Day 4: Volterra

The Etruscans, The Roman Theater, & an Alabaster workshop

Buongiorno: ci incontriamo Annie

We learned about the mysterious Etruscans. Their innovative architecture and progressive culture of equality for men and women. Volterra, 1700 ft above sea level and solo on its hill, is a beautiful preservation and illustration of the Etruscan legacy and influence in the Tuscan region.

Porta all'Arco: the Etruscan Gate

This archway is a mammoth structure that engulfed man and machine alike. Annie told us of how during WWII the denizens, young and old, protected the gate. Instead of allowing the retreating Germans to destroy the gate with explosives, the people banded together and created a barrier by lifting large stones from the streets and passing them assembly line style to plug the hole.

Teatro Romano: the Roman Theater

now

then

Alabaster Workshop

We're pretty sure that we still have alabaster dust in our hair! What a treasure it was to watch this artisan uncover figures from within the nearly transparent mineral.

Wine Tasting: with Francesco

Patricia introduced us to a friend of hers, Francesco, a local sommelier. He was excited to share his wealth of knowledge about Tuscany and the region's rich wine tradition.

We looked at the variations in color, smelled for subtle hints of fruits and flowers, and tasted for flavor, texture, and persistence. Francesco taught us how to balance the fat on our plate, consisting of cured meats, and pecorino cheese with the dryness of the wine. Rich even learned the proper way to hold a wine glass.

The key lesson of the evening: drink to enjoy! We are all different, and should drink to individual taste.