Day Fifteen – The Grand Finale of Tuscany 2015
Ah, Tuscany. The land of rolling hills, world-class wine, and sun-kissed days. But alas, all good things must come to an end. Our last day in this Italian paradise started bright and early, because why not squeeze every last drop out of our holiday? Let’s dive into the final chapter of our Tuscan adventure with a cheeky grin and a twinkle in the eye.
The Early Bird Gets the Flight
Our day began at the unholy hour of 6:00 AM. Why? Because we had a date with the road at 7:00 AM, and Pisa Airport wasn’t going to wait for us. We crept out of our caravan at Park Albatross, stealthily as ninjas, so as not to disturb our slumbering neighbours. With bags packed and a few wistful glances back at our temporary home, we hit the road northwards.
Now, here’s the thing about Italian petrol stations: they’re like a game of roulette. You never quite know what you’re going to get, especially with those automated ones that refuse to give change. But with a mere €10 worth of petrol needed, we topped up and rolled on to Hertz, our trusty car rental service. Our first time using them, and I must say, they were splendid—Hertz, you’ve won our hearts.
A Fond Farewell and Ryanair Rambles
Once inside the terminal, we had just enough time to grab a bite and let Michele loose in the duty-free. Another perfume purchase? Of course! It wouldn’t be a proper trip without a new fragrance to remember it by.
Ryanair, for once, decided to be punctual. A rare occurrence worth noting! We were soon on our way back to Liverpool, where the weather decided to remind us why we went to Tuscany in the first place. The drizzle greeted us like an old, slightly annoying friend. We hadn’t been back on UK soil for more than fifteen minutes and already experienced more rain than in our entire two weeks in sunny Italy. Typical, isn’t it?
The Case of the Missing Car
After landing, we faced the next challenge: locating our car in the sprawling sea of parked vehicles. Michele and Josh both claimed to remember where we parked. Josh even had photographic evidence, except his phone had inconveniently died. Brilliant! After a bit of wandering and some classic British grumbling, Josh finally spotted our faithful vehicle.
Home Sweet…Mess?
Upon returning home, the real fun began. Michele tried to open the door but found it locked from the inside. It turns out, Lewis had left his key in the door and then, bless him, fell asleep. Classic. Once inside, we were greeted by a kitchen that looked like a war zone. Damp laundry, cluttered countertops, and a bedroom full of camping gear—Lewis had truly outdone himself. Apparently, his post-festival recovery involved a lot of sleeping and little tidying. Typical teenager, eh?
Final Thoughts and Future Plans
Despite the chaotic homecoming, our Tuscan holiday was a smashing success. The picturesque landscapes, the delightful company of the Bray family, and the endless sunshine made it all worthwhile. Tuscany, you’ve been good to us, and we’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.
