It’s another glorious sunny day in Sienna, so we’re off to do some exploring.  But the first priority is the washing of the jocks and socks!  A coin operated laundry is conveniently located just around the corner from our accommodation.  An hour, 6 Euros, and Job done.

Walking through the streets of Siena is absolutely wonderful.  A new waiting-for-the-camera scene is around every corner, with fountains and statues, ancient arches, and the constant nuisance of cigarette smoke.  We can’t figure out why Italians are so fond of their ciggies. Yesterday at the bus station there was a man with a broom and dustpan who’s sole job it is to spend each day sweeping up cigarette butts, a never-ending  and unenviable task.

On the way to the Duomo we chanced on a small shop where a Jewish calligrapher and manuscript illuminator has set up his shop.  We couldn’t resist popping in to see his work which is wonderful, as is his choice of classical music, which he plays all day long.  He has a rotund tabby cat for company, who is very friendly and will roll around on the floor waiting for tummy rubs.   We (the cat and I) had a lovely chat before heading out in search of a church, or twenty.  I tried counting the churches contained within the ancient walls of Siena on our tourist map, but lost count and interest after twenty. Our hotel is a former monastery, so no-one needs to go very far for spiritual inspiration.

The Duomo – cathedral – is gorgeous from the outside.  It looks a bit like an over-decorated wedding cake with it’s white, pink and white marble.  On the inside it is a different  story.  Dark and subdued, and in need of a really good clean.  The paintings and marble carvings can barely be seen  because of the accumulation of centuries of grime.  We bought a ticket which entitled us to climb 78-odd steep spiral steps up to the next level, to see the nave and altar from a birds-eye perspective, which also led us out onto a series of balconies with magnificent views of the city and surrounds.

Not visible from inside the church itself because it was concealed for repair and cleaning,  but visible from the lofty heights at the top of the spiral stairs is Donatello’s famous baptismal font, carved from a single slab of pure white marble, it’s as big as a bath. Half an hour and 15 Euros well spent.

Continued meandering took us down, down, down towards the huge Piazza del Campo, the main gathering point of Sienese and tourist alike.  After a panini for lunch, we were tempted into a leather shop as Pete’s looking for a new wallet.  Beautiful goods, but exorbitant prices.  Never mind, we still have Florence, Lucca and Venice in which to continue the search.

We became slightly “misplaced” during our walk back to our hotel, and decided that Siena was an excellent place for a sprint or street-o with it’s myriad of laneways and paths, and some very excellent potential for hill climb legs.  Some of those cobbled laneways sure are steep!

Pete’s having a refreshing snooze while I’m finishing this, and then we’ll go out in search of sustenance.  All in all, a fabulous day.  Can’t wait for tomorrow.

Ciao.  Ilze