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05/31/2004: "Siena"
On reaching Siena we had to find our hotel which in the historical core of the walled city. Vehicles must be authorized to enter. Not knowing all this, we simply drove in following the signs to 'centro'. As the streets got narrower and less vehicles were visible, we saw a sign for our hotel so we plunged in. It seemed like we were the only car on pedestrian only streets. Tour groups were leaving the centro on foot and we were going in. We stopped for directions at an artist's studio and he said that traffic in centro is a 'casino' - the Italians will know what this means. We kept going in deeper and eventually found the hotel - the road in front is barely wider than our car (and the restaurant had a table on display to increase the challenge). The woman at the hotel directed us out but construction detour made us improvise on our own. So your basic driving nightmare - not the speed but the labyrinthic maze that is Siena.
Later that day we saw 5000 people gather in the Piazza del Campo for the drawing of the last 4 flags for the 10 flags to compete in the July 2 palio - medieval horse race. The event was very much like the flag throwing scenes in the movie Under the Tuscan Sun.
Piazza del Campo
Today we climbed the Torre della Mangia (over 500 steps).
Torre della Mangia
Siena from Torre
Later, we lunched along the steep road of an Osteria where they use wooden shims (big wedges) to level the table and chairs. Later we went on a very nice guided tour of Siena and learned much of the history of the town and churches and the palio from Stella our guide.
Next we head for the eternal city - Roma.
Replies: 10 Comments
on Thursday, June 3rd, Irma said
Hi Brad, Francesco Baracca is dead, he can't drive on your car race, I belive he is a hero or paseant I don't remember wich, Your italian is better then my inglish!!
Ciao
on Wednesday, June 2nd, Christine said
Hey, did you know the Conservatives have a BLOG on their website? What does "Blog" mean, anyway?
on Wednesday, June 2nd, from brad (not c.) said
wait! I forgot to tell you!
William Hung sang 'take me out to the ballgame' at a Jays game a couple of days ago!
TO is finally getting the tier-1 talent it has always deserved!
If WH shows up in Rome, run/drive like hell!!(opposite direction)
Narrow streets be damned!
on Wednesday, June 2nd, brad (+ not cindy, who has now divorced him) said
hi, you Siena-tonians...
(now Rome-tonians)...
I'm the dude that Christine is referring to...
It is a small world...
but I wouldn't want to paint it.
(not my joke. Alas, the others are.)
Christine: thanx for the info and the great pic!! Congrats!!!!!
I will write back soon!
I am trying to organize a palio for Rose Park Drive.
Only drivers of Pintos, Mustangs, Toyota Siennas and a guy named Baracca have expressed interest. (Baracca's from Romagna, but mention his name anywhere (Francesco Baracca)).
Can't wait to hear about Rome. Still waiting for their official explanation of Carthage.
(just discovered the 'preview' button! better late than 'submit'!)
on Wednesday, June 2nd, Christine said
Esks signed a little 5'4" dude to return kicks, even shorter than Giz. They were interviewing him at a scrum at practice yesterday and an ice cream truck drove by playing "It's A Small World" The media thought this was pretty funny......
on Tuesday, June 1st, Renee said
I'm feeling vicarously romantic and dreamy from looking at all these pictures. Tuscany hills look just like Hollywood says it should. Amazing. Are you eating slow? More details on food :) . Like that rooster picture from Tuscany. Can you stand coming home in 7 days?
on Tuesday, June 1st, Jean and Denny said
Hi, We are enjoying your pictures and discriptions of the cities so much. Unfortunately your Mother is not getting any of this. Send HELP!!
She's really missing out. I'm going to return the email she sent me ... maybe that will do it. Great pictures of the two of you. You look so happy. Love, Jean and Denny
on Monday, May 31st, Lynne and Jake said
You probably heard Calgary lost 1-0. Boo Hoo! :(
I am also sad :( because I wish I were there!! It looks soooo wonderful, especially Florence. Your drive sounds aggravating :crazy:.
on Monday, May 31st, Pat said
Italy looks fantastic, the weather appears warm and sunny - if you like that kinda thing I guess that's okay: but if you want cold and rainy just come on home. I agree with Jackie about the pictures, can't you just loose those two that keep jumping into your pictures? Try a head fake. Ciao (did I spell it right this time?)
on Monday, May 31st, Irma said
Hi, you look very happy under the tuscany sun.
Finnaly you have a challenge in the street of Siena it look very narrow and old, Domani Roma, li il traffico e piu' caotico di Siena, mi dirai alla prossima missiva.
Ciao