Siena

Oh what can you say about Siena?

Have you been there? (If so comment below) Then you know it is much unlike Florence and as I saw this weekend, much unlike Rome.

You know that wacky Italian horse race you’ve heard about? Where people get trampled? And horses break their legs? I saw that racetrack; it is very small and steep, shaped like a seashell. Part of a beautiful Piazza, but the nutty bare-backed horse race that goes on since medieval times just looks insane!

Other than seeing the piazza of lethal horse races, I also got to see the beautiful Tuscan hill city of Siena.

We travelled with our school group for the summer of 160 people, which made getting place a bit insane. So, 160 people onto buses, pouring into an already busy tourist city. But for only an hour or so were we with a tour group then we got to go do our own thing. I stuck with the roommates for simplicity, we tried a restaurant Richard (program director) suggested. Which made their own pasta, was family owned and had a very authentic feel.

It was a nice experience, we got the whole three course meal thing…First course, pasta or rice. Second, meat. Third a side of potatoes. Of course I was really full from the pasta, but the old man, the owner insisted on a second course, “no carne” I announced, which means no meat. BUT they had fish, sole, which I had never tried. So I ordered it. Helen got the chicken and Charlotte got the prosciutto. We didn’t think it would be too horrible in price, we tried to enjoy the food. Turns out I really don’t like Sole. I also did not like part of the organs being served with it, even though it was deboned. Made my stomach churn to be honest…so I may be off of fish for a while.

Anyway, we then had them split the check in three ways and give us each our bill. Helen got the cheaper end, with one €20 for everything. Charlotte got socked with €26 for her prosciutto was way more than the chicken. Then I got the kicker at €30 for my lunch or $40 USD. Because the fish was €18. I about died, but paid the bill and  we got on with our lives. They were really sweet people, but I learned a hard lesson. It is okay to just do a single course, and okay to say no, and okay to ask for menu prices because you may save $20 in the process.

I also learned something in Rome, in a very different situation. We had dinner at a beautiful restaurant, family owned, professional, nice, calm, wonderful atmosphere. But we didn’t want a huge dinner, so we ordered one appetizer, one course and had dessert. It was much cheaper but then I realized how much fish cost there and the trouble I could have been in in Siena had I just ordered something on a whim. Their fish, very fine and expensive I mind you, was in the €40-120 range. I can’t imagine what I would have done if I ordered a €120 plate of fish in Siena. So, travelers, don’t be afraid to ask questions or refuse something, it will be better on your wallet, mind set, and not ruin a perfectly nice lunch when the bill comes.

Back on the streets of Siena we decided to go to the big Cathedral or Siena Duomo. Which with a €12 combined ticket was not bad for getting to see the cathedral, climb up a tower to see all of Tuscany, see their museum, baptistery and a few other things. The highlight was the tower mind you, or rather climbing to this part of the church that they started to build but stopped when the plague terrorized the area. As many know when the plague was done with the worst part the labor force was greatly diminished, and finances had been turned on their head in all of Europe. Leaving no money left for adding onto an already expensive church.

This view was breathtaking, not only did you get to see all of Siena, but a huge part of Tuscany, with vineyards, houses, and rolling green hills. It was an ideal spot for photography, wonderful for a romantic spot to sight see, and brought tears to my eyes thinking about Ryan and how badly I wanted him there, not only to sight see but to snuggle with in the piazza and eat gelato and just BE with.

We got booted from the tower, went to finish up the museum with all of the ORIGINAL marble saints from the cathedral who were moved in doors to preserve the medieval masterpieces. There was also a few saint’s bones and lovely paintings to look at and try to understand the symbolism.

The cathedral I must say was also a treat, a beautiful painted ceiling, blue with gold stars. Great marble work on the floors and walls, one part had some VERY famous fresco works I recognized from a book cover I have at home and will now have to sort out who painted them.

Then it was time to meet the group and get dinner, which even though there was 160 of us the restaurant was really good, great service, catered to my allergies. I was happy! I also met some photography students from Missouri and really connected with them. I had three glasses of Chianti while there, it was FANTASTIC! The first I have had since being here!

Then it was time for bed, and getting up at 5:30 the next morning for ROMA!