After arriving and settling into our new apartment, Suzanne rested while I checked out the town. Basically I was looking for a good dinner spot but had to reacquaint myself with the streets first.

There were so many people up and down every street, eating gelato and filling outside tables at every restaurant.

San Gimignano is a small walled medieval city and it’s breathtaking to walk the streets. Being a pilgrim we can’t buy anything because then we would then have to carry it and we have enough stuff as it is!

First a little about our apartment room. It’s in an old farmhouse inside the walls. The family that owns it also own a vineyard, and handed me a bottle after we checked in. We still haven’t opened the bottle so I will carry it if needed. That makes no sense at all!

Free vino! We finally tried it and it was really good!

Courtyard

Our apartment is up a few steps, turn left, then right up more steps and right again at the landing. Don’t forget to turn the hall light on before attempting to climb the steps because it is dark! Our apartment is roomy, kitchen, living room and large bedroom and bath. The floors look original, dark tile but parts of the apartment have been updated since sometime recently. It’s a place to call home for two nights and it’s very conveniently located to everything.

Possibly the most unusual thing about where we’re staying is that the front door is in the piazza Sant Augusto but that entrance is not available to guests. There is a back door inside the hotel that goes directly to the outside of the wall. I spent 15 minutes wandering around checking every possibility before the key in my hand found a door it fit. The young man who checked us in basically mentioned the back door as if it needed no additional explanation. Ha!

The hidden door!

Dinner in the Sant Augustino piazza was pretty good. It was late when we finished and they brought out blankets if we needed them. That was a nice touch!

The following day I set my alarm for 6 so I could get some “before and just after” the sun rose photos. The stones used to build San Gimignano are such a beautiful color that I knew good photos would not be difficult. I was correct! And bonus – no people! I was the only one out with a camera. I enjoyed a cappuccino and watched the morning begin.

To continue our journey I am looking into bag transport for Suzanne. She can do the walking part but the bags are just too heavy. Her knees are a little puffy at days end. There is no shame in lifting the load because she is still doing the work. I really want to be able to finish this trek with her.

We found a market, the local Coop, and bought a few items for tomorrow’s hike. Also stopped at a bakery to buy bread for sandwiches, and something for breakfast as we plan to depart at 5 am 😁

After finishing laundry duty, we set out to get credential stamps and find dinner. We did get a stamp from the tourist office but no church was open for us.

The day before when I was wandering around by myself, I found an interesting passageway leading to a panoramic viewpoint. I took Suzanne there and while the sun was at least an hour from setting, we decided to wait for an outside table and watch the sun go down over Tuscany.

We lucked out, grabbed a table and enjoyed. We both have been eyeing a beautiful spritz Campari drink that seems popular in the area so we each selected one. I can’t say I’ll have Another, But I’m glad we tried them. We shared a fondue dish for dinner. Different and surprisingly good.

Back at the apartment we packed and got ready for An early morning start. There was so much more to do here but I spent too much time researching bag transfer options. Seriously next time there will be no extras. I do see that in Rome and Barcelona you can store a bag for a nominal fee which would be worthwhile…

Goodnight San Gimignano. It has been fun…

#enjoythejourney #viafrancigena