Breakfast was at 8:30 and we were on the road by 10:00. Andrea said he would take us on a long ride the first day because the weather report was questionable for the next two days.
Everyone was assigned a car, including one couple from California. The five cars we one N/A, one N/B and three N/Ds. We were off to Orvieto, a UNESCO site about 70 Km from Miataland and not
a straight road in sight.
Andrea led the way, we followed, maintaining the speed limit. About an hour into the drive, we pulled off the road and changed cars, then proceeded to Orvieto. Orvieto
was founded about 400 BCE. The Romans laid siege to town for two years before it surrendered, and then they destroyed the town because it was so difficult to conquer. People moved back into
the area about 1200 AD to defend themselves during the local power struggles. The building in the city were built between 1200 and 1600 AD. In order to get to the city, you had to take a cable
car up the side of the mountain. We explored the city and the beautiful Medieval Church. After about an hour we headed back down the cable car and were off again with everyone in different cars.
After another 45 minutes, we stopped for lunch. We were in the middle of the country, no other building close, but it was obviously a very popular place. After eight courses of different Italian
foods, we waddled back to the cars. Again, everyone switched cars and were off heading back to Miataland. After one more stop to switch cars, so everyone had a chance to try each car, we arrived
back to Miataland just after 5:30. Having no desire for another meal some of us went exploring for wine, beer and snacks. After several failed attempts we did find a store open. We walked
in just as they were closing. Not speaking Italian, we did convey the idea that we would be very quick. Then we headed back and had a leisurely night discussing the days events.