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Published: June 17th 2017
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Geo: 43.3187, 11.3305
I arrived in Siena on Tuesday via three trains. I am an expert at this now. Oh except for the conman at the Pisa station. He was hanging around the shop and told me it was compulsory for me to pay him government tax on my ticket. I had heard about these guys scaring tourists into handing over money. I pretended I didn't understand English or Italian. He went away.
Sorted myself out on the map and took to the streets. Siena has the largest piazza I have seen, Piazza del Campo. It is fantastic. It slopes like a sink on its side and everyone lays around in the sun for hours all gazing in one direction toward the Palazzo Comunale. I was tempted to sit at that area and face the opposite direction for a few hours to see what looks I got.
Also has a Duomo (cathedral) which is probably the best I've see also. Of course there are many other churches to see as well.
I visited the Museo della Tortura (yes Museum of Torture). That was fascinating and gruesome. Displaying instruments of torture used by the priests during the Inquisition. Was quite sickening but soooo
interesting. Bizarre. Some of the instruments are still being used today.
I'm staying at another great B&B, Le Camere di Livia. The most modern I've stayed at. Nice and light with lots of opening windows. Also perfectly quiet which is very nice for a few nights. The landlady only speaks Italian so we have conversations - she speaks then says ok? I always say Si. She then says "ok bye bye". No idea what is going on.
Food is great, spritz is great, Siena is great and I love it. The best city so far, by far.
9 May
Up early for typical Italian B&B breakfast. Dry cold toast things out of a packet with honey. This morning some cheese and salami. And a cappuccino. It is better than the pastries they seem to all eat for breakfast as well.
The weather is beautiful - about 23 degrees and warming up to 29 by the weekend.
Lonely Planet mentioned a weekly market in Siena so found that this morning. I spent 3 hours there. It was wonderful. Clothes, shoes, plants, flowers, animals and food. Finally did some shopping for myself and mum you got more as well. Dad I bought some turtles and Hayley a chipmunk.
Managed to fit in a siesta this afternoon before heading back out for strolling, drinking and eating. Sitting in the piazza can fill in hours of watching people and their dogs.
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chester
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wish you were here too