Entrance to the town's Museo Comunale includes the opportunity to scale the heights via the winding staircase of the Torre Grande. Never one to pass up an opportunity to get all hot, sweaty and breathless in the quest for a great view, I, along with Justine, took on the challenge.

We were well-rewarded for our efforts: the countryside of forest and farms, accented by ancient stone walls, castles and churches, spread out before us, until its far edges dissapeared into the mist, like mythical Brigadoon or Avalon.

Beautiful Views
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We stood for a long time at the top of the tower, marvelling at the view before us. Justine had said that she felt close to me from the minute we met, that I reminded her of a very dear friend from back home.

I, too, felt an instant rapport, and it wasn't long before we were telling each other our life stories. It is one of the big gifts of traveling solo, how open one can be when to connecting with new people, and sharing deeply, if briefly.

Next: Picnic in the Castle