Tuscany: Siena

All too soon our first week at Poggiolaia came to an end, and we had to make our way to our second villa in the south.  Along the way, we passed through Siena, the largest city we visited on this trip.

Some of the views along the way

First, we went to a traditional delicatessen outside of the city center for lunch.

 
 We stuffed ourselves various antipasti (those pickled sardines!) and meats and cheese.  We ordered a 2-person charcuterie plate for sharing and there was so much that we couldn't finish it among the four of us.  I was gobsmacked at how locals all around us were able to completely clean up their plates.

When we got to Siena, it was just as charming and cute as I remembered.  We drove directly into the town center and wedged our car right in front of the door of a woman who had emerged to walk her dog.

Of all the people in all the places, she was American, and Lola enjoyed petting her dog.

The Siena cathedral is in great condition and still very beautiful.

 The campo is definitely the highlight.

Michael strapped on Lola and climbed the tower with her.  He said it was very dark and very narrow, but they managed to make it all the way up to the top and Lola wasn't scared at all and chattered happily all the way.

 

 

A stunning view from the top

What they climbed!

While they were busy doing that, Jovie, Amanda and I worked out by eating gelato and enjoying the sun on the campo.

The weather was changing pretty quickly after that, so we walked around a little bit more then headed for our car.  

We timed it perfectly, getting inside just as huge rain drops started to fall.  By the time we were on the autostrada, the rain was slashing madly against the car windows!