The wi-fi was out last night so this is a 'better late than never post'.  Here's yesterday's recap....

Just to continue with a recurring theme everyone slept in… why mess with perfection?  Instead of heading into town for lunch we opted to eat leftovers and random items, thus our brunch/lunch consisted of (beautiful ripe and luscious) peaches, leftover tortellini, slightly stale bread dipped in olive oil, cold chicken and cheese.  We washed it all down with blood orange flavored San Pellegrino served in espresso cups.  When else can you do something like that?

Today's destination - Siena.  Our plan was to head in after lunch but as it was such a gorgeous day it seemed like a good idea to hit the pool first.  A little splashing and sunbathing then it was into the car for the 40 minute drive south.  Siena is a very interesting town and was Florence's main rival for many hundreds of years.  It is quite a big town/city compared to the many little hill towns in Tuscany but it still manages to hold onto the quaintness and true authentic feel that defines this region.

One thing that truly sets Siena apart is the 17 medieval contrade (neighborhoods) that divide the city.  Each one has it's own emblem (evident by flags hung on all the buildings) and  ancient rivalries are still upheld.

Flags hanging to mark a specific contrada -------------->

This 'rivalry' is especially evident during the Palio - a horse race held in July and August of each year.  The August race is on the 16th and the city was busy preparing for it when we were there today.  The large central meeting place (Piazza del Campo) where the race is held already had gates up and the fans were descending and singing loud and raucous songs.  We actually witnessed one of the race horses being led through the streets by very loud and burly men - I swear you could smell the testosterone!  It was quite the parade with everyone in the colors and emblems of their contrada; it was easy to see how thoroughly you would be caught up in the whole event especially if you were born in Siena.

The Piazza del Campo is very interesting and completely different than any other piazza I've ever seen in Italy.  It was constructed near the end of the 12th century (say what?!?) and is still breathtaking with its patterned bricks and sloped surface.  We felt lucky to have witnessed the city as it ramped up to the Palio, the energy of the people was infectious but I must admit that I'm glad it wasn't race day.  I have a feeling the place is nuts!!

We grabbed some groceries on the way home from Siena and stopped at a beautiful restaurant for dinner.  It turned out to be quite fancy with amazing food and a 4 course tasting menu.  The kids were very patient while the adults indulged in some seriously good food.  I wish I would've taken some pictures but as soon as the plates were set in front of us we all starting eating.  Good photos opportunities lost, but amazing culinary experience gained.  The kids didn't suffer though - they had beautiful tomato soup (dipped into with breadsticks) and then a plate of homemade spaghetti with olive oil and parmesan.  Finished off with two scoops of gelato and they were pretty happy campers.  All 3 of us adults had different tasting menus - my mom's was fish based, Jeff's was wild game based, and mine was called 'Colors and Tastes of Summer'.  With wine pairings… heaven!

The steep hills of Siena combined with multiple courses at dinner have thoroughly tuckered everyone out.  Tomorrow is Sunday which most Italians take fairly seriously and so we figure we should follow suit.  Big outing for the day may be a walk through the olive groves and maybe over to the neighboring vineyard to check out their grapes.  After all that walking I'm sure we'll need a nap by the pool.  Sounds tiring…. I'm off to bed.  Zzzzz