We regretfully left Florence by taking the tram to the airport and then walking a needlessly circuitous route across three lanes of traffic to the hire car pick up point. Picking up the car was quite simple, although we did not get the model we had booked, it was small enough to navigate the narrow roads. Our three suitcases slid into the boot with such satisfaction that we all took a moment to admire the fit. Roles for driving were allocated as such: driver – me, navigator – A, child distractor – R, and of course the child itself – Bitti. After undertaking a lap of the car park to test out changing gears on the wrong side we launched into traffic proper!
The good thing about Italian traffic is that they are always expecting others to merge without indicating and to accommodate odd driving behaviour. This makes it easy for tourists because no matter how late the need to merge is identified, one can always squeeze in. Not like Adelaide, where putting your indicator on and actually identifying that you want to squeeze in somewhere is likely to prompt your neighbour to speed up immediately and block you off. Also, tailgating is not an issue here, it is just how to drive. I had some insight into large vehicle driving when I was unable to see any cars in either side mirror so was surprised to find one looming large in my rear vision mirror, such was its proximity.
But driving culture differences aside, we managed quite well and made it through the 2-hour drive without incident. Bitti even fell asleep, making it all the more pleasant for me. Our agriturismo accommodation is located near Montepulciano, situated atop a small hill overlooking a valley of olive trees, vines and within view of both Montepulciano and Chianciano.
We had arrived a little too early to check in so went for a drive to the closest town, looking for a place to eat lunch. Well, we found a pretty great place and enjoyed some really delicious Italian food. We even indulged in some non-gelato desserts, one of which was described as including ‘a soul of peanuts’. We were quite amused to notice that we three girls received a pink side plate while A received a blue one. Gendered items seem to be big in Italy, at Maccas you have to choose from a ‘girl’ or ‘boy’ happy meal toy and the car hire guy made a big deal about finding a ‘girls’ car seat for Bitti.
After stuffing our faces we had a walk around Chianciano’s historical centre. It is just as you imagine a Tuscan village would be. A view of rolling green fields, ancient stone houses with bright splashes of flora on the window sills. Lots of cats. Every now and again a little old car will speed past on the narrow cobblestoned street. There were few other people around, tourist season seems to have finished for this town.
Our farm house is pretty ancient, inside the ceiling features thick wooden beams, terracotta tiles line the floor, and the walls are super thick. It’s warm and cosy. Bitti and I have a little bedroom downstairs, while R and A are upstairs, both with windows overlooking the veggie patch and chicken coop. When you close it all up no light gets in and we feel like bears down for the winter.
There are a few different animals here, all roaming free. The horse that just plods around the backyard like a large dog is quite amusing. Bitti’s favourite is definitely the little black kittens. One of them has adopted her and they are fast becoming inseparable, playing together for long periods. We have visited the local supermarket and are all set with some supplies to cook our own Italian feasts with. And of course some local wine to wash it down with. The Chianti we bought is particularly nice! 
Two Little Travellers 