Siena

Today we explored Siena, after a leisurely start to do some washing and catching up with the internet. We headed back to the Duomo, and went to the Bapistery (amazing frescos), crypt (unbelievable construction of the 14th century church on top of a very old one which was only just rediscovered recently), and museum - which included a climb onto the top of the wall which was going to make this church the biggest in christendom - but was never finished due to the black plague. There were great views from up here, as well as all over Siena - you just keep getting glorious glimpses of countryside between gaps in the buildings, or you get stunned by the buildings themselves.

We journeyed on to the memorial gardens, which again afforded beautiful views, both back to Siena and to the countryside. This brought us back into the top end of town, and we returned to our room satisfied with a good day's sight seeing. We then tried to organise our next leg - as we have decided not to go down to the Amalfi coast, but to spend more time in Tuscany. I booked a room in a hotel in Montepulciano for Saturday night - I hope: "Vorremo una camera per Sabato dieci Otobre, per favore." "Va bene" was the response and she hung up. We'll see what happens ....

Day 2 in Siena and we decided to head out of town San Gimignano - the town famous for its towers and views. We jumped on the bus - literally - it was close timing - the bus didn't even pull in to the curb and it was a few minutes early! It was a lovely drive through the countryside - to an interesting old town crawling with tourists. We climbed to the top of the tallest tower and enjoyed beautiful views over the classic tuscan countryside. Down again and through the civic museum (interesting rooms where they have conducted civic business continuously for 600 years).

Lunch of pasta in a little tratoria (Michael tried the truffles and found them tasty but not very exciting), then a wander into an old fort that had the most sublime views, before heading back to the bus for Siena.