Monday, October 20- Siena.

After breakfast in the charming Villa Azalee, we walked to the Alitalia Airlines office, located along the Arno near the foot of the Ponte Vecchio, to confirm our plane reservations. We then went to the train station and boarded a train for Sienna. It is a walled city located in southern Tuscany, about an hour south of Florence See Map. From the train station, you cross the street to reach a modern building where you can catch a bus to the town center (the alternative being a long, uphill walk.) This building is also a parking facility and a multiple-level, indoor shopping mall.

Siena was built on hills in the 14th and 15th centuries, and like many Italian cities of that era, is surrounded by a wall for protection from invaders. It now has modern high-end shops occupying the old Gothic-style buildings. It also has a unique plaza, il Campo, a large, sloped, shell-shaped open area with buildings around the upper outer edges, and a palace at the lower center. Pigeons and fountains are enjoyed by many people who walk, sit, or recline on the pavement of the piazza. A favorite spot for locals and tourists to have a picnic-style lunch. Horse races are held annually around its perimeter.

We stopped by a charming little ristorante and had lunch, then explored some more. Vehicular traffic in all of Siena is limited, and the best way to see it all is by foot. Streets are steep and winding, but every one is unique with unusual architecture or eye-catching display windows.

While there are many beautiful churches in Siena, the Gothic-style Duomo of Siena (cathedral) is the most eye-catching. It has a façade of dark green and white marble, and intricate lace-like carvings. Inside are artistic works by many famous people, including Donatello, Pisano, and more.

A word of interest and of caution: Be certain to validate your bus tickets. Bus "police" board the buses from time to time to check for validated tickets. We witnessed one person (an Italian) who didn't have one, and who received a ticket for E120. Not a cheap bus ride!