Across Europe

Obviously, Amsterdam's foundation on marsy and wet soil precludes it's ability to place trains underground. The system is based upon electric trams that run on tracks built into the street. Power is supplied by overhead wires which the tram connects to via a bar lifted by spring loaded poles.

The electric trams are very quiet with the exception of their bell which the engineer sounds when needed, often as a warning device for cars, pedestrians and anything else that might get into their way.

We bought tulips in here that were certified for US Customs.

We spent a very enjoyable and memorable evening here! The cascade of sensory inputs seemed to never end. Sometimes, Kathy and I wish that they hadn't.

The "farmhouse" was a short ride through the Tuscan countryside from our hotel. After our arrival, our group was seated in a large dining room, indoors, near the kitchen. Some groups were seated outdoors under tarps. Since the weather was pleasant, that wasn't much of an issue. It did seem as if there was a lot of people there as indicated by all of the tour buses in the parking lot.

It soon became obvious that part of the price of the experience would be to listen to a presentation to entice us to buy wine and/or olive oil (both of which are produced on site). Nonetheless, I enjoyed sampling the offerings, despite the fact that we didn't plan to purchase anything other than the dinner that we already committed to. As part of the pitch, the younger workers (waiters and waitresses) would attempt to attest their young appearance to their supposed consumption of wine and olive oil. Many of them often repeated phrases such as: "I'm 73 years old and..." pointing to a co-worker "...he is my 95 year old father." Not only was this entertaining, it was quite comical as well.

Dinner was served in various courses starting with: the antipasti (Bruschetta (garlic bread), Prosciutto, Salami, Rigatino, Salami with fennel, Pecorino cheese, Bread, Olives, Olive-oil, Aromatic Vinegar); next came the Tuscan "spelt soup" (essentially bean and barley soup) to which we were recommended to add a few drops of olive oil; followed by home made pasta with beef sauce; Main course-Roasted pork with roasted potatoes, Mixed grill sausages, Beef steak with mushrooms, Pork and Chicken; Vegetables (all are produced on the farm) wild salad from the fields, Baked potatoes, Beans dressed with olive-oil, Grilled vegetables, all accompanied by endless bowls of Tuscan bread, Olive oil and wine. Finally, the meal ended with: Vin Santo (Dessert wine) and Almond biscuits, shots of Grappa closed off the experience.

We ate way too much, some of us (including myself) drank too much, but we had such a nice and memorable experience which we’d love to repeat! Much to my surprise and pleasure, I suffered neither a heartburn or a hang-over the next day!