of 8 and nearing the height of m</p>\n<p> </p>\n<p>Did I write about this in sushi blog post?  check</p>\n<p> </p>\n<p>But mia cugini and fellow tour group -- ALL adventurous eaters with Octopussy on their plates -- wouldn\'t zip it.  They were relentless. The taunting continued for several minutes.  The never-ending bottles of wine only fueled the harrassment.</p>\n<p> </p>\n<p>In order to shut everyone up and enjoy my dinner in peace (a soul-scintillating pay-off, at least!), I held my breath, closed my eyes, stuffed a piece in my mouth and chewed.  And chewed.  And chewed.</p>\n<p> </p>\n<p>If you\'ve eaten octopus before, then you know exactly what I\'m talking about it.  If you haven\'t, imagine chewing a piece of salty, seaweed-infused piece of rubber.</p>\n<p> </p>\n<p>How delicious.  I can see exactly why everyone loaded up on their plates.  To think that I have been missing out on this culinary wonder all these years!  I think that during my next PMS episode, I will intensely crave octopus rather than chocolate.  Octopus is so .... enticing.</p>\n<p> </p>\n<p>Hardly.</p>\n<p> </p>\n<p>Personally, I think people eat it for attention.  A food badge of courage.</p>\n<p> </p>\n<p>I\'ll pass on the octopus, but please do pass the tiramisu.</p>\n<p> </p>\n<p>PUT DOGS OF TUSCANY AS ANOTHER LOST FOOTAGE -- HAVE THEM ALL TOGETHER.  ELISABETTA, OLIVE OIL MILL, CICCA\'S, MONTEBELLI</p>','Day 353:  Octopussy','','inherit','open','open','','7775-revision','','','2011-10-06 19:36:24','2011-10-07 02:36:24','',7775,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/06/7775-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7777,1,'2011-10-06 19:49:52','2011-10-07 02:49:52','&nbsp;\n\nI forgot to tell you about a \"first\" for me on Day 353.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052.jpg\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-7766 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI almost threw up in my mouth when I saw Octopussy floating around with her friends in that pot.  I can\'t remember exactly what I said to my cousin, Rhonda, at the buffet line, but it was certainly some snarky remark followed by mock dry heaving.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRhonda promptly served herself a piece.  I continued with the theatrics.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen we arrived back at the table, my cousin, Bill, insinuated that I must sample Octopussy because wasn\'t this whole year about living \"curiously\"?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe other guests at the table unanimously agreed with Bill, and before I knew it, I had been sucked into a double dog dare.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUgh.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI could have talked my way out of this one, because I figured out early on in this process that my \"curious\" adventures needed to qualify as \"soul-scintillating\", or what was the point?  Noshing on octopus, in my opinion, is gnarly.  Eeewwww.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI should probably point out here that I have \"issues\" with all seafood.  It stems back to my formative childhood years when I was severely scarred by seafood trauma.  No amount of therapy could possibly undo the damage.  I\'m a lost cause.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGrowing up on the water in Southampton, NY.  I witnessed many a fish kill.  And I don\'t mean the environmental kind when dead fish start washing up on shore due to some sort of ocean mishap.  I mean fish murders.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy grandfather, a native of Portugal, was an avid fisherman.  We would fish from the shore.  We would wish off the dock.  We would fish off the boat.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNana, another Portuguese native and therefore genetically wired to love fish, would wait at home ready to cook it, fry it, grill it, bake it -- whatever she had in mind that particular evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne fateful summer afternoon on the boat, I decided that I had \"seen too much\".  I was around the tender and sensitive age of 8, and apparently, I was a budding animal rights activist.  I took Papa\'s bucket full of fish and threw the fishies overboard.  This was loooooong before <em>Free Willie</em>, peeps.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPapa was stunned.  I could tell that he was a combination of mad and scared.  (Scared because Nana was going to have a FIT when she learned that dinner was swimming free.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTeddy Bear that he was, he took a few breaths and made a deal with me right then and there:  I could catch and release all of my fish.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBack to Day 353 . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy cousins and fellow tour group -- ALL adventurous eaters with Octopussy on their plates -- wouldn\'t zip it.  They were relentless. They taunted me for several minutes.  The never-ending bottles of wine only fueled the harrassment.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn order to shut everyone up and enjoy my dinner in peace (a soul-scintillating pay-off, at least!), I held my breath, closed my eyes, stuffed a piece in my mouth and chewed.  And chewed.  And chewed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you\'ve eaten octopus before, then you know exactly what I\'m talking about it.  If you haven\'t, imagine chewing a piece of salty, seaweed-infused piece of rubber.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow delicious.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI can see exactly why everyone loaded up on their plates.  To think that I have been missing out on this culinary wonder all these years!  I think that during my next PMS episode, I will intensely crave octopus rather than chocolate.  Octopus is so .... enticing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHardly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPersonally, I think people eat it for attention.  A food badge of courage.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ll pass on the octopus, but please do pass the tiramisu.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPUT DOGS OF TUSCANY AS ANOTHER LOST FOOTAGE -- HAVE THEM ALL TOGETHER.  ELISABETTA, OLIVE OIL MILL, CICCA\'S, MONTEBELLI\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany','Day 353:  The Lost Footage','','inherit','open','open','','7750-revision-10','','','2011-10-06 19:49:52','2011-10-07 02:49:52','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/06/7750-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(7778,1,'2011-10-06 20:04:50','2011-10-07 03:04:50','&nbsp;\n\nI forgot to tell you about a \"first\" for me on Day 353.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052.jpg\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-7766 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI almost threw up in my mouth when I saw Octopussy floating around with her friends in that pot.  I can\'t remember exactly what I said to my cousin, Rhonda, at the buffet line, but it was certainly some snarky remark followed by mock dry heaving.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRhonda promptly served herself a piece.  I continued with the theatrics.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen we arrived back at the table, my cousin, Bill, insinuated that I must sample Octopussy because wasn\'t this whole year about living \"curiously\"?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe other guests at the table unanimously agreed with Bill, and before I knew it, I had been sucked into a double dog dare.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUgh.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI could have talked my way out of this one, because I figured out early on in this process that my \"curious\" adventures needed to qualify as \"soul-scintillating\", or what was the point?  Noshing on octopus, in my opinion, is gnarly.  Eeewwww.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI should probably point out here that I have \"issues\" with all seafood.  It stems back to my formative childhood years when I was severely scarred by seafood trauma.  No amount of therapy could possibly undo the damage.  I\'m a lost cause.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGrowing up on the water in Southampton, NY.  I witnessed many a fish kill.  And I don\'t mean the environmental kind when dead fish start washing up on shore due to some sort of ocean mishap.  I mean fish murders.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy grandfather, a native of Portugal, was an avid fisherman.  We would fish from the shore.  We would wish off the dock.  We would fish off the boat.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNana, another Portuguese native and therefore genetically wired to love fish, would wait at home ready to cook it, fry it, grill it, bake it -- whatever she had in mind that particular evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne fateful summer afternoon on the boat, I decided that I had \"seen too much\".  I was around the tender and sensitive age of 8, and apparently, I was a budding animal rights activist.  I took Papa\'s bucket full of fish and threw the fishies overboard.  This was loooooong before <em>Free Willie</em>, peeps.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPapa was stunned.  I could tell that he was a combination of mad and scared.  (Scared because Nana was going to have a FIT when she learned that dinner was swimming free.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTeddy Bear that he was, he took a few breaths and made a deal with me right then and there:  I could catch and release all of my fish.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBack to Day 353 . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy cousins and fellow tour group -- ALL adventurous eaters with Octopussy on their plates -- wouldn\'t zip it.  They were relentless. They taunted me for several minutes.  The never-ending bottles of wine only fueled the harrassment.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn order to shut everyone up and enjoy my dinner in peace (a soul-scintillating pay-off, at least!), I held my breath, closed my eyes, stuffed a piece in my mouth and chewed.  And chewed.  And chewed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you\'ve eaten octopus before, then you know exactly what I\'m talking about it.  If you haven\'t, imagine chewing a piece of salty, seaweed-infused piece of rubber.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow delicious.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI can see exactly why everyone loaded up on their plates.  To think that I have been missing out on this culinary wonder all these years!  I think that during my next PMS episode, I will intensely crave octopus rather than chocolate.  Octopus is so .... enticing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHardly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPersonally, I think people eat it for attention.  A food badge of courage.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ll pass on the octopus, but please do pass the tiramisu.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPUT DOGS OF TUSCANY AS ANOTHER LOST FOOTAGE -- HAVE THEM ALL TOGETHER.  ELISABETTA, OLIVE OIL MILL, CICCA\'S, MONTEBELLI\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany','Day 353:  The Lost Footage','','inherit','open','open','','7750-revision-11','','','2011-10-06 20:04:50','2011-10-07 03:04:50','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/06/7750-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(7780,1,'2011-10-06 19:36:49','2011-10-07 02:36:49','needed to qualify as \"soul-scintillating\".  Noshing on octopus, in my opinion, is gnarly.  Eeewwww.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably point out here that I have \"issues\" with all seafood.  It stems back to my formative childhood years when I was severely scarred by seafood trauma.  No amount of therapy could possibly undo the damage.  I\'m a lost cause.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGrowing up on the water in Southampton, NY.  I witnessed many a fish kill.  And I don\'t mean the environmental kind when dead fish start washing up on shore due to some sort of ocean mishap.  I mean fish murders.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy grandfather, a native of Portugal, was an avid fisherman.  We would fish from the shore.  We would wish off the dock.  We would fish off the boat.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNana, another Portuguese native and therefore genetically wired to love fish, would wait at home ready to cook it, fry it, grill it, bake it -- whatever she had in mind that particular evening.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne fateful summer afternoon, I decided that I had \"seen too much\".  I was around the tender and sensitive age of 8 and nearing the height of m\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid I write about this in sushi blog post?  check\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut mia cugini and fellow tour group -- ALL adventurous eaters with Octopussy on their plates -- wouldn\'t zip it.  They were relentless. The taunting continued for several minutes.  The never-ending bottles of wine only fueled the harrassment.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to shut everyone up and enjoy my dinner in peace (a soul-scintillating pay-off, at least!), I held my breath, closed my eyes, stuffed a piece in my mouth and chewed.  And chewed.  And chewed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'ve eaten octopus before, then you know exactly what I\'m talking about it.  If you haven\'t, imagine chewing a piece of salty, seaweed-infused piece of rubber.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow delicious.  I can see exactly why everyone loaded up on their plates.  To think that I have been missing out on this culinary wonder all these years!  I think that during my next PMS episode, I will intensely crave octopus rather than chocolate.  Octopus is so .... enticing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHardly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPersonally, I think people eat it for attention.  A food badge of courage.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ll pass on the octopus, but please do pass the tiramisu.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPUT DOGS OF TUSCANY AS ANOTHER LOST FOOTAGE -- HAVE THEM ALL TOGETHER.  ELISABETTA, OLIVE OIL MILL, CICCA\'S, MONTEBELLI','Day 353:  Octopussy','','inherit','open','open','','7775-revision-2','','','2011-10-06 19:36:49','2011-10-07 02:36:49','',7775,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/06/7775-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(7779,1,'2011-10-07 12:20:44','2011-10-07 19:20:44','&nbsp;\n\nI forgot to tell you about a \"first\" for me on Day 353.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052.jpg\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-7766 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI almost threw up in my mouth when I saw Octopussy floating around with her friends in that pot.  I can\'t remember exactly what I said to my cousin, Rhonda, at the buffet line, but it was certainly some snarky remark followed by mock dry heaving.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRhonda promptly served herself a piece.  I continued with the theatrics.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen we arrived back at the table, my cousin, Bill, insinuated that I must sample Octopussy because wasn\'t this whole year about living \"curiously\"?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe other guests at the table unanimously agreed with Bill, and before I knew it, I had been sucked into a double dog dare.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUgh.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI could have talked my way out of this one, because I figured out early on in this process that my \"curious\" adventures needed to qualify as \"soul-scintillating\", or what was the point?  Noshing on octopus, in my opinion, is gnarly.  Eeewwww.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI should probably point out here that I have \"issues\" with all seafood.  It stems back to my formative childhood years when I was severely scarred by seafood trauma.  No amount of therapy could possibly undo the damage.  I\'m a lost cause.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGrowing up on the water in Southampton, NY.  I witnessed many a fish kill.  And I don\'t mean the environmental kind when dead fish start washing up on shore due to some sort of ocean mishap.  I am talking about fish murders.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy grandfather, a native of Portugal, was an avid fisherman.  We would fish from the shore.  We would wish off the dock.  We would fish off the boat.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNana, another Portuguese native and therefore genetically wired to love fish, would wait at home ready to cook it, fry it, grill it, bake it -- whatever she had in mind that particular evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne fateful summer afternoon on the boat, I decided that I had \"seen too much\".  I was around the tender and sensitive age of 8, and apparently, I was a budding animal rights activist.  I took Papa\'s bucket full of fish and threw the fishies overboard.  This was loooooong before <em>Free Willie</em>, peeps.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPapa was stunned.  I could tell that he was a mixture of amused, angry and scared.  (Scared because Nana was going to have a FIT when she learned that dinner was swimming free!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTeddy Bear that he was, he took a few breaths and made a deal with me right then and there:  I could catch and release all of my fish.  All other fish needed to stay in the bucket.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBack to Day 353 . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy cousins and fellow tour group members -- ALL adventurous eaters with Octopussy on their plates -- wouldn\'t zip it.  They were relentless. They taunted me for several minutes.  The never-ending bottles of wine only fueled the harrassment.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn order to shut everyone up and enjoy my dinner in peace (a soul-scintillating pay-off, at least!), I held my breath, closed my eyes, stuffed a piece of octopus in my mouth and chewed.  And chewed.  And chewed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you\'ve eaten octopus before, then you know exactly what I\'m talking about it.  If you haven\'t, imagine chewing a piece of salty, seaweed-infused piece of rubber.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow delicious.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI can see exactly why everyone loaded up on their plates.  To think that I have been missing out on this culinary wonder all these years!  I think that during my next PMS episode, I will intensely crave octopus rather than chocolate.  Octopus is so .... enticing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHardly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPersonally, I think people eat it for attention.  A food badge of courage.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ll pass on the octopus, but please do pass the tiramisu.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPUT DOGS OF TUSCANY AS ANOTHER LOST FOOTAGE -- HAVE THEM ALL TOGETHER.  ELISABETTA, OLIVE OIL MILL, CICCA\'S, MONTEBELLI\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nfuture post:  the chill dogs of tuscany','Day 353:  The Lost Footage','','inherit','open','open','','7750-revision-12','','','2011-10-07 12:20:44','2011-10-07 19:20:44','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/07/7750-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(7783,1,'2011-10-07 12:28:28','2011-10-07 19:28:28','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI forgot to tell you about a \"first\" for me on Day 353.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052.jpg\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-7766 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI almost threw up in my mouth when I saw Octopussy floating around with her friends in that pot.  I can\'t remember exactly what I said to my cousin, Rhonda, at the buffet line, but it was certainly some snarky remark followed by mock dry heaving.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRhonda promptly served herself a piece.  I continued with the theatrics.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen we arrived back at the table, my cousin, Bill, insinuated that I must sample Octopussy because wasn\'t this whole year about living \"curiously\"?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe other guests at the table unanimously agreed with Bill, and before I knew it, I had been sucked into a double dog dare.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUgh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could have talked my way out of this one, because I figured out early on in this process that my \"curious\" adventures needed to qualify as \"soul-scintillating\", or what was the point?  Noshing on octopus, in my opinion, is gnarly.  Eeewwww.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably point out here that I have \"issues\" with all seafood.  It stems back to my formative childhood years when I was severely scarred by seafood trauma.  No amount of therapy could possibly undo the damage.  I\'m a lost cause.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGrowing up on the water in Southampton, NY.  I witnessed many a fish kill.  And I don\'t mean the environmental kind when dead fish start washing up on shore due to some sort of ocean mishap.  I am talking about fish murders.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy grandfather, a native of Portugal, was an avid fisherman.  We would fish from the shore.  We would wish off the dock.  We would fish off the boat.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNana, another Portuguese native and therefore genetically wired to love fish, would wait at home ready to cook it, fry it, grill it, bake it -- whatever she had in mind that particular evening.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne fateful summer afternoon on the boat, I decided that I had \"seen too much\".  I was around the tender and sensitive age of 8, and apparently, I was a budding animal rights activist.  I took Papa\'s bucket full of fish and threw the fishies overboard.  This was loooooong before <em>Free Willie</em>, peeps.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPapa was stunned.  I could tell that he was a mixture of amused, angry and scared.  (Scared because Nana was going to have a FIT when she learned that dinner was swimming free!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTeddy Bear that he was, he took a few breaths and made a deal with me right then and there:  I could catch and release all of my fish.  All other fish needed to stay in the bucket.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to Day 353 . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy cousins and fellow tour group members -- ALL adventurous eaters with Octopussy on their plates -- wouldn\'t zip it.  They were relentless. They taunted me for several minutes.  The never-ending bottles of wine only fueled the harassment.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to shut everyone up and enjoy my dinner in peace (a soul-scintillating pay-off, at least!), I held my breath, closed my eyes, stuffed a piece of octopus in my mouth . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140055.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7781\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140055-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chewed.  And chewed.  And chewed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'ve eaten octopus before, then you know exactly what I\'m talking about it.  If you haven\'t, imagine chewing a piece of salty, seaweed-infused piece of rubber.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow delicious.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can see exactly why everyone loaded up on their plates.  To think that I have been missing out on this culinary wonder all these years!  I think that during my next PMS episode, I will intensely crave octopus rather than chocolate.  Octopus is so .... enticing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHardly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPersonally, I think people eat it for attention.  A food badge of courage.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ll pass on the octopus, but please do pass the tiramisu.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  The Lost Footage','','inherit','open','open','','7750-revision-14','','','2011-10-07 12:28:28','2011-10-07 19:28:28','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/07/7750-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(7785,1,'2011-10-07 12:33:37','2011-10-07 19:33:37','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-603','','','2011-10-07 12:33:37','2011-10-07 19:33:37','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140056.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7786,1,'2011-10-07 12:35:30','2011-10-07 19:35:30','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-604','','','2011-10-07 12:35:30','2011-10-07 19:35:30','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91400561.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7787,1,'2011-10-07 12:28:38','2011-10-07 19:28:38','&nbsp;\n\nI forgot to tell you about a \"first\" for me on Day 353.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052.jpg\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-7766 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI almost threw up in my mouth when I saw Octopussy floating around with her friends in that pot.  I can\'t remember exactly what I said to my cousin, Rhonda, at the buffet line, but it was certainly some snarky remark followed by mock dry heaving.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRhonda promptly served herself a piece.  I continued with the theatrics.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen we arrived back at the table, my cousin, Bill, insinuated that I must sample Octopussy because wasn\'t this whole year about living \"curiously\"?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe other guests at the table unanimously agreed with Bill, and before I knew it, I had been sucked into a double dog dare.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUgh.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI could have talked my way out of this one, because I figured out early on in this process that my \"curious\" adventures needed to qualify as \"soul-scintillating\", or what was the point?  Noshing on octopus, in my opinion, is gnarly.  Eeewwww.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI should probably point out here that I have \"issues\" with all seafood.  It stems back to my formative childhood years when I was severely scarred by seafood trauma.  No amount of therapy could possibly undo the damage.  I\'m a lost cause.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGrowing up on the water in Southampton, NY.  I witnessed many a fish kill.  And I don\'t mean the environmental kind when dead fish start washing up on shore due to some sort of ocean mishap.  I am talking about fish murders.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy grandfather, a native of Portugal, was an avid fisherman.  We would fish from the shore.  We would wish off the dock.  We would fish off the boat.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNana, another Portuguese native and therefore genetically wired to love fish, would wait at home ready to cook it, fry it, grill it, bake it -- whatever she had in mind that particular evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne fateful summer afternoon on the boat, I decided that I had \"seen too much\".  I was around the tender and sensitive age of 8, and apparently, I was a budding animal rights activist.  I took Papa\'s bucket full of fish and threw the fishies overboard.  This was loooooong before <em>Free Willie</em>, peeps.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPapa was stunned.  I could tell that he was a mixture of amused, angry and scared.  (Scared because Nana was going to have a FIT when she learned that dinner was swimming free!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTeddy Bear that he was, he took a few breaths and made a deal with me right then and there:  I could catch and release all of my fish.  All other fish needed to stay in the bucket.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBack to Day 353 . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy cousins and fellow tour group members -- ALL adventurous eaters with Octopussy on their plates -- wouldn\'t zip it.  They were relentless. They taunted me for several minutes.  The never-ending bottles of wine only fueled the harassment.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn order to shut everyone up and enjoy my dinner in peace (a soul-scintillating pay-off, at least!), I held my breath, closed my eyes, stuffed a piece of octopus in my mouth . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140055.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7781\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140055-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd chewed.  And chewed.  And chewed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you\'ve eaten octopus before, then you know exactly what I\'m talking about it.  If you haven\'t, imagine chewing a piece of salty, seaweed-infused piece of rubber.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow delicious.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI can see exactly why everyone loaded up on their plates.  To think that I have been missing out on this culinary wonder all these years!  I think that during my next PMS episode, I will intensely crave octopus rather than chocolate.  Octopus is so .... enticing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHardly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPersonally, I think people eat it for attention.  A food badge of courage.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ll pass on the octopus, but please do pass the tiramisu.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  The Lost Footage','','inherit','open','open','','7750-revision-15','','','2011-10-07 12:28:38','2011-10-07 19:28:38','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/07/7750-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(7788,1,'2011-10-07 12:35:56','2011-10-07 19:35:56','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI forgot to tell you about a \"first\" for me on Day 353.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052.jpg\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-7766 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI almost threw up in my mouth when I saw Octopussy floating around with her friends in that pot.  I can\'t remember exactly what I said to my cousin, Rhonda, at the buffet line, but it was certainly some snarky remark followed by mock dry heaving.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRhonda promptly served herself a piece.  I continued with the theatrics.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen we arrived back at the table, my cousin, Bill, insinuated that I must sample Octopussy because wasn\'t this whole year about living \"curiously\"?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe other guests at the table unanimously agreed with Bill, and before I knew it, I had been sucked into a double dog dare.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUgh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could have talked my way out of this one, because I figured out early on in this process that my \"curious\" adventures needed to qualify as \"soul-scintillating\", or what was the point?  Noshing on octopus, in my opinion, is gnarly.  Eeewwww.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably point out here that I have \"issues\" with all seafood.  It stems back to my formative childhood years when I was severely scarred by seafood trauma.  No amount of therapy could possibly undo the damage.  I\'m a lost cause.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGrowing up on the water in Southampton, NY.  I witnessed many a fish kill.  And I don\'t mean the environmental kind when dead fish start washing up on shore due to some sort of ocean mishap.  I am talking about fish murders.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy grandfather, a native of Portugal, was an avid fisherman.  We would fish from the shore.  We would wish off the dock.  We would fish off the boat.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNana, another Portuguese native and therefore genetically wired to love fish, would wait at home ready to cook it, fry it, grill it, bake it -- whatever she had in mind that particular evening.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne fateful summer afternoon on the boat, I decided that I had \"seen too much\".  I was around the tender and sensitive age of 8, and apparently, I was a budding animal rights activist.  I took Papa\'s bucket full of fish and threw the fishies overboard.  This was loooooong before <em>Free Willie</em>, peeps.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPapa was stunned.  I could tell that he was a mixture of amused, angry and scared.  (Scared because Nana was going to have a FIT when she learned that dinner was swimming free!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTeddy Bear that he was, Papa took a few breaths and made a deal with me right then and there:  I could catch and release all of my fish.  All other fish needed to stay in the bucket.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to Day 353 . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy cousins and fellow tour group members -- ALL adventurous eaters with Octopussy on their plates -- wouldn\'t zip it.  They were relentless. They taunted me for several minutes.  The never-ending bottles of wine only fueled the harassment.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to shut everyone up and enjoy my dinner in peace (a soul-scintillating pay-off, at least!), I held my breath, closed my eyes, stuffed a piece of octopus in my mouth . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140055.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7781\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140055-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chewed.  And chewed.  And chewed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'ve eaten octopus before, then you know exactly what I\'m talking about it.  If you haven\'t, imagine chewing a piece of salty, seaweed-infused piece of rubber.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow delicious.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can see exactly why everyone loaded up on their plates.  To think that I have been missing out on this culinary wonder all these years!  I think that during my next PMS episode, I will intensely crave octopus rather than chocolate.  Octopus is so .... enticing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91400561.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7786\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91400561-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHardly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPersonally, I think people eat it for attention.  A food badge of courage.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ll pass on the octopus, but please do pass the tiramisu.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  The Lost Footage','','inherit','open','open','','7750-revision-16','','','2011-10-07 12:35:56','2011-10-07 19:35:56','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/07/7750-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(7789,1,'2011-10-07 12:38:51','2011-10-07 19:38:51','&nbsp;\n\nI forgot to tell you about a \"first\" for me on Day 353.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052.jpg\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-7766 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI almost threw up in my mouth when I saw Octopussy floating around with her friends in that pot.  I can\'t remember exactly what I said to my cousin, Rhonda, at the buffet line, but it was certainly some snarky remark followed by mock dry heaving.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRhonda promptly served herself a piece.  I continued with the theatrics.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen we arrived back at the table, my cousin, Bill, insinuated that I must sample Octopussy because wasn\'t this whole year about living \"curiously\"?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe other guests at the table unanimously agreed with Bill, and before I knew it, I had been sucked into a double dog dare.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUgh.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI could have talked my way out of this one, because I figured out early on in this process that my \"curious\" adventures needed to qualify as \"soul-scintillating\", or what was the point?  Noshing on octopus, in my opinion, is gnarly.  Eeewwww.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI should probably point out here that I have \"issues\" with all seafood.  It stems back to my formative childhood years when I was severely scarred by seafood trauma.  No amount of therapy could possibly undo the damage.  I\'m a lost cause.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGrowing up on the water in Southampton, NY.  I witnessed many a fish kill.  And I don\'t mean the environmental kind when dead fish start washing up on shore due to some sort of ocean mishap.  I am talking about fish murders.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy grandfather, a native of Portugal, was an avid fisherman.  We would fish from the shore.  We would wish off the dock.  We would fish off the boat.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNana, another Portuguese native and therefore genetically wired to love fish, would wait at home ready to cook it, fry it, grill it, bake it -- whatever she had in mind that particular evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne fateful summer afternoon on the boat, I decided that I had \"seen too much\".  I was around the tender and sensitive age of 8, and apparently, I was a budding animal rights activist.  I took Papa\'s bucket full of fish and threw the fishies overboard.  This was loooooong before <em>Free Willie</em>, peeps.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPapa was stunned.  I could tell that he was a mixture of amused, angry and scared.  (Scared because Nana was going to have a FIT when she learned that dinner was swimming free!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTeddy Bear that he was, Papa took a few breaths and made a deal with me right then and there:  I could catch and release all of my fish.  All other fish needed to stay in the bucket.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBack to Day 353 . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy cousins and fellow tour group members -- ALL adventurous eaters with Octopussy on their plates -- wouldn\'t zip it.  They were relentless. They taunted me for several minutes.  The never-ending bottles of wine only fueled the harassment.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn order to shut everyone up and enjoy my dinner in peace (a soul-scintillating pay-off, at least!), I held my breath, closed my eyes, stuffed a piece of octopus in my mouth . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140055.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7781\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140055-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd chewed.  And chewed.  And chewed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you\'ve eaten octopus before, then you know exactly what I\'m talking about it.  If you haven\'t, imagine chewing a piece of salty, seaweed-infused piece of rubber.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow delicious.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI can see exactly why everyone loaded up on their plates.  To think that I have been missing out on this culinary wonder all these years!  I think that during my next PMS episode, I will intensely crave octopus rather than chocolate.  Octopus is so .... enticing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7786\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This ranks as the worst photo of me circulating in public. Would you have posted this? SHOULD I TAKE IT DOWN?!?! :-o\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91400561.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7786\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91400561-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHardly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPersonally, I think people eat it for attention.  A food badge of courage.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ll pass on the octopus, but please do pass the tiramisu.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  The Lost Footage','','inherit','open','open','','7750-revision-17','','','2011-10-07 12:38:51','2011-10-07 19:38:51','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/07/7750-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(7790,1,'2011-10-07 12:38:51','2011-10-07 19:38:51','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI forgot to tell you about a \"first\" for me on Day 353.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052.jpg\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-7766 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI almost threw up in my mouth when I saw Octopussy floating around with her friends in that pot.  I can\'t remember exactly what I said to my cousin, Rhonda, at the buffet line, but it was certainly some snarky remark followed by mock dry heaving.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRhonda promptly served herself a piece.  I continued with the theatrics.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen we arrived back at the table, my cousin, Bill, insinuated that I must sample Octopussy because wasn\'t this whole year about living \"curiously\"?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe other guests at the table unanimously agreed with Bill, and before I knew it, I had been sucked into a double dog dare.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUgh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could have talked my way out of this one, because I figured out early on in this process that my \"curious\" adventures needed to qualify as \"soul-scintillating\", or what was the point?  Noshing on octopus, in my opinion, is gnarly.  Eeewwww.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably point out here that I have \"issues\" with all seafood.  It stems back to my formative childhood years when I was severely scarred by seafood trauma.  No amount of therapy could possibly undo the damage.  I\'m a lost cause.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGrowing up on the water in Southampton, NY.  I witnessed many a fish kill.  And I don\'t mean the environmental kind when dead fish start washing up on shore due to some sort of ocean mishap.  I am talking about fish murders.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy grandfather, a native of Portugal, was an avid fisherman.  We would fish from the shore.  We would wish off the dock.  We would fish off the boat.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNana, another Portuguese native and therefore genetically wired to love fish, would wait at home ready to cook it, fry it, grill it, bake it -- whatever she had in mind that particular evening.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne fateful summer afternoon on the boat, I decided that I had \"seen too much\".  I was around the tender and sensitive age of 8, and apparently, I was a budding animal rights activist.  I took Papa\'s bucket full of fish and threw the fishies overboard.  This was loooooong before <em>Free Willie</em>, peeps.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPapa was stunned.  I could tell that he was a mixture of amused, angry and scared.  (Scared because Nana was going to have a FIT when she learned that dinner was swimming free!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTeddy Bear that he was, Papa took a few breaths and made a deal with me right then and there:  I could catch and release all of my fish.  All other fish needed to stay in the bucket.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to Day 353 . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy cousins and fellow tour group members -- ALL adventurous eaters with Octopussy on their plates -- wouldn\'t zip it.  They were relentless. They taunted me for several minutes.  The never-ending bottles of wine only fueled the harassment.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to shut everyone up and enjoy my dinner in peace (a soul-scintillating pay-off, at least!), I held my breath, closed my eyes, stuffed a piece of octopus in my mouth . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140055.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7781\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140055-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chewed.  And chewed.  And chewed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'ve eaten octopus before, then you know exactly what I\'m talking about it.  If you haven\'t, imagine chewing a piece of salty, seaweed-infused piece of rubber.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow delicious.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can see exactly why everyone loaded up on their plates.  To think that I have been missing out on this culinary wonder all these years!  I think that during my next PMS episode, I will intensely crave octopus rather than chocolate.  Octopus is so .... enticing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7786\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This ranks as the worst photo of me circulating in public. Would you have posted this? SHOULD I TAKE IT DOWN?!?! :-o\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91400561.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7786\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91400561-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHardly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPersonally, I think people eat it for attention.  A food badge of courage.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ll pass on the octopus, but please do pass the tiramisu.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  The Lost Footage','','inherit','open','open','','7750-revision-18','','','2011-10-07 12:38:51','2011-10-07 19:38:51','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/07/7750-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(7791,1,'2011-10-07 12:40:25','2011-10-07 19:40:25','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI forgot to tell you about a \"first\" for me on Day 353.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052.jpg\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-7766 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140052-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI almost threw up in my mouth when I saw Octopussy floating around with her friends in that pot.  I can\'t remember exactly what I said to my cousin, Rhonda, at the buffet line, but it was certainly some snarky remark followed by mock dry heaving.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRhonda promptly served herself a piece.  I continued with the theatrics.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen we arrived back at the table, my cousin, Bill, insinuated that I must sample Octopussy because wasn\'t this whole year about living \"curiously\"?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe other guests at the table unanimously agreed with Bill, and before I knew it, I had been sucked into a double dog dare.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUgh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could have talked my way out of this one, because I figured out early on in this process that my \"curious\" adventures needed to qualify as \"soul-scintillating\", or what was the point?  Noshing on octopus, in my opinion, is gnarly.  Eeewwww.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably point out here that I have \"issues\" with all seafood.  It stems back to my formative childhood years when I was severely scarred by seafood trauma.  No amount of therapy could possibly undo the damage.  I\'m a lost cause.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGrowing up on the water in Southampton, NY.  I witnessed many a fish kill.  And I don\'t mean the environmental kind when dead fish start washing up on shore due to some sort of ocean mishap.  I am talking about fish murders.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy grandfather, a native of Portugal, was an avid fisherman.  We would fish from the shore.  We would wish off the dock.  We would fish off the boat.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNana, another Portuguese native and therefore genetically wired to love fish, would wait at home ready to cook it, fry it, grill it, bake it -- whatever she had in mind that particular evening.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne fateful summer afternoon on the boat, I decided that I had \"seen too much\".  I was around the tender and sensitive age of 8, and apparently, I was a budding animal rights activist.  I took Papa\'s bucket full of fish and threw the fishies overboard.  This was loooooong before <em>Free Willie</em>, peeps.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPapa was stunned.  I could tell that he was a mixture of amused, angry and scared.  (Scared because Nana was going to have a FIT when she learned that dinner was swimming free!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTeddy Bear that he was, Papa took a few breaths and made a deal with me right then and there:  I could catch and release all of my fish.  All other fish needed to stay in the bucket.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to Day 353 . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy cousins and fellow tour group members -- ALL adventurous eaters with Octopussy on their plates -- wouldn\'t zip it.  They were relentless. They taunted me for several minutes.  The never-ending bottles of wine only fueled the harassment.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to shut everyone up and enjoy my dinner in peace (a soul-scintillating pay-off, at least!), I held my breath, closed my eyes, stuffed a piece of octopus in my mouth . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140055.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7781\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140055-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd chewed.  And chewed.  And chewed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'ve eaten octopus before, then you know exactly what I\'m talking about it.  If you haven\'t, imagine chewing a piece of salty, seaweed-infused piece of rubber.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow delicious.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can see exactly why everyone loaded up on their plates.  To think that I have been missing out on this culinary wonder all these years!  I think that during my next PMS episode, I will intensely crave octopus rather than chocolate.  Octopus is so .... enticing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7786\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This ranks as the worst photo of me circulating in public. Would you have posted this? SHOULD I TAKE IT DOWN?!?! :-o\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91400561.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7786\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91400561-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHardly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPersonally, I think people eat it for attention.  A food badge of courage.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ll pass on the octopus, but please do pass the tiramisu.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  The Lost Footage','','inherit','open','open','','7750-revision-19','','','2011-10-07 12:40:25','2011-10-07 19:40:25','',7750,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/07/7750-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(7792,1,'2011-10-08 09:11:13','2011-10-08 16:11:13','','P9130017.JPG','','inherit','open','open','','p9130017-jpg','','','2011-10-08 09:11:13','2011-10-08 16:11:13','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9130017.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7793,1,'2011-10-08 09:12:20','2011-10-08 16:12:20','','P9160039.JPG','','inherit','open','open','','p9160039-jpg','','','2011-10-08 09:12:20','2011-10-08 16:12:20','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160039.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7794,1,'2011-10-08 09:17:02','2011-10-08 16:17:02','','P9160039.JPG','','inherit','open','open','','p9160039-jpg-2','','','2011-10-08 09:17:02','2011-10-08 16:17:02','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600391.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7795,1,'2011-10-08 09:18:21','2011-10-08 16:18:21','','P9160036.JPG','','inherit','open','open','','p9160036-jpg','','','2011-10-08 09:18:21','2011-10-08 16:18:21','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160036.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7797,1,'2011-10-08 09:30:42','2011-10-08 16:30:42','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-605','','','2011-10-08 09:30:42','2011-10-08 16:30:42','',7796,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7798,1,'2011-10-08 09:34:06','2011-10-08 16:34:06','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-606','','','2011-10-08 09:34:06','2011-10-08 16:34:06','',7796,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7799,1,'2011-10-08 09:36:06','2011-10-08 16:36:06','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','My piece of heaven','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-607','','','2011-10-08 09:36:06','2011-10-08 16:36:06','',7796,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7800,1,'2011-10-08 09:43:55','2011-10-08 16:43:55','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-608','','','2011-10-08 09:43:55','2011-10-08 16:43:55','',7796,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7801,1,'2011-10-08 09:45:33','2011-10-08 16:45:33','Day 353 was a \"hotel transfer day\" which meant our bags had to be packed before breakfast so that the van could shuttle our things to the next hotel while we were out biking.  Even though this meant a little more work for us vacationers, the bonus was sampling the intricacies of the various agriturismos and hotels.  Benissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was particulary excited about this night\'s luxury resort because it meant that I would enjoy a shower large enough to accomodate leg shaving.  As much as I adored the rustic charms of the agriturismos and smaller hotels, I did have to balance, contort, and yes, <em>stick my legs out </em>of the too-small showers to shave them.  Look at this photo and you\'ll see that I\'m not exaggerating.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7797\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A typical in shower in Italia made me shout &quot;God Bless America!&quot;\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7797\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut the shower \"thing\" was hardly a big deal.  I\'m flexible in both body and spirit.  What I was REALLY excited about was today was the first day of REAL beach time.  i.e., Rather than snapping a few photos while walking our bikes across the beach, we would walk out of our seaside resort and lounge on the beach.  i.e., Instead of this \"active vacation\" nonsense, we would take a load off and do nothing!  Vacationing the old-fasioned way!  Hurrah!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7798\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Private beachfront at Tombolo Talasso Resort\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7798\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7799\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"My piece of heaven\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7799\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7800\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Beach with a View\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7800\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nhe views\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, the wonders of Italian men!  Between the \"views\", and Fabio 1\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy bday!  Fabio 1 -- tell me your secret of how you look so young.  You smell good every time I pass you!\n\n&nbsp;','Day 355:','','inherit','open','open','','7796-revision','','','2011-10-08 09:45:33','2011-10-08 16:45:33','',7796,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/08/7796-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7802,1,'2011-10-08 09:46:50','2011-10-08 16:46:50','Day 353 was a \"hotel transfer day\" which meant our bags had to be packed before breakfast so that the van could shuttle our things to the next hotel while we were out biking.  Even though this meant a little more work for us vacationers, the bonus was sampling the intricacies of the various agriturismos and hotels.  Benissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was particulary excited about this night\'s luxury resort because it meant that I would enjoy a shower large enough to accomodate leg shaving.  As much as I adored the rustic charms of the agriturismos and smaller hotels, I did have to balance, contort, and yes, <em>stick my legs out </em>of the too-small showers to shave them.  Look at this photo and you\'ll see that I\'m not exaggerating.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7797\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A typical in shower in Italia made me shout &quot;God Bless America!&quot;\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7797\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut the shower \"thing\" was hardly a big deal.  I\'m flexible in both body and spirit.  What I was REALLY excited about was today was the first day of REAL beach time.  i.e., Rather than snapping a few photos while walking our bikes across the beach, we would walk out of our seaside resort and lounge on the beach.  i.e., Instead of this \"active vacation\" nonsense, we would take a load off and do nothing!  Vacationing the old-fasioned way!  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7798\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Private beachfront at Tombolo Talasso Resort\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7798\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7799\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"My piece of heaven\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7799\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7800\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Beach with a View\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7800\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nhe views\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, the wonders of Italian men!  Between the \"views\", and Fabio 1\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy bday!  Fabio 1 -- tell me your secret of how you look so young.  You smell good every time I pass you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 355:','','inherit','open','open','','7796-revision-2','','','2011-10-08 09:46:50','2011-10-08 16:46:50','',7796,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/08/7796-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(7803,1,'2011-10-11 21:03:34','2011-10-12 04:03:34','[caption id=\"attachment_7830\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A vineyard along the Strada del Vino\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7830 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nRemember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?  I promised a legit excuse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 356, I hit my stride.  It was my 4th day on the bike, and my cycling immersion training in Tuscany was paying off.  Instead of being the weakest link at the back of the pack, I led at the front!  I am not sure if my tour group was humoring me, or if I was genuinely racing like the wind, but whatever the case, I felt AMAZING!  Lance Armstrong, kiss my bike shorts!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe were cycling along the Strada del Vino, a picturesque cypress-lined street famous for its numerous vineyards.  Many of the vineyards of the Super Tuscan wines are located along this street.  The ride was precisely as the itinerary described:  \"relaxing\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA group of racing cyclists whizzed by us.  Fabio 1 charged ahead to join them.  I <em>attempted</em> to join them as my tour group cheered me on from behind, but no way, no how.  The racers were probably clocking 35 mph, maybe more.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI slowed down to my original pace and soaked in the perfection of this morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...it was ALMOST perfection.  90 degrees is a bit warm, even on a tree-shaded street.  Feeling thirsty, I reached for my water bottle and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Crash!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Boom!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Splat!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can\'t remember exactly, but I\'m pretty sure that I flew diagonally over the handle bars.  I am also unaware of what I hit first, my head or my shoulder.  I do remember the tremendous THUD as my head pounded the pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7826\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Luckily, I cracked my helmet and not my head. Boys and Girls, ALWAYS wear your helmet. This has been a Public Service Announcement from Late Bloomer.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7826\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI remained conscious as the tour group approached from behind shouting, \"Don\'t move!  Don\'t move!\"  I was too dazed to move.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs fate would have it, one of the members of our group was a trauma nurse.  She quickly examined me and determined that I could get up and walk to the side of the road.  This was a quiet street, but yes, we did share the road with cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConcerned tour group members threw questions at me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you nauseous?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you dizzy?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Do you feel like you are going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMia cugina, the mother of a lacrosse player, checked my pupils.  She announced to the others, \"They are the same size -- not dilated!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was coherent, so I knew exactly what they were thinking.  \"Does she have a concussion???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSuperChuck, one of the madmen uber-fit cyclists, rushed off to find Fabio 1 who was still in the midst of Testosterone Central.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 arrived at the scene and asked, \"Are you nauseous?  Dizzy?  Feel like you\'re going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No, I don\'t feel any of those things.  I just feel like my head is being squeezed on either side.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then enquired, \"Do you want to go to the hospital?  I have to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"HELL NO!!!!  I am not going to the hospital.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Sorry.  I had to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI laughed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Fabio 2 showed up in the van with first aid supplies.  He sprayed the road rash on my shoulder with disinfectant and liquid bandage.  It burned like crazy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7827\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Owie.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7827\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Fabios then announced that I couldn\'t ride that day since I hit my head.  I choked back tears at that point.  I was bummed and thoroughly disappointed with myself.  <em>Why</em> had I chosen to grab the water bottle with my dominant, right-hand this time?  I was experimenting to see if this move made balancing easier.  WHY????\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  I suppose there are worse fates in life than riding around in a van with the Italian version of Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was also The Best Lunch of My Life which included The Best Soup of My Life at the Fonte di Foiano Olive Oil Mill.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7818\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7819\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf this wasn\'t fabulous enough, there was wine, sunset, and spontaneous dancing to live music on the terrace overlooking the ocean at sunset.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7823\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7825\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then that night our group helped cook and partake in one of The Most Memorable Meals of My life at a 500 year-old Tuscan farmhouse.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7820\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI almost forgot that my head hurt.  Wine and rich life experiences have wonderful numbing powers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSpeaking of forgetting . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy tour group peeps unanimously agreed that day that I DID NOT have a concussion.  No one was worried.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs the days passed, the headache \"squeeze\" did not disappear.  Upon returning home, colleagues at work were worried.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>I</em> was officially worried when every time I sat down to write my blog posts  . . . nothing.  I tried not to panic.  I wondered when I would be able to write again.  I wondered if my readers would stick with me if I wasn\'t updating regularly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt work, I couldn\'t concentrate.  I became overwhelmed by the mounting emails and phone calls.  I felt \"foggy\".  At first, I attributed this to jet lag.  But a week later???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then one night I felt a slight numbness along my jawline.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n12 days after my accident, I hauled my cookies to the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Diagnosis:  Concussion.</strong></span>  Which apparently can drag on for weeks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a follow up, I am to schedule a non-urgent MRI to check out a spot on my brain in the exact location where I hit my head.  Doc not concerned.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Harvey\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Harvey</a></strong> used to say, now you know the <em>rest</em> of the story.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI apologize for the extreme posting delays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am happy to report that I am finally feeling \"normal\" and ready to rock with the remaining 9 posts for The Year of Living Curiously.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGood day!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','publish','open','closed','','day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/','2012-08-21 09:27:27','2012-08-21 16:27:27','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=7803',0,'post','',7),(7804,1,'2011-10-08 09:47:33','2011-10-08 16:47:33','Day 353 was a \"hotel transfer day\" which meant our bags had to be packed before breakfast so that the van could shuttle our things to the next hotel while we were out biking.  Even though this meant a little more work for us vacationers, the bonus was sampling the intricacies of the various agriturismos and hotels.  Benissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was particulary excited about this night\'s luxury resort because it meant that I would enjoy a shower large enough to accomodate leg shaving.  As much as I adored the rustic charms of the agriturismos and smaller hotels, I did have to balance, contort, and yes, <em>stick my legs out </em>of the too-small showers to shave them.  Look at this photo and you\'ll see that I\'m not exaggerating.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7797\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A typical in shower in Italia made me shout &quot;God Bless America!&quot;\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7797\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut the shower \"thing\" was hardly a big deal.  I\'m flexible in both body and spirit.  What I was REALLY excited about was today was the first day of REAL beach time.  i.e., Rather than snapping a few photos while walking our bikes across the beach, we would walk out of our seaside resort and lounge on the beach.  i.e., Instead of this \"active vacation\" nonsense, we would take a load off and do nothing!  Vacationing the old-fasioned way!  Hurrah!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7798\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Private beachfront at Tombolo Talasso Resort\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7798\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7799\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"My piece of heaven\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7799\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7800\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Beach with a View\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7800\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, the wonders of Italian men!  Between the \"views\", and Fabio 1\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy bday!  Fabio 1 -- tell me your secret of how you look so young.  You smell good every time I pass you!\n\n&nbsp;','Day 355:','','inherit','open','open','','7796-revision-3','','','2011-10-08 09:47:33','2011-10-08 16:47:33','',7796,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/08/7796-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(7805,1,'2011-10-08 10:01:53','2011-10-08 17:01:53','Day 353 was a \"hotel transfer day\" which meant our bags had to be packed before breakfast so that the van could shuttle our things to the next hotel while we were out biking.  Even though this meant a little more work for us vacationers, the bonus was sampling the intricacies of the various agriturismos and hotels.  Benissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was particulary excited about this night\'s luxury resort because it meant that I would enjoy a shower large enough to accomodate leg shaving.  As much as I adored the rustic charms of the agriturismos and smaller hotels, I did have to balance, contort, and yes, <em>stick my legs out </em>of the too-small showers to shave them.  Look at this photo and you\'ll see that I\'m not exaggerating.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7797\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A typical in shower in Italia made me shout &quot;God Bless America!&quot;\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7797\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut the shower \"thing\" was hardly a big deal.  I\'m flexible in both body and spirit.  What I was REALLY excited about was today was the first day of REAL beach time.  i.e., Rather than snapping a few photos while walking our bikes across the beach, we would walk out of our seaside resort and lounge on the beach.  i.e., Instead of this \"active vacation\" nonsense, we would take a load off and do nothing!  Vacationing the old-fasioned way!  Hurrah!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7798\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Private beachfront at Tombolo Talasso Resort\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7798\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7799\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"My piece of heaven\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7799\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7800\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Beach with a View\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7800\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, the wonders of Italian men!  Between the \"views\", and Fabio 1\'s never-ending stream of compliments (\"Michelle, how can you possibly be turning 42!  I thought you were turning 30!\" and \"Michelle! How is that every time I pass you on the bike, you smell so good?  Do you always smell this wonderful when you sweat?\")\n\n&nbsp;','Day 355:','','inherit','open','open','','7796-revision-4','','','2011-10-08 10:01:53','2011-10-08 17:01:53','',7796,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/08/7796-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(7806,1,'2011-10-08 10:02:27','2011-10-08 17:02:27','Day 353 was a \"hotel transfer day\" which meant our bags had to be packed before breakfast so that the van could shuttle our things to the next hotel while we were out biking.  Even though this meant a little more work for us vacationers, the bonus was sampling the intricacies of the various agriturismos and hotels.  Benissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was particulary excited about this night\'s luxury resort because it meant that I would enjoy a shower large enough to accomodate leg shaving.  As much as I adored the rustic charms of the agriturismos and smaller hotels, I did have to balance, contort, and yes, <em>stick my legs out </em>of the too-small showers to shave them.  Look at this photo and you\'ll see that I\'m not exaggerating.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7797\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A typical in shower in Italia made me shout &quot;God Bless America!&quot;\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7797\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut the shower \"thing\" was hardly a big deal.  I\'m flexible in both body and spirit.  What I was REALLY excited about was today was the first day of REAL beach time.  i.e., Rather than snapping a few photos while walking our bikes across the beach, we would walk out of our seaside resort and lounge on the beach.  i.e., Instead of this \"active vacation\" nonsense, we would take a load off and do nothing!  Vacationing the old-fasioned way!  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7798\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Private beachfront at Tombolo Talasso Resort\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7798\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7799\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"My piece of heaven\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7799\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7800\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Beach with a View\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7800\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, the wonders of Italian men!  Between the \"views\", and Fabio 1\'s never-ending stream of compliments . . . \"Michelle, how can you possibly be turning 42!  I thought you were turning 30!\" and \"Michelle! How is that every time I pass you on the bike, you smell so good?  Do you always smell this wonderful when you sweat?\" . . . Life was good.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 355:','','inherit','open','open','','7796-revision-5','','','2011-10-08 10:02:27','2011-10-08 17:02:27','',7796,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/08/7796-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(7807,1,'2011-10-08 10:02:39','2011-10-08 17:02:39','Day 353 was a \"hotel transfer day\" which meant our bags had to be packed before breakfast so that the van could shuttle our things to the next hotel while we were out biking.  Even though this meant a little more work for us vacationers, the bonus was sampling the intricacies of the various agriturismos and hotels.  Benissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was particulary excited about this night\'s luxury resort because it meant that I would enjoy a shower large enough to accomodate leg shaving.  As much as I adored the rustic charms of the agriturismos and smaller hotels, I did have to balance, contort, and yes, <em>stick my legs out </em>of the too-small showers to shave them.  Look at this photo and you\'ll see that I\'m not exaggerating.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7797\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A typical in shower in Italia made me shout &quot;God Bless America!&quot;\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7797\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut the shower \"thing\" was hardly a big deal.  I\'m flexible in both body and spirit.  What I was REALLY excited about was today was the first day of REAL beach time.  i.e., Rather than snapping a few photos while walking our bikes across the beach, we would walk out of our seaside resort and lounge on the beach.  i.e., Instead of this \"active vacation\" nonsense, we would take a load off and do nothing!  Vacationing the old-fasioned way!  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7798\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Private beachfront at Tombolo Talasso Resort\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7798\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7799\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"My piece of heaven\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7799\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7800\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Beach with a View\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7800\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, the wonders of Italian men!  Between the \"views\", and Fabio 1\'s never-ending stream of compliments . . . \"Michelle, how can you possibly be turning 42!  I thought you were turning 30!\" and \"Michelle! How is that every time I pass you on the bike, you smell so good?  Do you always smell this wonderful when you sweat?\" . . . Life was good.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 355:','','inherit','open','open','','7796-revision-6','','','2011-10-08 10:02:39','2011-10-08 17:02:39','',7796,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/08/7796-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(7808,1,'2011-10-08 10:03:20','2011-10-08 17:03:20','Day 353 was a \"hotel transfer day\" which meant our bags had to be packed before breakfast so that the van could shuttle our things to the next hotel while we were out biking.  Even though this meant a little more work for us vacationers, the bonus was sampling the intricacies of the various agriturismos and hotels.  Benissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was particulary excited about this night\'s luxury resort because it meant that I would enjoy a shower large enough to accomodate leg shaving.  As much as I adored the rustic charms of the agriturismos and smaller hotels, I did have to balance, contort, and yes, <em>stick my legs out </em>of the too-small showers to shave them.  Look at this photo and you\'ll see that I\'m not exaggerating.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7797\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A typical in shower in Italia made me shout &quot;God Bless America!&quot;\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7797\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut the shower \"thing\" was hardly a big deal.  I\'m flexible in both body and spirit.  What I was REALLY excited about was today was the first day of REAL beach time.  i.e., Rather than snapping a few photos while walking our bikes across the beach, we would walk out of our seaside resort and lounge on the beach.  i.e., Instead of this \"active vacation\" nonsense, we would take a load off and do nothing!  Vacationing the old-fasioned way!  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7798\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Private beachfront at Tombolo Talasso Resort\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7798\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7799\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"My piece of heaven\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7799\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7800\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Beach with a View\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7800\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, the wonders of Italian men!  Between the \"views\", and Fabio 1\'s never-ending stream of compliments . . . \"Michelle, how can you possibly be turning 42!  I thought you were turning 30!\" and \"Michelle! How is that every time I pass you on the bike, you smell so good?  Do you always smell this wonderful when you sweat?\" . . . Life was good.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 355:  Beach with a View ','','inherit','open','open','','7796-revision-7','','','2011-10-08 10:03:20','2011-10-08 17:03:20','',7796,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/08/7796-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(7809,1,'2011-10-08 10:03:24','2011-10-08 17:03:24','Day 353 was a \"hotel transfer day\" which meant our bags had to be packed before breakfast so that the van could shuttle our things to the next hotel while we were out biking.  Even though this meant a little more work for us vacationers, the bonus was sampling the intricacies of the various agriturismos and hotels.  Benissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was particulary excited about this night\'s luxury resort because it meant that I would enjoy a shower large enough to accomodate leg shaving.  As much as I adored the rustic charms of the agriturismos and smaller hotels, I did have to balance, contort, and yes, <em>stick my legs out </em>of the too-small showers to shave them.  Look at this photo and you\'ll see that I\'m not exaggerating.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7797\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A typical in shower in Italia made me shout &quot;God Bless America!&quot;\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7797\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut the shower \"thing\" was hardly a big deal.  I\'m flexible in both body and spirit.  What I was REALLY excited about was today was the first day of REAL beach time.  i.e., Rather than snapping a few photos while walking our bikes across the beach, we would walk out of our seaside resort and lounge on the beach.  i.e., Instead of this \"active vacation\" nonsense, we would take a load off and do nothing!  Vacationing the old-fasioned way!  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7798\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Private beachfront at Tombolo Talasso Resort\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7798\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7799\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"My piece of heaven\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7799\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7800\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Beach with a View\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7800\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, the wonders of Italian men!  Between the \"views\", and Fabio 1\'s never-ending stream of compliments . . . \"Michelle, how can you possibly be turning 42!  I thought you were turning 30!\" and \"Michelle! How is that every time I pass you on the bike, you smell so good?  Do you always smell this wonderful when you sweat?\" . . . Life was good.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 355:  Beach with a View ','','inherit','open','open','','7796-revision-8','','','2011-10-08 10:03:24','2011-10-08 17:03:24','',7796,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/08/7796-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(7810,1,'2011-10-08 10:06:04','2011-10-08 17:06:04','Day 353 was a \"hotel transfer day\" which meant our bags had to be packed before breakfast so that the van could shuttle our things to the next hotel while we were out biking.  Even though this meant a little more work for us vacationers, the bonus was sampling the intricacies of the various agriturismos and hotels.  Benissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was particulary excited about this night\'s luxury resort because it meant that I would enjoy a shower large enough to accomodate leg shaving.  As much as I adored the rustic charms of the agriturismos and smaller hotels, I did have to balance, contort, and yes, <em>stick my legs out </em>of the too-small showers to shave them.  Look at this photo and you\'ll see that I\'m not exaggerating.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7797\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A typical in shower in Italia made me shout &quot;God Bless America!&quot;\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7797\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut the shower \"thing\" was hardly a big deal.  I\'m flexible in both body and spirit.  What I was REALLY excited about was today was the first day of REAL beach time.  i.e., Rather than snapping a few photos while walking our bikes across the beach, we would walk out of our seaside resort and lounge on the beach.  i.e., Instead of this \"active vacation\" nonsense, we would take a load off and do nothing!  Vacationing the old-fasioned way!  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7798\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Private beachfront at Tombolo Talasso Resort\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7798\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7799\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"My piece of heaven\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7799\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7800\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Nice view\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7800 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, the wonders of Italian men!  Between the \"views\", and Fabio 1\'s never-ending stream of compliments . . . \"Michelle, how can you possibly be turning 42!  I thought you were turning 30!\" and \"Michelle! How is that every time I pass you on the bike, you smell so good?  Do you always smell this wonderful when you sweat?\" . . . Life was good.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 355:  Beach with a View ','','inherit','open','open','','7796-autosave','','','2011-10-08 10:06:04','2011-10-08 17:06:04','',7796,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/08/7796-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(7811,1,'2011-10-08 10:05:25','2011-10-08 17:05:25','Day 353 was a \"hotel transfer day\" which meant our bags had to be packed before breakfast so that the van could shuttle our things to the next hotel while we were out biking.  Even though this meant a little more work for us vacationers, the bonus was sampling the intricacies of the various agriturismos and hotels.  Benissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was particulary excited about this night\'s luxury resort because it meant that I would enjoy a shower large enough to accomodate leg shaving.  As much as I adored the rustic charms of the agriturismos and smaller hotels, I did have to balance, contort, and yes, <em>stick my legs out </em>of the too-small showers to shave them.  Look at this photo and you\'ll see that I\'m not exaggerating.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7797\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A typical in shower in Italia made me shout &quot;God Bless America!&quot;\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7797\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut the shower \"thing\" was hardly a big deal.  I\'m flexible in both body and spirit.  What I was REALLY excited about was today was the first day of REAL beach time.  i.e., Rather than snapping a few photos while walking our bikes across the beach, we would walk out of our seaside resort and lounge on the beach.  i.e., Instead of this \"active vacation\" nonsense, we would take a load off and do nothing!  Vacationing the old-fasioned way!  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7798\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Private beachfront at Tombolo Talasso Resort\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7798\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7799\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"My piece of heaven\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7799\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7800\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Beach with a View\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7800\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, the wonders of Italian men!  Between the \"views\", and Fabio 1\'s never-ending stream of compliments . . . \"Michelle, how can you possibly be turning 42!  I thought you were turning 30!\" and \"Michelle! How is that every time I pass you on the bike, you smell so good?  Do you always smell this wonderful when you sweat?\" . . . Life was good.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 355:  Beach with a View ','','inherit','open','open','','7796-revision-9','','','2011-10-08 10:05:25','2011-10-08 17:05:25','',7796,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/08/7796-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(7822,1,'2011-10-11 20:14:42','2011-10-12 03:14:42','Remember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?  I promised a legit excuse.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 356, I hit my stride.  It was my 4th day on the bike, and my cycling immersion training in Tuscany was paying off.  Instead of being the weakest link at the back of the pack, I leading at the front!  I am not sure if my tour group was humoring me, or if I was genuinely racing like the wind, but whatever the case, I felt AMAZING!  Lance Armstrong, kiss my bike shorts!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe were cycling along the Strada del Vino, a picturesque cypress-lined street famous for its numerous vineyards.  Many of the vineyards of the Super Tuscan wines are located along this street.  The ride was precisely as the itinerary described:  \"relaxing\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA group of racing cyclists whizzed by us.  Fabio 1 charged ahead to join them.  I <em>attempted</em> to join them as my tour group cheered me on from behind, but no way, no how.  The racers were probably clocking 35 mph, maybe more.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI slowed down to my original pace and soaked in the perfection of this morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...it was ALMOST perfection.  90 degrees is a bit warm, even in a tree-shaded street.  Feeling thirsty, I reached for my water bottle and...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCrash!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBoom!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSplat!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI can\'t remember exactly, but I\'m pretty sure that I flew over the handle bars.  I am also unaware of what I hit first, my head or my shoulder.  I do remember the tremendous THUD as my head pounded the pavement.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nhelmet photo\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI remained conscious as the tour group approached from behind shouting, \"Don\'t move!  Don\'t move!\"  I was too dazed to move.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, one of the members of our group is a trauma nurse.  She quickly examined me and determined that I could get up and walk to the side of the road.  Yes, this was a quiet street, but we did share the road with cars.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nConcerned tour group members threw questions at me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Are you nauseous?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Are you dizzy?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Do you feel like you are going to pass out?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMia cugina, the mother of a lacrosse player, checked my pupils.  \"They are same size -- not dilated!\", she announced.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was coherent, so I knew exactly what they thinking.  \"Does she have a concussion???\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSuperChuck, one of the madmen uber-fit cyclists, rushed off to find Fabio 1 who was still in the midst of Testosterone Central.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 arrived at the scene and asked, \"Are you nauseous?  Dizzy?  Feel like you\'re going to pass out.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"No, I don\'t feel any of those things.  I just feel like my head is being squeezed on either side.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 then enquired, \"Do you want to go to the hospital?  I have to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"HELL NO!!!!  I am not going to the hospital.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Sorry.  I had to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI laughed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Fabio 2 showed up in the van with first aid supplies.  He sprayed the road rash on my shoulder with disinfectant and liquid bandage.  It burned like crazy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nshoulder photo  owie.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Fabios then announced that I couldn\'t ride that day since I hit my head.  I choked back tears at that point.  I was bummed and thoroughly disappointed with myself.  Why had I chosen to grab the water bottle with my dominant, right-hand this time?  I was experimenting to see if this made balancing easier.  WHY????\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, well.  I suppose there are worse fates in life than riding around in a van with the Italian version of Matthew McConaughey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere was also The Best Lunch of My Life which included The Best Soup of My Life at the Fonte di Foiano Olive Oil Mill.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7818\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7819\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then there was also that night when we helped cook and partake in one of The Most Memorable Meals of My life at a 500 year-old Tuscan farmhouse.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7820\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision-8','','','2011-10-11 20:14:42','2011-10-12 03:14:42','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(7823,1,'2011-10-11 20:19:16','2011-10-12 03:19:16','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-612','','','2011-10-11 20:19:16','2011-10-12 03:19:16','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7825,1,'2011-10-11 20:21:23','2011-10-12 03:21:23','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-613','','','2011-10-11 20:21:23','2011-10-12 03:21:23','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7826,1,'2011-10-11 20:22:38','2011-10-12 03:22:38','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Luckily, I cracked my helmet and not my head.  Boys and Girls, ALWAYS wear your helmet.  This has been a Public Service Announcement from Late Bloomer.','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-614','','','2011-10-11 20:22:38','2011-10-12 03:22:38','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7827,1,'2011-10-11 20:24:19','2011-10-12 03:24:19','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Owie.','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-615','','','2011-10-11 20:24:19','2011-10-12 03:24:19','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7828,1,'2011-10-11 20:32:31','2011-10-12 03:32:31','Remember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?  I promised a legit excuse.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 356, I hit my stride.  It was my 4th day on the bike, and my cycling immersion training in Tuscany was paying off.  Instead of being the weakest link at the back of the pack, I leading at the front!  I am not sure if my tour group was humoring me, or if I was genuinely racing like the wind, but whatever the case, I felt AMAZING!  Lance Armstrong, kiss my bike shorts!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe were cycling along the Strada del Vino, a picturesque cypress-lined street famous for its numerous vineyards.  Many of the vineyards of the Super Tuscan wines are located along this street.  The ride was precisely as the itinerary described:  \"relaxing\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA group of racing cyclists whizzed by us.  Fabio 1 charged ahead to join them.  I <em>attempted</em> to join them as my tour group cheered me on from behind, but no way, no how.  The racers were probably clocking 35 mph, maybe more.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI slowed down to my original pace and soaked in the perfection of this morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...it was ALMOST perfection.  90 degrees is a bit warm, even in a tree-shaded street.  Feeling thirsty, I reached for my water bottle and...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCrash!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBoom!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSplat!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI can\'t remember exactly, but I\'m pretty sure that I flew over the handle bars.  I am also unaware of what I hit first, my head or my shoulder.  I do remember the tremendous THUD as my head pounded the pavement.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7826\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Luckily, I cracked my helmet and not my head. Boys and Girls, ALWAYS wear your helmet. This has been a Public Service Announcement from Late Bloomer.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7826\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI remained conscious as the tour group approached from behind shouting, \"Don\'t move!  Don\'t move!\"  I was too dazed to move.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, one of the members of our group is a trauma nurse.  She quickly examined me and determined that I could get up and walk to the side of the road.  Yes, this was a quiet street, but we did share the road with cars.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nConcerned tour group members threw questions at me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Are you nauseous?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Are you dizzy?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Do you feel like you are going to pass out?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMia cugina, the mother of a lacrosse player, checked my pupils.  \"They are same size -- not dilated!\", she announced.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was coherent, so I knew exactly what they thinking.  \"Does she have a concussion???\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSuperChuck, one of the madmen uber-fit cyclists, rushed off to find Fabio 1 who was still in the midst of Testosterone Central.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 arrived at the scene and asked, \"Are you nauseous?  Dizzy?  Feel like you\'re going to pass out.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"No, I don\'t feel any of those things.  I just feel like my head is being squeezed on either side.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 then enquired, \"Do you want to go to the hospital?  I have to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"HELL NO!!!!  I am not going to the hospital.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Sorry.  I had to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI laughed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Fabio 2 showed up in the van with first aid supplies.  He sprayed the road rash on my shoulder with disinfectant and liquid bandage.  It burned like crazy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7827\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Owie.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7827\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Fabios then announced that I couldn\'t ride that day since I hit my head.  I choked back tears at that point.  I was bummed and thoroughly disappointed with myself.  Why had I chosen to grab the water bottle with my dominant, right-hand this time?  I was experimenting to see if this made balancing easier.  WHY????\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, well.  I suppose there are worse fates in life than riding around in a van with the Italian version of Matthew McConaughey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere was also The Best Lunch of My Life which included The Best Soup of My Life at the Fonte di Foiano Olive Oil Mill.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7818\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7819\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf this wasn\'t fabulous enough, there was wine, sunset, and spontaneous dancing to live music on the terrace overlooking the ocean at sunset.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7823\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7825\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then that night our group helped cook and partake in one of The Most Memorable Meals of My life at a 500 year-old Tuscan farmhouse.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7820\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy tour group peeps unanimously agreed that day that I DID NOT have a concussion.  No one was worried.  <em>Whew!  </em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs the days passed, the headache \"squeeze\" did not disappear.  Colleagues at work were worried.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was officially worried when every time I sat down to write my blog posts  . . . nothing.  I felt \"foggy\" for days.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n12 days later, I hauled my cookies to the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDiagnosis:  Concussion.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFollow up:  Non-urgent MRI to check out spot on my brain in the exact location where I hit my head.  Doc not concerned.  <em>Whew!  </em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Harvey\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Harvey</a></strong> used to say, now you know the <em>rest</em> of the story.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI apologize for the extreme posting delays.  Good\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision-9','','','2011-10-11 20:32:31','2011-10-12 03:32:31','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0);
