Siena

Kathy here- Since our villa is only thirty minutes from Siena (more without GPS, especially getting out of the city) we managed two half-day trips into the lovely and ancient city. it does have an amazing history, full of rival city wars, horse pageantry and strong links to Rome. All seven of us went in the first time. Try moving seven people from the Stadio parking down to the stunning Il Campo Piazza (shaped like a kitchen sink, so aptly described by the Lonely Planet guidebook). We all thought our respective three and four person excursions were challenging, but this was even funnier. So, maps in hand, stopping here there and everywhere, including our new favourite organic gelateria "Grom", which we had first discovered in Florence, we slowly made our way into the large square. We went to the Museo Civico, which among other items, houses the famous "Effects of Good and Bad Government" frescoes by Lorenzetti. While mentioned in the guidebooks, it was Michael's suggestion that made me want to go, having had lots of political discussions with our American friends, and knowing Curtis would also enjoy it. I must say it really is thought provoking. This fresco was to promote the idea of prosperity through justice and so in the room where the city council met, one wall is windows and the other three depict the effects of good and bad government. Of course, good government is painted directly across from the windows and receives the most illumination. Very cool. I loved it and bought several cards and posters to bring back.
We did some shopping, had cold drinks; Lois and Kathleen climbed the Torre del Mangia (city tower), and we all waved to them from the piazza below.
Rory and I took the kids to a very traditional trattoria to get started ordering on dinner while Lois and Curtis hoofed it up to the Duomo for a brief visit. They LOVED it and said it easily rivaled Florence !!!!!!! We all ate together some lovely and traditional Tuscan food and then headed back to the villa.
Lois and I returned Friday to Siena for a mom's day out, as I really wanted to get a chance to see the duomo as well, and it did not disappoint. especially the colourful and intricate inlaid marble floors with lots of beautiful designs, surprisingly not all sacred,I enjoyed a small statue of Paul, done by Michaelangelo before he was whisked back to Florence to begin his David. Lois and I did a bit more shopping, had a great snack with wine on a very sloping street, shared the table with a young Italian couple and next to a French foursome (who were mightily confused and then impressed when Lois asked them en Francais to take our photo). A great day and city.