Day Five Chronicles: Tuscany 2015 – Sun, Croissants, and Pool Shenanigans
Rise and Shine: The Battle for Pool Supremacy
Ah, another glorious day in Tuscany unfolds, the sun high in the sky, and not a cloud in sight. The day’s agenda? Well, it’s clear— a day by the pool! However, the tale starts with a tactical morning maneuver, as the self-proclaimed Pool General embarks on a mission to secure prime real estate before the impending German/Dutch invasion.
Up at the crack of dawn (or at least 8:30, which feels like dawn when on vacation), our hero rushes to the pool area, only to find it locked until 9:00. A slight hiccup, but fear not! The real surprise lies in the bakery queue— a chaotic symphony of Europeans armed with tickets, attempting to snag pastries before pool time. It turns out, the lack of a pool queue was merely a diversion; the real action was in the pursuit of croissants. Our hero, armed with a ticket numbered ten but facing a board reading sixty-five, navigates the bakery battlefield. Fortunately, the numbers game is won, and croissants are secured.
Poolside Chronicles: The Quest for the Perfect Lounger
Armed with towels and triumphantly returning to the pool, our protagonist encounters a mystery— 50%+ of the sun loungers already claimed! How can this happen in a mere 15-20 minutes? Undeterred, three loungers with a parasol are discovered, a strategic oasis for relaxation. Michele is set to bask in the sun until 18:00, Josh strategically positioned, and our hero finds shade for a blissful reading session.
Meanwhile, back at the caravan, the slumbering duo remains oblivious. Unfazed, the Pool General indulges in croissants and coffee on the caravan’s deck. The wood pigeon, blissfully unaware of impending danger, coos in the background. Michele’s musings on purchasing a gun for pigeon-related matters add a hint of unpredictability to the idyllic scene.
Record-Breaking Lounging and Poolside Dramas
The day unfolds with poolside exploits, Michele achieving a new personal best— 5 hours without budging from her sun lounger. The lifeguard, perplexed by her unwavering commitment, checks her pulse twice, adding a touch of drama to the sun-soaked day. With temperatures soaring to 28 degrees, the pool witnesses increased activity, a stark contrast to the usual Caribbean sea escapades of the seasoned Bray family.
An unexpected twist interrupts the poolside tranquility as the on-site red cross springs into action, deploying a gurney for a mid-twenties man. The scene unfolds like a drama, lifeguards blowing whistles, and the young man strapped to the wheeled stretcher, looking equal parts embarrassed and mystified.
Evening Extravaganza: BBQ and Wine Dispenser Chronicles
As evening approaches, thoughts turn to a BBQ feast, accompanied by a draft red wine, a budget-friendly delight at €2.50/liter. The quest for Chianti is briefly discussed, especially with the imminent arrival of Warren, Dawn, and Adam. The wine dispenser’s intricacies are laid bare— empty bottles at €0.40, four massive barrels, and a process involving receipts and supermarket tills. A system so divine, even the prospect of dispensing Laurent Perrier Rose champagne is pondered, albeit with concerns about fizz retention.
However, the day’s delights are not without challenges. A sandy encounter with the sea on day two results in persistent water and sand lodged in an ear. A visit to the on-site doctor ensues, costing a hefty €35 for the diagnosis of water, sand, and wax blockage. A prescription follows, ringing up an additional €15 at the pharmacy. The hero contemplates the excess on travel insurance, ultimately resigned to the fate of his wallet.
In Conclusion: Can Life Get Any Better?
With the day’s escapades recounted, the question looms— can you honestly beat this life? Tuscany unfolds as a tapestry of sun, croissants, poolside dramas, and the occasional medical adventure. Life’s absurdities and delights blend seamlessly in this Mediterranean haven, leaving our intrepid vacationer pondering the sheer brilliance of it all.
