Look up "beauty" in a dictionary and it'll read: See Toscana

On Saturday I went to a small town called Rapolano with my host mother. We spent several hours at a hot spring resort on the outskirts of the town and then took the long way home, touring the Tuscan countryside. The drive was absolutely marvelous. The gentle rolling hills lined with cypress and the ginestra scented air transported me out of my body and into place of peace. Villas and vinyards dot the landscape every few kilometeres, and blend into the tranquil nature of the warm countryside. I hope these pictures can bring you to a peaceful state as well:

On the right, you can see the type of earth which is called "le crete." This is just a small valley with a lake hidden amongst the foliage.

The trees that line the rim of the landscape are cypress. They are typical of Tuscany.

Chiusure (pronounced "kee-yoo-soo-ray") is a small village just southwest of Asciano.

Olive trees line the highways of Tuscany.

This is Monte Oliveto Maggiore, an abbey built in 1313. It is located southwest of Asciano as well.

Freakin' people got into my shot of the main church in Asciano.

Well, I hope you enjoyed these pictures. They really do not capture the true beauty of Toscana, but it's just a little taste, hopefully to lure you here.

Ciao!
-Teo