Where do I start? One of the things which I find very difficult is writing posts about things that have passed and gone. The Holiday in Italy seems like a million years ago. However there are things I want to record for myself (the diary element of my blog) and to impart to others. So there will be some catching up posts over the next wee while. Today it is the turn of Siena.
We had decided that we would go to Siena on the first Wednesday because the weather forecast was favourable (with a 20% chance of rain in Tuscany - a big place - in the afternoon) and the market is held on Wednesday morning.
One of our number wasn't too well that morning so the youngsters set off bright and early. We oldies followed on rather later arriving in Siena about 11pm. After nearly an hour trying to find a parking place within walking distance ie within a mile or so (until I get a new knee long distances at any speed on pavement are no longer an option for me) we decided to abandon the attempt. I decided on one last attempt round the 'other side' of the city. What? No traffic? Well not too many parking places either. Until I found one not far from the city wall. We were in and in time for some lunch at a lovely little cross between a trattoria and a delicatessen frequented by the University staff and students as well as tourists.
The streets of Siena's walled town are narrow
But the Piazzo del Compo is huge and a magnet for every visitor who passes through the city:
The Duomo (Cathedral) is not one of my favourites but the details on the facade are truly amazing:
When we were on the way back to the car the heavens opened with a massive thunderstorm right overhead for about 30 minutes during which time the scaffolding in the first photo was struck several times with startling consequences.
