31 dicembre 2008
Officially, our tour was over after breakfast. However, many of us had other Italian destinations in mind. Rosemae, Lorienne and I decided to do a small day trip to Siena. I had trouble finding the correct bus, and running through the train station, I came across Phyllis and Stephanie, who had accidentally left her hotel room key in her pocket! Since I would be spending another night at Hotel Accademia, I took her key, much to the surprise and relief of Paolo at the hotel! I found the bus at the last minutes, and we were off for our final day's adventure.
A unique sign on the way to Siena...
We passed a unique sign on the way to Siena...I wonder how they knew?!?
Siena has been a frustrating city for me. I've been there twice; the first visit was an early morning, abbreviated tour of the Campo with just a little free time. On this visit, Siena was bustling. Not only was it Wednesday Market day, it was also New Years' Eve and they were busily setting up for a late night concert in the Campo. I just get the feeling that if I could only stay there for a few days, I would finally make friends with Siena. Nevertheless, it's alluring and lovely.
Naturally, on my last day in Italy, I found a tabacchi that sold stamps, and I sent off my postcards. Lorienne and I wandered through the open air market and took in the Duomo, two quiet travellers floating through the activity of Siena.
Our final meal at the Giglio Rosso was a spectacular culinary and cultural experience, a wonderful way to end 2008, and to begin 2009. Happy New Year!
