Quilters da Vinci!

Thursday afternoon, after we had slept in a bit, had our handwork class for a bit, and a leisurely lunch walking around the town of Montecatini Terme, we loaded up the bus for an afternoon of wandering in Vinci, Italy – yes, the same Vinci that gave Leonardo Da Vinci his name!

We learned that Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci was the full name he went by, and that Leonardo was born out of wedlock to a wealthy father, Messer Piero Fruosino di Antonio da Vinci, a Florentine legal notary, and Caterina, a peasant.

Because of his origins, and no claim to a real surname, Leonardo Da Vinci simply means Leonardo OF VINCI!

This day we were da Vinci as well….Quilters da Vinci!
The little town of Vinci is tucked into the hills and valleys of Tuscany and is just as charming as you might expect it would be.

Narrow steep alleys!

We were able to visit two museums surrounding the work of the famous Leonardo da Vinci –the most fascinating of which had replicas, working replicas-of many of the machines that his incredible mind was able to dream up.

Ever present Madonna on our walk.

Did you know that he had a hand in the development of both the spinning wheel and the large loom for weaving fabric with shuttles?  Those were right up our alley!

The other scientific stuff? Fascinating with pulleys and levers and cantilevers – but over my head.  Show me the looms!  ((No photos allowed in museums, sorry!))

After touring the museums, many of us took the challenge of climing the approximately 130 steps to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of Vinci and the surrounding countryside.

Over the rooftops of Vinci!

The only thing kicking this photo into the modern age is the satellite dish on the roof!

But oh, that Tuscan sky!

Bell at the top of the tower where we stood.

View of street below!

Not forgetting this splendor any time soon!

When it was time to make our way back to the bus, we wound back down the steep and narrow streets, stopped at yet another gelato vendor, and found our way to the park.

Oh happy day, and loads of smiles…the children were out doing activities with their teacher, singing songs and following the leader!

Listen to their song – I dare you not to smile!  I love children in any language:

They chased each other around the horse statue ---boys will be boys!

It was a great little visit to the historic town of Vinci.  I loved it.  Even the 130 steps to the top which left me panting and quad muscles burning.  It was awesome, every step!

As this posts, we are somewhere on a flight to Alaska….There are still several Italy posts to go so those will be interspersed with my Alaska posts as time allows.

If you think reading them out of context is confusing – then you have an idea of what my life is like right now! LOL!

We are staying the night in Anchorage after landing, and then will make our way down to Soldotna on Thursday --

Catch you live when I can!

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