San Gimignano and Siena

Following my last post, we headed into Florence. Klay gave us a ride down the hill to the 27 bus stop and we were off. The bus routes have changes some in the last 14 years but once on the ground, we were able to find our way easily. There were a number of things on our list of "must sees" for Ian. The Ponte Vecchio was at the top but Ian was disappointed that all the shops only sold junk. The bridge is the home of very exclusive jewelry shops and just one or two of those pieces of "junk" would finance our future.

There is a wonderful Christmas market in the Piazza Santa Croce. It was strange to see a huge booth of English bone china for prices better than you can get them in London. It was strange to see Florence with so few people. My experience has been in the Summer.

Yesterday, Kyle took us to San Gimignano and Siena. There were few people there as well, but many of the shops were closed. Some for the month of December but many until April. It was wonderful wandering the silent street. Of course I took a million photos but have no way to post any now. That will come later. Ian loved it, especially when we climbed the tower. Yes, you heard me correctly. Keri also climbed the tower. I told Kyle that it was not much higher than our flat in London. The view was breathtaking. Keri was so enthralled that the height did not seem to bother her. The Cathedral was also beautiful and easy to see without the crowds. They are charging for entry now and allow no photographs, a change from our last visit. I am glad they are trying to protect it. Keri bought some pottery and had it shipped. I am glad because there is not room for another matchbook in our luggage.

Siena was the same as far as crowds are concerned, but more was open. Kyle took us to areas we had never seen before and of course we had to purchase some panforte. I never knew there very different kinds. We tried the traditional and the cinnamon. As it was getting dark, we headed back to Florence. It had been a wonderful day out. It was nice of Kyle to take us. He said he needed to get a few things there before he returned to the States and we were asking him about the bus routes. We probable would not have been able to see both without him. Thanks, Kyle!

We returned to the Villa and put together a wonderful supper of odds and ends from everyones day. Clay and Lisa Bartee, Kyle Thompson and Ashley (a friend from a international study program in Florence who attends the Florence congregation) and Keri, Ian and I. We ate and talked and laughed. We then went and sat before a fire in the fireplace and listened to Christmas music and continued to talk and laugh. It really was a magical evening.