Buonconvento

On our way to the airport in Florence, we stopped for an hour in Buonconvento.

The folks here were hustling and bustling

preparing for a town festival.

Makeshift kitchens were set up in the streets

Where cooks rolled fresh pasta.

Sauces were cooking; the fragrance was intense!

It would have been fun to stay for the festivities,

But it was time to go
And to say good-bye to this beautiful country.

Montalcino

I think we hit photo burn out in this little town.

We concentrated on pizza and gelati instead.

Recorded this place for future reference.

They served THE BEST pizza of our entire trip!

Thin chewy crust and no pizza sauce.

Toppings were colorful and inviting:

Sausage and Mushroom

Tomato and Zucchini

Ham and Sauted Onion

Broccoli and Ham

and even

Zucchini Flower and Anchovy

each topped with a generous amount of cheese.

Abbizio di Sant'Antimo

The Abbey of Sant'Antimo dates back to the 900's.

Monks wear white robes symbolic of the purity of Mary.

An old farmer drives his cattle over the hills.

Nearby grape vines are laden with ripe fruit.

The Photographers would have Loved This Place

Randy, Drake, and Luigi hopped in the car one evening to do some exploring and found this jewel of a town. Unfortunately it was not accessible by bus, so they had to keep it a secret... so secret that I don't even know its name.

"Must Do's" in Siena

Visit the Duomo and enjoy its ornate romanesque architecture.

(It's main facade was completed in 1380!)

Sit for a spell with everyone else and people watch at the Piazza del Campo. This spot is famous for hosting the Palio horse race.

Climb the Torre del Mangia.

Randy wasn't feeling too hot, so he draped me with his camera and long lense, and I ventured up the very narrow (if my hips had been any wider, I wouldn't have fit) steps to the very top -- an unbelievable experience!

The view of the city below is breathtaking!

Take an evening stroll with the men.

Notice they walk with their hands behind their backs.

Observe the ladies all dressed up for the evening obviously waiting for something.

Enjoy a late evening outdoor meal at the Spadaforte Pizzeria.

And your day in Siena is COMPLETE!

The Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore

Saint Benedict

Walls and walls of frescos tell the story of Saint Benedict.

Benedictine Monks will gather to eat in this hall.

Little Italian ladies happily posed for our cameras.