Siena e San Gimignano....bellissima

So, the last two days have involved falling in love with Tuscany. I get it. Seriously, I get it -- the hype, the love, the mystery, the beauty, the calm, the freedom. It is amazing. Yesterday was a trip to Siena. I had been there in December when the hilltop town was being doused with rain and the steep streets became waterfalls drenching my shoes. The views had been a convergence of storm clouds and rain. I had a respect for the city and knew that it would be lovely in il sole, the sunshine. I am so delighted I went back!

After a train ride South for a couple of hours, we entered the old city walls to a majestic Tuscan fantasy come to life. The Piazza del Campo was brimming with people and our pomodoro (tomato) pizza was piled high with fresh vedura from the countryside. We ate and watched the tourists and locals comingle in international diplomacy. The hunt for the view of the valley below began. Up and down, up and down the steep streets and stair-filled alleyways in the search for the holy grail -- at least the holy grail in tourist talk. We finally found it and it was well worth the sore calfs and blisters. All in all, it was a charming day...

Today we embarked on our journey to San Gimignano. This quaint medieval city is accessible by bus and we enjoyed the windy road to the hilltop town. This city was incredible. Dating back to the 13th century, this is the epitome of Tuscany. The views put Siena to shame. It was absolutely breathtaking. The towers once protected the townspeople from invasion; the slits provide the archers the ability to defend the city. If you close your eyes you can imagine the peasants scurrying around the city... I fell in love...