A visit with friends

In the middle of March, some friends of ours came down for a visit from their home in Germany. Monica had always wanted to go to San Marino, so we drove over one day while they were here. San Marino is an independent republic, completely surrounded by Italy. It is high up on a mountain, and only about 20 minutes from the beach. It is a very ancient republic, with documentation of its founding in 301 A.D. It is in an ideal location for defense, since it commands a wide view of the terrain on all sides. There are 3 fortresses on three separate peaks in San Marino. We went up into one of them.

The view down to the valley below.

Don and Monica in front of the municipal building. There were guards with very interesting uniforms, but they were mobbed with schoolchildren, so we couldn't get their picture.

Monica and Amy inside the fortress.

The fortress tower.

Looking across to the fortress on the next peak.

Of course, Jeff had to have his picture taken with the cannons inside the fortress.

During Don and Monica's visit, there were long conversations and much good wine drunk (not by me, of course). Jeff, Don, and Monica also drove down to Montalcino, in Tuscany, where Jeff's favorite wine, Brunello, is made. They bought lots of Brunello and learned even more about the best vintages.

It was a very nice visit, and we hope to get together with them again soon, either here or in Germany.