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".