Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany, Italy


And yes, more specifically, Siena.  Let me tell you, this city is an absolute gem.  Whether you are a girl or a guy, whatever physical descriptor you want to use for arousal, input that here.  As far as preserved medieval cities go, this one might be tops in Italy.  The city walls are still in tact, the undulating lanes, the classic square, and the cathedral is in pristine condition.  


When it comes to cathedrals, thus far, this one is my favorite, after the Notre Dame de Paris.  The images can be seen below, with an ornateness unmatched by anything else I have seen so far.  Inside the cathedral, which dates to about 800 years ago, there are plaster busts of every Pope up to the 15th century, as well as an entire room of offerings for the Virgin Mary--including motorcycle helmets, diamond jewelry, and other symbolic valuables.  Inside the cathedral there was no flash photography, but I prefer it as I examine the pictures now, as you can feel the natural light of the building.  


Another plus of Siena is that the tourist hordes are manageable--more so than Venice, and still more than Florence.  Which leads me to some observations I would like to make about my tourist counterparts.


1.)  Italians mostly own full breed MALE dogs.
2.)  Most luxury shops like Hermes are frequented by newly affluent Chinese
3.)  The Japanese own marvels of camera technology
4.)  Consistently shocked by how little Americans know
5.)  The French always seem to know I'm some sort of filthy American pig-man
6.)  And lastly, I can't stop being hammered on "vino della casa".  Jesus, I'm supposed to be discovering myself. (By the way, 10 euro for a liter?  That's all day, every day)


Another sight of note, the square pictured at top and bottom here.  It's the tops thus far, and distinctive for it's scalloped shape.  This square, or Piazza del Campo, is perfect for loitering and laying, and there was a wedding every hour in the main building pictured.  Every hour the square would light up with cheers for the newly weds exiting into the square.  Generally, there were kids chasing pigeons, boys chasing girls, and medieval facades chasing the afternoon sun.


Best day thus far.  Also, you can see my legs in one of the pics.  Soak it up, as that might be all you get. 


LISTENING:  For some reason the Italian countryside feels like the blues.  This one's the tops

READING:  Beyond Good and Evil, Friedrich Nietzsche