Lost in San Gimignano, Saved by a Dog Named Otis

Small church in the piazza of Monteriggioni, and a delicious cup of cappuccino.

Today started as expected, I meandered to the meeting point for the tour I was taking, snapping a few pics along the way, admiring the amazing surroundings and generally feeling pretty darn lucky.

I arrived at the check point easily enough and waited for the tour bus to arrive. We were finally off. A bus of English and Spanish speakers with a native Brazilian narrating and guiding the trip. So very refreshing to have the mixing of cultures in a relatively small group of people. Each of us with the same agenda - to go see some interesting sites, enjoy ourselves and perhaps even mark off something on a bucket list. About 45 minutes into the tour, we arrived at a quaint little village - their economy clearly reliant on tourism.

Shell-shaped piazza in Siena Italy, the Piazza del Campo.

Then off we went to Siena. I specifically came to Italy to see one of the big ornate Duomos. The big Duomos of Orvieto and Florence were marked off this trip and Sienna was the third. A sweet local woman met us and gave us a bit of the history of Siena. Then we got to the cathedral. Another awe inspiring moment.

Facade of the Siena Cathedral or Duomo di Siena in Italian. Medieval church now dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, completed in 1348. UNESCO world Heritage Site.

The facade and general outside appearance are both impressive, like the others - then we walked into the church. That wow, OMG, speechless feeling hit me like a ton of bricks. From the tile floors, up the columns, the painted ceilings, the naves, the detail and craftsmanship - just wow! I snapped more pictures than I thought possible. After exhausting my photographic options I left, knowing that I will be back.

Having time to spare with a general curiosity, I got a slice of pizza and meandered about the historic area taking in the details, people, smells, energy until I would arrive at our meeting point. So far so good. Weather beautiful, great vibe of the city- not too hurried, and plenty to enjoy.

Next stop, a sweet little winery in which we got to sample 4 wines, olive oil and the most amazing vinegar I have ever tasted. Almost like caramel with a hint of the sour/saltiness of the vinegar. I’ve never had the pleasure of tasting anything quite like it- but will again rest assured! Another wonderful stop, check, check and check.

Bread with olive oil, a spoonful of 20 year old vinegar, prosciutto and Parmigiana -Romano with a drizzle of 12 year old vinegar.

Last, San Gimignano, a lovely walled city with an over abundance of Italian leather shops. There are towers galore and “the world’s best gellateria.” I will say the gelato was pretty amazing. The views from the hilltop town overlooking the Tuscan landscape were incredible despite the clouds that had rolled in over the course of the day- they made for a little drama in the pics.

Overlooking Tuscan countryside from San Gimignano.

I managed to find a tiny church, San Lorenzo that had the most amazing intact frescoes. You would never guess from the exterior that the vibrant and dramatic frescoes were lining the building.

The day can’t get any better than this, until it doesn’t.

I had set a timer so I would know when to return to the bus. I headed off in what I thought was the correct direction then I realized I was a little lost. I plugged in the location to Google maps given to us by the tour operator and had absolutely no luck. After frantically walking, running, and jogging about this little hamlet, it was clear that I was lost.

The meeting time of 6:30pm came and went. The sun had set, so the visual markers I had used were much more difficult to use for my tired old eyes. Plugging in the locations a couple times, going from one side of the not so little town to the next I knew I was going to miss the bus.

Walking from one parking lot to another, I ran across a young couple walking their dog and asked them if they spoke English. They did - thank God!. While they had a difficult time figuring out which parking lot I was seeking, after several minutes, they offered to drive me to the one we all thought it must be. Mind you, these twenty somethings had no reason to help this now frantic older woman but they did without even thinking about it.

These two young people and their dog Otis once again kept the faith alive in me that humanity really does have a chance. Their unselfishness and willingness to help me was so appreciated - I’m not sure how to ever repay them. In my panicked state I didn’t even think to ask them their names.

A big green tour bus was sitting in the parking lot - unfortunately not my tour bus. Desperately, I approached the tour guide standing outside the bus and asked if there was anyway I could hitch a ride back to Florence with them. After a phone call to her boss, I was allowed onto the bus for a ride back- my miracle number two for the day. Again, the affirmation that people are inherently good.

Traveling back with this new group of tourists, I heard directions given in English, Spanish, French, Italian and a Slavic language I couldn’t identify. All but one coming from the sweet little tour guide that got me onto the bus. I’m humbled at my lack of knowing other languages and blown away by everyday people who are able to switch between their native tongue to two, three and four languages in a matter of minutes.

Today reinforced what I already know but easily forget, if we have the courage to ask for help, we will get it. Not always exactly how we anticipate, but more people than not want to help others. Humans are inherently good which isn’t sexy, doesn’t sell newscasts or make headlines but is so important for us to remember.

Traveling gives us the opportunity to meet some wonderful people, reminding us that despite all the negative and horrific things that are going on in our world, we are more alike than we are different. When given the chance to get to know one another this becomes glaringly obvious. Slow down and take the opportunity to make an effort to get to know that “stranger” whom you may not otherwise approach. I think you just might be surprised.

Welcome surprise on my walk home.