Rick & Lucy go to Siena.....

We packed this morning and said goodbye to the cats, then closed the gates of Casale  Diece for the last time and headed toward Siena.  We had programmed the GPS to take us to the center of town….which in most of these cities is the center of the historical area.  We were being very careful not to get too close to the historical area, yet find the best possible parking space.  We found a spot that would easily accommodate a pair of men’s shoes and spent much effort installing our mini-diesel in that spot.  Then….we realized that spot was reserved parking for Siena residents only (those displaying the appropriate stickers) So we inched toward the center of town, and before realizing it….we were traveling on the single-lane cobblestone streets of Sienna.  Shoppers were moving to the side as we passed…..Echo was trying to hide under the dash……we feared a revolt might ensue and the tourists would carry our car out of town.  It was indeed, like an episode from Sienfeld.

We considered walking away but figured that was unacceptable.  Then, we found a trash truck and figured if he could make it through, we could make it through as well.  At an intersection, both of us were passed by a taxi….so we started following the taxi….letting him anger the tourists while we followed.  The taxi turned back into town and we attempted an exit….then we found ourselves behind a small drum corps celebrating with the Siena flag.  We were so proud to be in their parade that Echo came out from under the dash.  Then, the parade moved over and waved us on.

After all of that, we still managed to find a pretty good parking spot. 

Siena is another incredible city.  There is a large beautiful piazza where they stage a brutal horse race twice a year.

 While standing in that piazza, groups of vintage racing cars on some sort of tour began appearing from one of the side streets.  We stood and watched many outrageously beautiful old racing cars as they passed through the check-point for their stamp.

 We walked and shopped and enjoyed Sienna, but began to worry we might sleep in the car if we did not start searching for lodging.  Finding lodging in Italy is completely different from the US.  You have to search for it…..and they keep it hidden.  Without going into detail, we are now in a lovely hotel in Terme, a small town southeast of Siena.