August 7th, 7:35 p.m.
Riding a train through Tuscany is one of the most visually gratifying experiences someone can have in Italy. Fields of sunflowers, roads lined with cypress trees, and perfectly parallel vineyard vines coat the landscape with a feast of textures and colors not easily found elsewhere. Hills rise from the edges of valley floors, dotted with humble case and sprawling vine and olive oil palazzi.
The sunsets here are spectacular, throwing everything under the golden glow of the sun. It’s as if a gold leaf artist of the Renaissance has dusted the world with his craft. My train speeds along, changing my view faster than I can snap pictures. I finally decide to lean back, relax, and enjoy the ride. This won’t be my last time in Tuscany, so why not set the camera down for two hours and watch the show?
My trip into Tuscany included Cortona and Montepulciano, which both happen to be the filming locations of some very popular movies. Cortona was the setting for Frances Mayes' book, "Under the Tuscan Sun" and the movie was subsequently filmed there.
Montepulciano acted as Volterra in the movie "New Moon", the second movie in the "Twilight" series. Both were said to be idyllic hill towns of Tuscany, and less touristy than San Gimignano. Below are a few of the pictures from that trip.
Me overlooking Cortona's hillside.
Bramasole! The real house of Frances Mayes, who wrote "Under the Tuscan Sun".
Breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
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| Meghan and me in front of the clock tower from 'New Moon' in Montepulciano |
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| Check it out--recognize the door frame? :) |
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