Took a drive into Siena today. It's an amazing place with the old facades maintained by tucking away all the shops and bars behind the old walls. Limited access is available to cars, so you have to park at a parking station and hoof it from there! The photo is of the main piazza in Siena which dates back to the mid 12th century!!! Spent about 6 hours walking around and checking out the sights. We had haircuts too, which was interesting! At least we don't look ...

This is the view from our front porch .... ho hum !!!! :-) xx

We've arrived safely in Siena after an easy trip today. Our villa is spectacular with heaps of room, facilities and an amazing view (photo of Orcio - our villa). We've settled in, washing is on and we'll go for a bit of an explore soon. Apparently we are doing some cooking this week, so I s'pose we'll need some supplies!!! This week we plan to take day trips wherever it tickles our fancy! Should be relaxing and of course interesting!! There's a huge castle only...

Just so you know, our place is about 3/4 across above the beige round building, then the pink place on top, then the A frame roof, then the light lemon building with the dark green shutters slightly right - that's us!!!! Who'd 'a' thunk it???!!!' xxx

Bonjour no Here we are in Italy after a breathtaking drive from Nice. The scenery along the coastline has to be seen to be believed and we loved it!! Had a drive through Monaco and into Monte Carlo, but the traffic was horrendous with absolutely nowhere to stop. Took some photos, kept on driving and made our way here to Manarola ...... Unbelievable place!!! We parked and then walked for about 15-20 minutes to the village, which is perched on a cliff face overloo...