Oct.18, Siena

Anne and I started by just wandering the streets of the old city for the morning, oohing and aahing over window after window of gorgeous leather goods and ceramics and art--and the choco shop where you can buy chocolate mustaches. 

We were also shaking our heads in wonder at the invasion of large plastic animals in all colors. 

Turns out these are part of a temporary "contemporary art" exhibit (said with barely restrained disdain by our city guide in the afternoon)--along with statues of very well-padded women and a huge metal smile placed upon city hall.

We joined the group at 1 pm--there are 13 travelers plus various guides. As in other European countries they take their tourism very seriously and you have to be licensed to do certain types of tours. Gianni will be our guide for the countryside but today we hace a city guide trained in the art and history of the area.

Siena was a very big power until they were defeated by Florence in the 1300's, so there is an extensive and beautiful old city dating back several hundred years that is a UNESCO heritage site. 

The city is divided into historical contrade (neighborhoods) from long ago that are still very much alive and well today with shifting alliances and often well marked boundaries indicated by sculptures, tiles mounted on buildings, or baptismal founts. See examples of panthers (Gianni's home neighborhood), eagles, turtles, dolphins, and rhinos.

This is played out every year in two major horse races in the very center of town, called the Palio races, which are dedicated to Mary.

The Duomo, also dedicated to Mary, would need a whole book to describe all the art inside and out. 

Did I mention the gelato? More pics later...

Oct 17, Saturday: Moneglia and Pisa

Thought I would include a couple of photos of our little apt. in Monterosso on the morning we left.

We were ready an hour early so stopped at the Paticerria Laura for caffe/ tee and a little pastry. 

Then took the train to Moneglia, the town north of the Cinque Terre where Cath and Kev stayed, in this gorgeous converted abbey.

We did a little stroll around their beautiful town before getting in the car to drive to Pisa. Thank You, Kevin, for driving.

The tower is stil there, at the same angle, as are the other amazing buildings in the "Field of Miracles."

Fabulous mosaics, gargoyles and architecture. Also a nice picture of Kevin and Anne.

This is Cath wearing a sly grin after we bluffed our way into the church for a quick "prayer" and surreptitious look around.

And this is the Tower reflected in Cath's glasses as we had lunch.

After a few missed turns and trains, we made it to Siena about 6:30 and had a rather thrilling taxi ride through the pedestrian zone to our hotel. Nice dinner at a nearby restaurant, I Barberi.