Day 11 (Jan 4) - Sick Day in Siena [ Day 10 | Index | Day 12 ]

It's our first (and only) real day in Siena, and I feel like I'm about to die. But at least we can skip breakfast, meaning we may actually see something here. The city is wacky. It's this medieval town that was abandoned during the plague years and is now repopulated. In the center of town is a huge square where everyone used to collect, divided into 9 different sections. Apparently back in the day, there were 9 merchants that formed 9 tribes that built the 9 gates to the city, then everyone died... sounds like a setup for a bad horror movie, doesn't it? We walked the streets and checked out this old-ass striped-marble church called "Duomo" (check out the pics). Then we climbed to the top of the "Panorama" tower and just looked at the town - which was incredible. We strolled by a wine store to buy some Tuscan wine, grabbed a nap, then drove the Smart Car back into town. Dinner was awesome and included a free show: a authentic hotblooded Italian exchange, complete with yelling and cigarettes in the eyes. Very entertaining!

Siena countryside from our hotel Down a random Siena street One of the 9 gates into the city Apartments, with laundry (and church) Another random Siena street One of many fountains Sarah Surveys Siena Graffiti moped Kitty, with boots Town square and clock tower Check out the 9 sections Cool sidestreet Acqua Portabile. Yeah, right. Another medieval fountain People drive down these streets Clock tower from an alley Duomo (side view) Duomo (detail) Duomo (Japanese tourist) Inside the Duomo Striped columns are oddly spooky Duomo Dome-o. Har har. Music room ...with sheet music Check out the moon floor Clock tower from the Panorama Siena rooftops, Northeast Duomo from the Panorama View South. The sky was incredible. Panorama from the Panorama French in Siena? We can't get away! Smart Car parked smartly for dinner