Italy Trip - Day 6: Florence to Vinci

Let cycling begin! The group stopped at a local bike shop so that people who did not buy what they needed (helmets, snacks, gloves etc.) could do so while the guides properly adjusted our bikes. Mine had issues from the very beginning. The handles were so worn that black rubber was coming off onto my hands. Nasty stuff! The rear wheel was rubbing against the brakes, and the guide's adjustment made it only worse. I was assured it should not slow me down. Fine!

After everyone was happy with their bikes, we got a thorough instruction of how to use gears as well as an intro to cycling signs and rules on the roads. And off we went!

We stopped for lunch at a fancy restaurant, probably the only one of the kind during my Italy trip this time. After several small courses, for some reason I was still a bit hungry. I was getting used to eating!

Probably one of the few times in 14 days that I ate veggies

Seafood risotto

After lunch we continued our ride. I knew that at the end of the day there would be a serious climb uphill if I wanted to go visit the house where DaVinci was born and raised. I could not miss that...

As we finally reached Vinci, a few of us decided to go up that hill. And man, was it hard... We did finally reach the top, and the Leonardino museum and views did not disappoint.

DaVinci's drawings

Vitruvian Man

One of the many models of DaVinci at the museum

A large bird, non-native...

The childhood home of DaVinci was really small, and only 3 rooms were accessible to public.

On the way back, we were honored by an amazing view of the sun. These are the moments when you really appreciate physical effort you put in to cycle uphill to be rewarded by this cool vista.

The hotel was really rustic and unique.

I was always dreaming of a knight in shining armor... My dreams finally come true, right outside the room!

Tired, I was ready for dinner. The group gathered downstairs for a recap, but since it was a free evening, my roommate and I went to the recommended restaurant a few minutes away from the hotel. The rest of the group eventually got there too, but we ended up dining separately. My pizza was unique. Some ricotta cheese was wrapped in the crust, which is the first time I have ever tried anything like that.