Thursday 11/11/2010

Our last day in Siena! We decided to check out some of the 8 gates on the old wall and the first we visited was Porta Fontebranda. We went down a set of steps (wide and very long - each step slightly sloped and wider than the size tread we are used to) near the church on the corner from our hotel and that took us right to the gate which was quite a lot lower than the church. We then travelled on 6 escalators up to about the level we started but over to anothr area of town.  From there we walkd to Ports S. Marco, stopping on the way for a coffee and pastry (love those pastries!!).  Next stop was Porta Laterina which was a more direct walk from s. Marco.  After this we zig-zagged (as you do in Siena) our way back to Il Campo for lunch.  Sat in a restaurant here and watched the lunch-time goings on.  We took our time as it had begun to rain just a little (not a lot to worry about) and we had a good viewing spot. After lunch it was off to Porta Ovile and we went through Piazza del Mercato first which was just behind the Town Hall and then through another couple, one of which was names Abbadia (name of our accommodation in Meniglia).  When we arrived at the gate  it was not as impressive as the other 2 we had visited but the walk down to and back up from this one was impressive and just as well we were used to walking up and down steps/hills.  Closer to home we checked out a small "department" store and bought a beanie for Nathan. We also discovered another Nannini (coffee) shop close to our hotel. After walking Siena for the last 2 1/2 days we can understand why Justin and Suse like the place. Everytime you turn a corner there is another interesting building - lots of churches. Home at about 5pm to share a Pink Lady apple and some Panforte we purchased in Siena. We also tasted some Wild Boar Salami today because we could not get to the restaurant Justin had mentioned and wanted to try it. We are all packed ready to leave tomorrow morning. Sent Brendan a "Happy Birthday" message via text as it is about 7am in Mackay on 12/11/2010.