Arrivederci Siena! We woke early as we had a taxi scheduled to take us to the train at 7:45am. It was a quick ride to the station for our first train of the day. It was a bit of a challenge to load all of our belongings onto the train but thankfully Amanda is strong and the train was not crowded. This first leg took us to the SMN Firenze where we had 5 minutes to make the 10am train to Milan. We made it and found our reserved seats. Whew! We arrived in Milan at 11:45am and a taxi took us to our hotel. Amanda had booked Hotel Santa Marta Suites, we were greeted royally with a caffe and such pleasant people who upgraded us to a beautiful suite. It was lovely and so well appointed with everything to make one feel comfortable. We relaxed for a little while and gave Joseph a nice warm bath in the sink, we dressed him and he stretched out on the bed.
We had a sandwich in an outdoor cafe. We then set out to explore Milan, the hotel was situated close to the Duome which was magnificent. An enormous drippy castle set in the middle of Piazza Duomo. The inside is huge and dark and chilly but probably the most decorated structure I have ever seen. Truly amazing.
From there we walked to La Scala and looked at the opera schedule for the year. From there we walked a few blocks and found the best gellati imaginable. It was served in a small cone with melted chocolate in the bottom of the cone, then you got two scoops of the best tasting gellati. There tag line was "Noi facciamo davanti tutti" Simply delicious!!
We walked into a department store and contemplated getting all the children a few outfits from Gucci or Dolce and Gabbana or maybe some Versace but decided that our luggage was too full. Mama Mia...
It was time to rest a little so we walked back to the hotel and again were offered a caffe. It was simply wonderful to have a little luxury.
Monday, January 19, 2015
Sunday, January 18, 2015
We woke to blue skies after a rather rainy Saturday in Siena. Nana had a late night as there was a celebration in the Il Campo until 3am...those Italians sure can talk!! We dressed and went out for our morning cafe and pasta. Our first stop was the Museo del Duomo, another beautiful representation of art and architecture. We then climbed to the panorama which was absolutely breathtaking, the view of Siena from this perspective was so beautiful and the hills in distance stunning. It was especially poignant because this was the exact spot that Amanda made the decision to remain in Siena and open herself to the many friendships and experiences that shaped her future.
We walked the streets for a little while and then Charlotte picked us up to go to her home for lunch. She and her family recently moved into a new home that was a short distance form the walled city of Siena. It was a spacious home and we had a lovely lunch of salmon, pasta, spinach and cake. It was a delight to see Amanda and Charlotte pick right up where they left off 13 years ago. Her children Sophia and Oscar are sweet and Joseph took to Sophia immediately. Of course Charlotte and Amanda chat regularly on libra di facia! Ha Ha! We took a walk around their neighborhood and saw some old stone houses and a small church. It was a really nice afternoon. Charlotte took us back to Siena and walked with us to our apartment, it was a sad farewell for Amanda but grateful for the time spent together.
We were all rather tired from a full day, we began to pack for our trip home and assess all the gifts we bought for our family. We felt excited about our purchases but somewhat challenged as to how to pack them all!
We had a quick dinner on the Il Campo and turned in for the night.
We walked the streets for a little while and then Charlotte picked us up to go to her home for lunch. She and her family recently moved into a new home that was a short distance form the walled city of Siena. It was a spacious home and we had a lovely lunch of salmon, pasta, spinach and cake. It was a delight to see Amanda and Charlotte pick right up where they left off 13 years ago. Her children Sophia and Oscar are sweet and Joseph took to Sophia immediately. Of course Charlotte and Amanda chat regularly on libra di facia! Ha Ha! We took a walk around their neighborhood and saw some old stone houses and a small church. It was a really nice afternoon. Charlotte took us back to Siena and walked with us to our apartment, it was a sad farewell for Amanda but grateful for the time spent together.
We were all rather tired from a full day, we began to pack for our trip home and assess all the gifts we bought for our family. We felt excited about our purchases but somewhat challenged as to how to pack them all!
We had a quick dinner on the Il Campo and turned in for the night.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Happy half-year birthday sweet Joseph! We awoke to cloudy skies and the rain began to fall outside our window. We took our time getting ready for our day and then began to explore these memorable streets. We took our cafe and pastry and Amanda navigated the streets like she had never left. Our first stop was Santa Maria della Scala, which was the first hospital serving the sick and poor. It was one of the most amazing museum's I have ever seen.
Mom has passed the keyboard over to me...
It is the end of our first full day here in Siena and what a day it was. We had an amazing visit to Santa Maria della Scala - truly one of my favorite museums in the world. It was such a relaxing visit - we had the entire museum to ourselves and moved at our own pace. We lit candles for Megan & Nanny in St. Catherine's Chapel and enjoyed the silence and solitude that the museum affords you.
We finished up and then crossed the piazza to purchase our tickets for the Duomo. We went inside and Mom's face was incredible. She was overwhelmed with the beauty of this holy space and I was emotional being back in this space that has come to mean so much to me over the years. It was incredible. Our little traveling companion did a great job admiring the lights and colors from the comfort of his stroller. Such a trooper!
We had a yummy light lunch at San Desiderio, a great cafe not far from the Duomo. We did a little shopping, including a trip into the new (to me) supermarket that is in the center of town. This did NOT exist when I lived her (and would have been so convenient if it had). We picked up a few odds & ends (thankfully we didn't have a cart) and then headed home to change & feed Joseph. Mom went to have her hair done while I met Charlotte for a bit of shopping at the Benetton sale. If I'm not careful, the next thing I'll be buying is another suitcase!!!
Charlotte was happy to join us for the evening, so we took a traditional passagiata after meeting Mom and found a few things to add to our collection. We showed off our fun apartment to Charlotte before she joined us for dinner at David's favorite - Papei!
We had a wonderful dinner - bruschetta pomodori, crostone di funghi, pici cacio e pepe, vitello per mama and vino rosso. Catching up with Charlotte over dinner was so wonderful - it is as if no time has passed at all. She is truly one of my best friends and I love her dearly. It was so nice to have a bit of time together.
Now we are back in our apartment, munching on a few goodies we picked up in our travels today. You can't be in Siena without palle di riso, ricciarelli e cantucci! Joseph is tucked into bed and I figure that Mom & I aren't far behind him.
Oh how I wish I could transport Ed & my boys to Siena right now so we could stay for a week. I've not had nearly enough time in this amazing home away from home. Being back on the streets, breathing in the Sienese air, and passing time in this beautiful city bring me right back to the year that I had here that changed my entire life.
We are looking forward to another wonderful day tomorrow exploring a few more of Siena's treasures.
Mom has passed the keyboard over to me...
It is the end of our first full day here in Siena and what a day it was. We had an amazing visit to Santa Maria della Scala - truly one of my favorite museums in the world. It was such a relaxing visit - we had the entire museum to ourselves and moved at our own pace. We lit candles for Megan & Nanny in St. Catherine's Chapel and enjoyed the silence and solitude that the museum affords you.
We finished up and then crossed the piazza to purchase our tickets for the Duomo. We went inside and Mom's face was incredible. She was overwhelmed with the beauty of this holy space and I was emotional being back in this space that has come to mean so much to me over the years. It was incredible. Our little traveling companion did a great job admiring the lights and colors from the comfort of his stroller. Such a trooper!
We had a yummy light lunch at San Desiderio, a great cafe not far from the Duomo. We did a little shopping, including a trip into the new (to me) supermarket that is in the center of town. This did NOT exist when I lived her (and would have been so convenient if it had). We picked up a few odds & ends (thankfully we didn't have a cart) and then headed home to change & feed Joseph. Mom went to have her hair done while I met Charlotte for a bit of shopping at the Benetton sale. If I'm not careful, the next thing I'll be buying is another suitcase!!!
Charlotte was happy to join us for the evening, so we took a traditional passagiata after meeting Mom and found a few things to add to our collection. We showed off our fun apartment to Charlotte before she joined us for dinner at David's favorite - Papei!
We had a wonderful dinner - bruschetta pomodori, crostone di funghi, pici cacio e pepe, vitello per mama and vino rosso. Catching up with Charlotte over dinner was so wonderful - it is as if no time has passed at all. She is truly one of my best friends and I love her dearly. It was so nice to have a bit of time together.
Now we are back in our apartment, munching on a few goodies we picked up in our travels today. You can't be in Siena without palle di riso, ricciarelli e cantucci! Joseph is tucked into bed and I figure that Mom & I aren't far behind him.
Oh how I wish I could transport Ed & my boys to Siena right now so we could stay for a week. I've not had nearly enough time in this amazing home away from home. Being back on the streets, breathing in the Sienese air, and passing time in this beautiful city bring me right back to the year that I had here that changed my entire life.
We are looking forward to another wonderful day tomorrow exploring a few more of Siena's treasures.
Siena ... my home away from home
Yesterday afternoon, we arrived via train in Siena. Upon arrival, I could not believe the changes to the train station. A giant building now housed the train station along with shops and the Universita per Stranieri! I can't imagine having been in school so far from the center.
We took a taxi through town and I could immediately see that Mom loved Siena. We arrived at our apartment and Luca showed us to our apartment, which was spacious and lovely. We unpacked and settled into our new accommodations.
We then began to explore town and Amanda was so excited to show me all of her old haunts, how wonderful to share this with her after living through her experience vicariously. It is truly a dream come true. What a magnificent town, the architectural detail, the colors, and the shops are all so inviting and beautiful.
We had an apertif and then continued on to a restuarant to meet Charlotte and her family. We all had pizza and Amanda had a marvelous time catching up with her dear friend. As we were walking back to the apartment the lights went out in town, which was interesting but we made it back safely.
We were all quite tired and fell into bed.
We took a taxi through town and I could immediately see that Mom loved Siena. We arrived at our apartment and Luca showed us to our apartment, which was spacious and lovely. We unpacked and settled into our new accommodations.
We then began to explore town and Amanda was so excited to show me all of her old haunts, how wonderful to share this with her after living through her experience vicariously. It is truly a dream come true. What a magnificent town, the architectural detail, the colors, and the shops are all so inviting and beautiful.
We had an apertif and then continued on to a restuarant to meet Charlotte and her family. We all had pizza and Amanda had a marvelous time catching up with her dear friend. As we were walking back to the apartment the lights went out in town, which was interesting but we made it back safely.
We were all quite tired and fell into bed.
Friday, January 16, 2015
Friday, January 16, 2015
Buon Guorno! We awoke to cloudy skies and Amanda left for the show around 8:30am. Joseph and I walked to our neighborhood cafe for caffe and pasta....we are regulars now! Joseph and Nana walked into the city center and looked at all the beautiful sights we had enjoyed this week. We bought a few gifts and then headed back to the apartment. Amanda was already there and we packed up all of our belongings in preparation for moving on to Siena. We wanted to take one last walk/hike to one of Amanda's favorite church's, San Miniato. It was a steep climb up many steps to a beautiful view of Florence and another (fake) statue of David. Unfortunately, there was a funeral at the church and we could not walk into the church...but I did take a quick peek, beautiful.
We then walked back down many steps and had lunch at Amanda and David's favorite restaurant, La Mangiatoia. It was the best eggplant parm I ever had and the best proscuitto and cheese - amazing! A little wine, a lot of water and simply delicious. We then walked back to the apartment to gather our things. A taxi picked us up and took us to the train station where we caught the train to Siena. We were rather loaded down with bundles but it all went fine.
We finally arrived in Siena, so emotional to be back where Amanda lived for a year. So far what I see is beautiful and much quieter than the hustle and bustle of Florence. The buildings are a soft caramel color stone and the tile roofs, small little alleys and magnificent views from every window. The apartment is modern and spacious and very attractive.
We relaxed a little and then set off for my first view of Amanda's "old home".
We then walked back down many steps and had lunch at Amanda and David's favorite restaurant, La Mangiatoia. It was the best eggplant parm I ever had and the best proscuitto and cheese - amazing! A little wine, a lot of water and simply delicious. We then walked back to the apartment to gather our things. A taxi picked us up and took us to the train station where we caught the train to Siena. We were rather loaded down with bundles but it all went fine.
We finally arrived in Siena, so emotional to be back where Amanda lived for a year. So far what I see is beautiful and much quieter than the hustle and bustle of Florence. The buildings are a soft caramel color stone and the tile roofs, small little alleys and magnificent views from every window. The apartment is modern and spacious and very attractive.
We relaxed a little and then set off for my first view of Amanda's "old home".
Thursday,January 15, 2015
Such a busy day that it took until Friday to make our entry. On Thursday morning Amanda, Joseph and Nana left for the apartment around 9am and walked to our corner cafe for caffe and pasta...yum. Amanda continued on to the show and Nana and Joseph walked to the Uffizi Museum. We bought our ticket and made our way through the exhibits. It was not crowded and we took a leisurely stroll on all the floors of this beautiful museum. We bought a photographic guide of the museum and some books for the children. Nana gave Joseph a bottle in the museum and we moved on to the Medici Chapel. This is a beautiful chapel and courtyard with an underground crypt. We took our time to wander around and look at the beautiful sights. We lit a candle and just embraced the quiet solitude.
We met Amanda at 2:30pm and went for lunch. We found a lovely spot with outdoor seating where we enjoyed a delicious lunch of pizza. It was a wonderful. We spoke with a couple from South Carolina. Amanda's Italian is superb and most folks think she is a native. Amanda then went back to the show to work for a few more hours and Joseph and I took our time walking back to the apartment. We sat and played until Amanda came back and then we walked to meet Jacob for dinner. The restaurant was rather remote but the food was delicious. We had good wine, good food and great conversation. Amanda struck up a conversation with a local shopkeeper (from Ohio) who makes shoes in Italy, they discussed American Trench and the opportunity for a pop up show in their store....a great marketing rep!
We walked back to the apartment and Joseph and Amanda took a nice warm shower and got into their pajamas. We had another wonderful day in Florence.
We met Amanda at 2:30pm and went for lunch. We found a lovely spot with outdoor seating where we enjoyed a delicious lunch of pizza. It was a wonderful. We spoke with a couple from South Carolina. Amanda's Italian is superb and most folks think she is a native. Amanda then went back to the show to work for a few more hours and Joseph and I took our time walking back to the apartment. We sat and played until Amanda came back and then we walked to meet Jacob for dinner. The restaurant was rather remote but the food was delicious. We had good wine, good food and great conversation. Amanda struck up a conversation with a local shopkeeper (from Ohio) who makes shoes in Italy, they discussed American Trench and the opportunity for a pop up show in their store....a great marketing rep!
We walked back to the apartment and Joseph and Amanda took a nice warm shower and got into their pajamas. We had another wonderful day in Florence.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Un giorno pieno!
A very busy Thursday here in Firenze. I will let Nana provide the details of her day with Joseph - they are incredible traveling companions! I foresee many trips for them in the future. Joseph screeches and screams when he sees Nana in the morning after he wakes up - almost as if to say "Hey - that's my buddy!". So sweet.
We had a very successful day at the American Trench table at Pitti. Lots of incredible connections and conversations ... so many things to be thankful for with this incredible adventure. I'm grateful to Jacob & David for letting me be a part of it. My Italian skills are definitely being tested but I LOVE IT!
I was able to meet Mom & Joseph for lunch today at Ciro & Sons near the Medici Chapel - we both had pizza and it was delicious! Then we met back at the apartment before heading out to dinner. We did a load of wash too - the washer is perched at the top of 5 steep steps behind a curtain. A bit treacherous!
We met Jacob at a restaurant near his apartment - I Toscano. It was very good. We shared some grilled vegetables and white beans as our antipasti and then Mom & I both had spinach gnudi that were DIVINE! We had some lemon & chocolate torte for dessert. So delicious!
On our walk back to our apartment, I was admiring some men's shoes and happened to run into the shop owner as they closed. The shop is VIAJIYU and the owners are American & Australian. We struck up a great conversation and they may end up working on a project with us in the future. I love the way this business works!
Tomorrow we will depart from Firenze and head to Siena. I am so glad that Mom has gotten to know Italy through the eyes of Firenze but cannot wait to share with her my home away from home in Siena. We will take the afternoon train and check into our next AirBNB.
Ciao a presto e buona notte!
We had a very successful day at the American Trench table at Pitti. Lots of incredible connections and conversations ... so many things to be thankful for with this incredible adventure. I'm grateful to Jacob & David for letting me be a part of it. My Italian skills are definitely being tested but I LOVE IT!
I was able to meet Mom & Joseph for lunch today at Ciro & Sons near the Medici Chapel - we both had pizza and it was delicious! Then we met back at the apartment before heading out to dinner. We did a load of wash too - the washer is perched at the top of 5 steep steps behind a curtain. A bit treacherous!
We met Jacob at a restaurant near his apartment - I Toscano. It was very good. We shared some grilled vegetables and white beans as our antipasti and then Mom & I both had spinach gnudi that were DIVINE! We had some lemon & chocolate torte for dessert. So delicious!
On our walk back to our apartment, I was admiring some men's shoes and happened to run into the shop owner as they closed. The shop is VIAJIYU and the owners are American & Australian. We struck up a great conversation and they may end up working on a project with us in the future. I love the way this business works!
Tomorrow we will depart from Firenze and head to Siena. I am so glad that Mom has gotten to know Italy through the eyes of Firenze but cannot wait to share with her my home away from home in Siena. We will take the afternoon train and check into our next AirBNB.
Ciao a presto e buona notte!
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