Day 11: Siena and Last Night at the Villa

 On Wednesday, Justin and Christina went and explored Siena. They made it sound so great we all wanted to go. It was the week of the Palio horse races. We learned that the whole week they prepared for the weekend festivities. All the neighborhoods within the walls each had their own mascot and flags. Anywhere we walked, it was not unusual to see a gaggle of men sitting around drinking and breaking into song.

It was an experience just walking through the city center inside the walls.

The Piazza del Campo was humming with excitement. Tomorrow, this is where the race would take place. They bring in all this dirt just for the race. 

The track goes all along the buildings on the outside of the Piazza. 

I cannot explain how much fun I have had exploring Italy with these fun kids. They might have been bit by the travel bug as much as their parents. They were so fun to watch while they explored and marveled at their surroundings.

Exploring in Italy isn’t complete unless it includes gelato… it’s the law.

After gelato, people were ready to check out the Duomo.

The kids thought it was cool too. Kelly caught these two having a conversation about how cool it was because it was so old. So cute!

While others explored the church, Kris and I partook in a refreshing Aperol spritz. Not a bad place to have a cocktail… staring up at the duomo.

Still nursing our wedding hangovers, we left the others to explore more and we made our way back to the car. Grabbed a little sustenance for the road.

And walked through even more festivity preparation.

Did I mention we were all a little tired?

It was our last night at the Villa. We spent the afternoon enjoying the place and taking it all in. 

Hopefully we will get on a flight tomorrow… our first leg was cancelled. Wish us luck!