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| Tuscany Country Side |
Richard had a holiday at his work Thursday,the 17th, it was Italy's 150 years union of all the regions. So, we took vacation on Friday and took a 4 day weekend. We made our base and hotel stay in Siena. Our hotel was great, it had a pleasant garden overlooking the countryside.
Siena is medieval city with narrow street and steep alleys. It is surround by a brick wall that was used to protect people from attack from Florence.
We vistited the Duomo, which is beautiful Gothic cathedral.
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| The Duomo was built in the 13th Century |
The inside ( they do not let you take pictures) of the Duomo is so awesome, words can not describe how beautiful it is.
Next, to visit in Siena is Piazza Del Campo, know as il Campo.
This is the town square with shops and cafes. It also has their town hall there, gothic Palazzo Pubblico People just sit and enjoy the square.
In July and August is Palio horse race. They have had this race in the square since 1310. It is race between the 17 neighborhoods.
In July and August is Palio horse race. They have had this race in the square since 1310. It is race between the 17 neighborhoods. Richard and I took off to explore the Chiani region. The hills and vineyard and rolling green fields were out of a picture. Everywhere you looked were vineyards and olive groves. There was wineries everywhere. We stopped at 2 to taste the wines and visit. One man at the winery told us he just got back from Houston visiting with Specs and going to Rodeo. How cool is that!
Paladin Vigne E Vini
Then we headed to Castello di Brolio, built around ad 1000 and owned by monks. The new owners the Ricasoli have have possession since 1141. We took a tour, then toured the winery, ending with of course wine tasting.
Castle Church
Family members buried there
Another day we took a private guided tour with another couple to three small family owned wineries. The region was Montalcino and it produces very strong sangiovese grapes. The wine is called Brunello di Montalcino. Regulations are they have to be made totally from that grape and age for at least four years. 
We really learned alot about wine. I have to tell you though, drinking wine and going up and down those hills don't mix.
It was great long weekend, but back to Rome. For those who don't know the sites are wonderful, touring like on vacation great but living in a foreign country, there is no place like HOME!
USA, I want to come home!
One last picture of Siena streets....
We will be in Houston April 6, for how long I don't yet. We are working on our Visa.
Until next time......................
Hi Shirley,
ReplyDeleteWhat a small world that you met someone that was just at Spec's & Rodeo!
What is everyday life like there -- is grocery shopping, laundry, meal times, etc. totally different?
A friend that just moved to France is having such a difficult time with buying groceries & cleaning products. Her 6 year old can't tell the difference between paper towels & toilet paper over there :)
Miss y'all! You'll just miss the Final 4 basketball tournament which is in Houston the weekend before you arrive. Is there a party planned (or should I plan one)?
Wahoo!
Anna
Great blog about Siena - one of our absolute favorite places in Italy. We visited many times while living in Rome. Your blog is making me so very homesick. We have discussed moving back as we miss it so much. But it won't be for a while yet - too much work to accomplish here.
ReplyDeleteHave a great time in Houston.
I'm surprised the company Richard is working with didn't arrange for work visas.....If we do move back, we're not going to bother with visas again. We have a friend who moved there 18 years ago, has two children, has her own business...never applied for a visa, permission to stay, etc. She and the children travel back and forth to the US a couple times a year and she's never been asked about a visa.