Friday
And our last full day in Siena after what has been a really great stay. Having seen all there was to see, climb every tower and mountain in reach, and soak up the rolling hills of Toscana, and relax at the end of each day in the terrace gardens of the Palazzo Ravizzo, what else was there to do today other than to start it off by asking the hotel receptionist where the best shoe pshops are in Siena.
Duly armed with a marked up map, off we set, and with only 4 stores considered worthy of our attention, and one of those being a Prada shop, and all day to do it in, there really wasn't all that much to worry about.
Sum total: Richard 1, Jean 2. and all done before lunch.
It seems that not a day goes by with a laugh. Today it was in the Crypt of the Duomo, which as you would expect, was under the church itself. It consisted of a series of vaulted chambers, dating back to the 12th century and there was only one door to the complex. Jean and I had just entered and were standing a few metres away from the door when a couple (of Americans) came by looking confused and lost. They wanted to go out but recognising the door as the one they entered by, seemed reluctant to approach it and were instead looking for the exit. Being the helpful person that I am, I called out that this indeed was the exit door, to which they replied, " no this is where we came in" I said it was OK to go out the same way and if they were in doubt, to walk out backwards and the ticket guy would think that they were going in. No comment, but they did eventually get out through the only door. I often wonder how some people make it so far away from their home!!!
After finally finding THE scarf that has been on the shopping list since Venice 2 years ago, it now appears on virtually every second scarf stall in the Piazza!
So a really a very nice way to end our stay in Siena.
Tomorrow the fun starts all over again commencing with the anticipated arrival (or not) of the 13:49 bus to Bucine!
Saturday
And it has been thunder and lighting since 1:00am this morning. The rain has eased off to a steady drizzle, so that should keep things cool if the bus doesn't turn up.
Well, shame on us for doubting the Italian transport system. The bus turned up and left 1 min early, we had a seat and arrived in Bucine on time, and in the rain. A quick 5 min dash up the road and we arrived none the worse for wear, ready for a very enjoyable and restful week ahead.