Italy 2013 - Day 3: Siena
Today, we explored Siena. A beautiful Italian city built on a large hill. As you come in, you immediately realize that despite all the tourists and ancient churches and cathedrals, people live here, as evidenced by these lovely Italian balconies.
Wander a little further into the town, and...
...the Torture Museum. Emma looks excited... Ryan looks worried... Anne-Marie looks intrigued. Just saying...
Then, it's on to what we really came here for. The Piazza Il Campo, with the Happy Fountain - with pigeons sitting on dogs, and all. Actually a very lovely and large public square.
After that, we did the obligatory visit of the local cathedral, Siena's Duomo. This was magical. At one point, after my demonstration of how to read, and sing out loud, ancient Gregorian Chant, which I must admit, intrigued more than one of the other tourists...
...we came up towards the main alter, and heard this beautiful angelic choir music. Of course, thinking it was a recording, I turn around, and see this live choir performing.
No, I didn't go join them. But if you look carefully, these are kids, who are clearly dressed in tourist clothing. They are a group of young chorists who happened to be travelling through the area, and decided to practice, or give a impromptu concert right there in the cathedral. It was really quite impressive, and great timing.
Then it was off to lunch...
After lunch, we (that would be Jackie and I), climbed an impressive number of steps up to a lookout point for a beautiful panoramic view of the area.
Tonight, we enjoyed dinner on the terrace here at the villa. It is really a gorgeous setting, with all the beautiful plants all around it. Lovely evening - great food, good Tuscan wines, and limoncello, shared with cherished family and friends.
Tomorrow - hiking around the area, visit to Pinnochio Park, and an evening concert by Leonard Cohen in Lucca. More on that later...
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