"The Wall"

Please read NOTHING into the fact that there has been an excess of Pink Floyd albums as titles for entries. Never did like them... one thing the spouse and I disagreed on re music. "The Wall' however was the starting point for today's exploration.

16th Century Wall meets 21st Century traffic

La Fortezza is a 16th century fortress built to defend Sienese from the attacking Florentines. It's walls are so high and wide that there are now mature trees planted along the tops and it is a popular park of sorts. Inside is currently a Luna Park and wine bars. The sight of the 11th century Duomo tower peeking over the 16th century walls housing the 21st century Terminator was a mix of contrasts that tickled my fancy!

And that's how you do a lamp!

Liz then led us on a walk through the Basilica di San Domenico - the church of Saint Catherine of Siena. It's claim to fame is the (allegedly) preserved head - eeww! - of Catherine, who came to Catholic prominence as an 8 year old, received the stigmata, was subsequently canonised and is Siena's patron saint. The church was an interesting mix of building styles - plain pre-Reformation, elaborate gothic post-Reformation and some restored parts following earthquake and fire damage.

Then a bit more walking through the streets, a bit more eating and drinking in cafes and a bit of siesta time... Walking in 30oC is hot work.

For the first time since Canada, I spent a night in - salad for tea with Italian TV. Without being able to understand a single word, Italian 'Funniest Home Videos' proved that children, animals and people doing stupid things has universal appeal.

Basilica - remains of a frieze

Basilica - St. Catherine's head!...

Basilica del Dominico di St. Catherine

Candle carving

Candle making - multiple dippings and coolings

Family trim on the family fortress

One angry-looking tap - Siena

Painted 'windows'

Siena Panorama

Walk atop La Fortezza - Siena