San Gimignano Tuscany

The hills of Tuscany lazily stretch for miles undulating with wine vineyards and olive orchards. The narrow streets hug the hill as you wind throughout the countryside. The sun shines on the ochre clay that they use for the walls around the city. The city of San Gimignano is surrounded by an ancient wall and perched on the highest point in the countryside. At first glance, you are overwhelmned by the number of tourists in the town. But the city of San Gimignano is not just the tourists. Many people live within the walls in apartments that face the square or on the back streets just a block from the city center.
Today, I climbed the main tower. There are 218 steps to the top. Climbing the tower, is not for the faint of heart. It is hot inside, very little air circulates. The last part of the climb, you squeeze through a metal ladder that is only 2 feet wide. Finally, at the top, there is a beautiful view of the city and the various towers. The wind blows across the valleys and through the tower. As you peer over the top of the tower, you can see down into the town square where everyone is enjoying a glass of the local Chianti.