{Siena}

Today we went to Siena. We left early in the morning on the bus. It was lovely. I was listening to Amelie on my ipod and watching the sun come up over the Tuscan countryside. I was feeling a definite sense of oneness with the world. The homeward trip on the bus wasn't so idyllic. I was fighting the urge to puke the whole hour home. Hopefully green suits me. We were on top of a double decker bus that swayed this way and swayed that way. There was no air conditioning or windows that opened and the sun was coming in strong through the windows. Ugh! My old car sick days were back. I haven't been that sick in a vehicle in a long time. I realize as I'm typing this that some of you might be wondering why I was so sick, but the answer is no, it was just a really bouncy, bumpy, suffocating, mind-over-matter-so-I-don't-spew-all-over-you bus trip.
In between bus rides we got to enjoy bella Siena. Scott and I are considering buying a Villa in the countryside and an apartment in the city. We are told that is what the Italians do. Maybe grow olives and press our own olive oil? This is a wonderful time of year to travel. All of the fruit trees are in bloom and everything is green. It is jeans and jacket weather. It is still crowded though so I can't even imagine the summer time.
Here are some of the gorgeous reliefs from the floor of the cathedral in Siena. I have decided that Italian art is often very violent, however I thought these were amazing. Scott said these are usually covered up during high season. Another perk to traveling in March.

{Firenze}

Right now I'm sitting in our hotel room listening to a woman sing opera outside on the plaza. How Italian can you get? Scott is sleeping and snoring which just adds to the ambiance really. Today's schedule was busy but not extreme. Some things were closed because it is Sunday so we were leisurely in our plans. Since he is asleep I won't wake him to ask the names, but we went to the famous bridge that crosses the river Arno, a look out point to see the city and the big church, which I think is Santa Croce (Galileo and Michelangelo are buried there). The weather was really nice, maybe 70. It feels slightly cooler than it is because of the humidity. I can spot the American tourists a mile away. We are the ones in bright colors and short sleeves.

Here are some of the pictures from today. I had to take more bike pictures because they make me smile. The bikes here are sooo trashed. According to Scott it is because the nice bikes get stolen. The paintings were in the church and it was very dark. I am feeling lucky with my new lens. I had wanted to buy so many things for the trip, a flash, a telephoto lens, a new camera. In the end I decided to be practical (never very fun) and bought an extra battery, a 4 GB memory card and a 50mm lens, 1.8 aperture ($100). So cheap! I now laugh at dingy, dark spaces. Bring it on.

{Pisa in Pictures}

Napped, showered and ate--feeling much better. Here are some pictures from our hour in Pisa. I know, I know Bruce. There are no pictures of the 2 of us. We took a couple but we just pretty much look irritated. After traveling for almost 20 hours at that point we were none to perky or pretty. We promise we will take some.

These 2 pictures below crack me up. Everyone was doing this and I couldn't figure out what was going on. Scott had to clue me in. Any guesses? The second should be a dead giveaway.



Why wasn't I hired for this wedding? Didn't they hear I would be in Pisa? Lame.
Lovely souvenirs.







He looks so pleased with himself...and a little sassy.





Poor Scott. Giving me a break from my heavy luggage. We thought walking would be fun, but halfway we wished we had just gotten a taxi.

{We're Here, I Think}

We are here, but we feel like something slightly dead. It has been almost 2 days without sleep and a real meal and I'm now reminded why traveling can be a beast. We had 17 hours of travel time, arrived in Pisa, went to see the city dragging my HEAVY suitcase--What did I pack?!?--all over the city. We then caught a train to Florence and then dragged our suitcases all over trying to find our hotel. The wheel on Scott's bag was broken on the plane and so he was carrying his and I was struggling with mine. I guess all told, it wasn't too bad. But I haven't showered or brushed my teeth in 2 days and I'm stinky, hungry and tired. The good times should begin tomorrow.
It is fun being back. Florence looks a lot different than Rome, more green. Everyone here is dressed like it is the dead of winter, but it is 55-60. I guess it is a matter of perspective. We stick out like sore thumbs. All of these fashionable Italians are dressed in black with skinny jeans and boots (wait I do have some boots). Scott in his shorts, baseball cap and college sweatshirt didn't quite match the crowd. I have 15 free internet minutes and I can't find where the tracker is so I'm going to post this now and if I have time I will quickly add some pictures.
~Ciao