QUICK TRIP TO SIENA - Ruth Noemi

1. When? September 8, 2021

2. What I wore? Long green wrap dress from Old Navy with my very reliable white chucks

3. The group left Castiglion Fiorentino on a bus @ 8:30am

4. Began our tour of the city at la Basilica Caterina di San Domenico with a friendly and passionate Sienese tour guide

The colored flags hung up in la Basilica Caterina di San Domenico each represent a different neighborhood in Siena. The flags and symbols of each neighborhood can be found all over the city.

5. Visited la Piazza Del Campo, where the Palio (the most important event in Siena) is held every year on July 2nd and August 16th

-The Palio is a horse race between each neighborhood in Siena (lots of passion, pride, and rivalry). It gets pretty intense and many times the winning horse will cross the finish line without a jockey.

6. Got towered over by la Torre del Mangia, which was a lot taller than I expected

La Piazza del Campo: Home of la Torre del Mangia & il Palio di Siena

7. Visited il Museo Civico di Siena (I instantly look up when I enter a new space and I’m always glad I do)

Looking straight up in il Palazzo Publico before entering il Museo Civico di Siena

8. Ate lunch with my friend Hannah at Al Mangia Ristorante and had Strigoli di Siena alla “Mangia” (famous Sienese pasta)

9. Devoured tiramisu and Kinder Bueno gelato from Bar Gelateria Artigianale Il Camerlengo (I forgot to take a picture, but it was delicious)

10. Visited il Duomo di Siena (very overwhelming, but in a good way)

11. Lost track of time taking pictures of il Duomo and had to run all the way back to the bus with Hannah (locals definitely stared at us…real main character moment)