Day Trip to Siena

It was so hot today! My guess was that it hit about 39 but a sign outside a building in Florence this afternoon said 44.5. It's not often I complain about heat but today I think was the first time I was actively seeking out shade and cooler locations. It's 10:00 at night and we still can't cool down. Thank goodness we are staying at a resort with a pool for a few days starting tomorrow, and the remainder of our vacation will be spent near the sea.

 

As a change of pace, and because I read a lot of books set in Tuscany, we decided to visit Siena for the day. There has been an ongoing battle between Florence and Siena since the 13th century, and my travel book even mentions one particular fight where Florence soldiers attacked Siena by throwing dung and donkeys over the city walls!

 

Siena has its own unique character, with many different levels of streets and buildings. It's another photographer's dream, with arches, old brick, steep and winding alleys, and views across the valleys.

 

 

 

We only spent a few hours there, but managed to wander through many different streets to see a lot of Siena's beauty. I read that between Florence and Siena, most people will love one much more than the other, and I'm definitely more inclined towards loving Siena, with its rolling hills and quiet ambiance.

 

Il Campo was Siena's civic and social center in the 14th century, and has remained as such through the centuries. Surrounding the piazza today are, of course, eateries and the same tourist crap for sale that's in each place we visit.* But, it's a great way to relax and people watch. The Fonte Gaia (Happy Fountain) is 15th century, and appears to be a favorite hangout of the pigeons.

 

We enjoyed a lovely lunch at one of the piazza-side restaurants, where I tried a Siena specialty, fresh pasta called pici. It looks a lot like Shanghai noodles and was very tasty. This restaurant was gorgeous inside, with what I perceive as a traditional Tuscan structure. Arches of brick were predominant in the decor, with tables tucked away in little nooks. I wish I could remember the name of this place.

 

Architecture is influenced by Gothic style in Siena, which is obvious in the front facade of the Cathedral. I love the sculptures of horses and wolves incorporated into this beautiful building.

 

 

I also read about two sweets that are traditional to Siena, the panforte and ricciarelli, of which I tried the latter. Very, very yummy! It was a vanilla custard filled sweet pastry with a hint of coconut. If you're ever in Siena, this is a must!

 

We arrived back in Florence tonight and relaxed in our room for a bit. We thought we would try a restaurant near the Duomo, to enjoy the night and the view. Unfortunately, I was impressed by nothing of my meal, but at least Bryan really liked his beef and aged cheese dish!

 

*Speaking of the junk that people are trying to sell, this one item seems like a glow in the dark piece of plastic that is slingshot into the air. It's about 3 inches long and maybe the diameter of a few pieces of string (we're afraid to get too close for fear of being completely harassed by the sellers). We figure it might be something a child would enjoy but not once have we seen these guys try to show this toy to a child. Just the adults. I'm considering telling the guy if he can really sell me on why I need that, I may just buy one for amusement.