Siena

The only thing I can say about Siena – the people, the sights, the vibe, the men, the food, the wine is meravigliosa, fantastica. The city has an energy about it that is not frenetic like Rome, nasty like Naples or quaint and charming like Amalfi but just a very nice seemingly livable city. People are courteous, friendly and the men more flirtatious than I’ve seen thus far. The weather is also interesting – it’s clear, crisp and gorgeous sunny skies in the morning and towards the afternoon, it clouds up and rains and then is clear again in the evening. My only regret is that I wish I had the foresight to get an international driver’s license and rent a car for at least a day or two to explore the surrounding area more.

I took a day trip yesterday to San Gimignano, one of the towns near Siena which is quaint, charming and sits on the top of the hill. At one time the town boasted over 70 towers and controlled the trade in the Tuscan hill towns. Today, there are very few standing and the Torre Grossa is the only one left that you can climb (for a fee of course). I am a glutton for punishment as there are 220 steps to the top. The first 60 or 70 weren’t bad as they are the original stone, then they become the modern marvel of grated, wire stairs which you can see through and down. There should be a sign warning people of vertigo as I was about halfway up and feeling challenged and vertigo badly and thought, screw it, I’m going to turn around and go back down. As I contemplated my decision, a couple came by on their way down and said, it’s so worth the view, just keep going slowly and then an elderly gentleman said, follow me and you’ll be okay. They were so right, the views were incredible and once again, I amazed even myself. The climb down was not as bad as going up but I was a happy camper when I exited the museum and went for a glass of vino nearby.

This afternoon I arrived in Lucca via three trains and a taxi. This is a bite size city of churches, shops and gardens surrounded by walls and laid out very methodically by the ancient Romans. Many, young and old, ride their bikes sans helmets around and through town which is quite charming. The town is not far from Pisa, home of the leaning tower and about an hour from Florence. More on Lucca after I’ve had time to explore.

Ciao