Siena

A tour around Siena show me that there is still so much variation in all of the towns of Italy that I might stay quite busy for the next few years seeing it all... On this cold day I took a guided tour through the streets learned of the Burroughs that are named and have the big rivalry that is expressed during the horse races that are held twice a year.  This town also has an extensive market just outside the old part with the famed or as my tour guide said about one million times the "renowned" prochetta sandwiches.. these are roasted pork on a bread roll that are dipped in wonderful juices... so good.

Gothic archetecture

the main church covered in pink, white and green marble

Inside, just amazing

the floors- inlaid marble

the dome high above, quite like the Pantheon

Narrow streets and stone buildings

The renowned piazza where horses have been known to win races without the rider still on board.

San Gimignano

San Gimignano

Evening in San Gimignano is a beautiful event.  From the vantage point of this picturesque place high above the Tuscan lands it is easy to see why Tuscany is considered a favorite place for tourists and dreamers alike.  It is December in Tuscany,  this particular day was cold.  Things are quiet this time of year as it is the Holiday season and tourism slows.  It is a nice time to visit although many things are closed,  most importantly the famous gelato place in this town :(.  Gelateria di Piazza.  I have read about it and arrived to find it closed until what looks like February.  Too bad for me.  Not that I haven't had the opportunity to discover many places along my travels.  It is about 30 degrees and I am sad not to be able to eat this gelato.  I indulge in some holiday Biscotti ( yummy cookies)  instead.  As it is getting dark these photos are in rather dim light and do not do justice to this pretty place.  As I walked around I stumbled upon an man reciting Dante' Divine Comedy up on a high part above the main walking streets near a park overlooking the farms below.  The sun was setting and he was very seriously taking on the task of his recitation.  

The beautiful narrow walking streets of this village.

Scenic nooks

 Rooftops and stone buildings of the region

Bella Tuscana

This lovely setting is a cafe perched on a high cliff/ hillside above farms and vineyards.  It is quite dark now but it would surely make a lovely spot for a cup of tea.

Apple Store!

I have missed blogging.  I have been sick for two weeks.  I thought I had a rather large computer problem but thankfully there is an Apple store!  Seems both Pam and computer are doing well.  Did you know that when a baby is born a color appropriate ribbon and announcement is placed on the door of the lucky family.  How sweet.