Torture

Continuing the strategy (you always need a strategy) of going exploring in the mornings and beating a retreat back to the pool we went to Volterra. Built on alabaster cliffs. It has to be said that it gets a bit tiresome walking along narrow streets weaving your way through other travellers tramping along eating slices of pizza. But undaunted we took in the little chapel misericordi with a display of stretchers and carts for the sick.  

Every self respecting town here seems to have it’s Museum of Torture. Volterra boasts one while San Gimi appears to have three.. The gallery of sacred art was closed – of course it is , it’s a Monday. All the way here and not being able to see some stuff that comes highly recommended in the guidebook. Torture. 
 
Then a walk along the Balze cliffs in the west of the city. Where the old city collapsed over the edge of the alabaster cliffs. Great views over the mines way down below. That must have been torture for property prices in that part of town when the houses were going over the cliff.
 
Dinner was booked at a swanky restaurant with a to die for open air terrace on the side of San Gimi overlooking the vast Tuscan countryside. As the sun set we waited 45 minutes before getting a drink. Torture. And then coaxing the up-himself waiter to bring us some water. Anyway, dinner was eventually concluded and was redeemed with an ice cream for pudding in the gelataria in the main square. 


Bliss.