Siena

---

My friend Veronika introduced me to her friends Alex and Michael Sean who moved to Siena from San Francisco two years ago with their two daughters. They were so great, welcoming me into their home, giving me recommendations on what to see and where to stay, and I actually stayed with them one night. I then headed to a hotel nearby that is actually an old convent and still run by nuns. It even had an 11:30 curfew! But for 40 euros a night I guess I can abide by the rules.

Although I wasn’t there during the Palio (look it up online for the interesting story), I did get a great explanation from Michael Sean and also watched the 20 minute movie about it in town. Sounds like a site to see (guess I’ll have to come back!)

I spent a couple days in Siena looking around town, visiting the Duomo, which houses many works of great Tuscan artists, and the museum. I also climbed the tower at il Campo. (Paying to climb towers and domes is my new version of “guest fees” at a gym). My last evening Alex and I went to il Campo (the center “hang out” area of the town) with her girls, Lola and Sofia, for some play time.

I really enjoyed my time with Alex. She was a successful executive very early on back in the states and left it all and moved to India for a year, came back for more success during the dot com era and then left it all again for Siena. It was great to talk to someone who has taken risks to try something new and continues to pursue her passion. One day before I was walking out the door she said to me, “. . . create the life you want to live.” Good advice!

---

Photos

Driving to Siena
It's impossible to capture the beauty of Tuscany (unless you are a much better photograper than I).

Siena at Night
View of the Duomo from Michael Sean and Alex's deck during dinner.

Chigi Chapel in the Duomo
AKA Capella della Madonna del Voto. Bernini sculptures of Saint Jerome and Mary Magdalene.

Duomo - Michelangelo's St. Peter
One of his early sculptures.

The Girls
Alex, Lola and Sophia playing in the famous Il Campo.

Tower
I climed that.

Siena from the Tower
Now I get where the Crayola color Burnt Siena came from.

Comments

[Kat]

I could see myself living here~
I love it. It's such a quaint little town with art and history. Just my style! Thanks for sharing:) FYI..the girls and the tower pics are not loading up when you click on them. Can't wait to see your next blog!!

[Kim Johnson]

Aaah!
I was in Siena last year and it was one of my favs. i absolutely loved the Duomo. and they had a concert in the Il Campo. these pix bring back memories. i'm so jealous!

[Gary & Jeff]

How Beautiful
Wow! The places keep getting better. Every time you leave somewhere I think where could she go next. Never been to Siena but it is surely on our list for places to go! Keep having fun!

[Kelly Schwager]

Greetings from Heidelberg!
Hi there! It sounds like you are having such a wonderful trip! Seeing your pictures definitely makes me want to schedule a visit to Italy! I am actually in Heidelberg this week...are you planning to visit Germany at all? I am here for business but definitely plan to come back soon! Joe - if you're reading, I keep wondering where you guys hung out when you spent a year over here! It is such a beautiful city! I continue to enjoy your blog - keep it coming. Safe travels :) Take care, Kelly

[Brandon Buza]

Thanks for the great travel blog. Love the photos and your special travel stories. You've helped to motivate me to finally plan a trip back to Europe this September. It has obviously been too long.