After spending a whole day getting here, we finally are in Siena.  

Many of you may not know the reason we named our rescued dog "Siena" . I had wanted to come to Siena, Italy for some time and by naming her Siena...it was a constant reminder of something on our bucket list every time I called her by name. And our Siena is just a beautiful as the town of Siena. 

Wednesday's are Market day in Siena and luckily Wednesday was our 1st day here. I have been to many markets before, but this one was one of the largest. Not only were there long rows of goods, but many levels too. And there was a level for just food and flowers. We did some shopping...of course..and were able to talk some of them down from their prices. It wasn't easy since we don't speak Italian and many didn't speak English. But there was always a friendly Italian that spoke both that helped us out.  

Siena is a very old town. They say Siena is a step back to Medieval Tuscany and I found that so. All the buildings are centuries old and I found it amazing how some of the shops carved out there little shops in these medieval buildings and made it very appealing to go in . Not just the little store owners, but also big name stores. No modern buildings at all.  

In the heart of Siena is it's central piazza known as Piazza Del Campo. It is known for the famous Il Palio here, a horse race around the piazza in July and August every year. Ten horses with bareback riders who are dressed in their district colors race around the piazza and it is very competitive.. Ok... now I'm going to mention a movie. This race in Siena is shown in the James Bond movie "Quantum of Solace"   

Flag throwing or tossing is a major part of this historical festival. In addition to it being very colorful, the flag throwers are very serious in their techniques. 

When the race is not going on, this piazza is full of restaurants, souvenir shops, coffee bars and many people lay around the center of the piazza in the warm, afternoon sun with perhaps their favorite gelato or just people watch .

All of Siena's streets are cobblestone or large Stone and narrow and they all lead around the town. Very easy to get lost if you don't have a map. Very picturesque and in every step you feel as though you have stepped back into the medieval times.  

Siena and it's people are very religious. There are statues, paintings and tributes of important religious people from their past. 

Our last day was a visit to Siena's Cathedral/Duomo of Santa Maria. Floors were all marble mosaic. The paintings, frescos, columns, statues and all the artwork inside was so amazing.  

Siena....the beauty of your old Tuscan town is beyond comparison. Now on to Florence tomorrow.

Arrivederci Siena.....