1/13/2005: In Siena

So we got to Siena today and a group of us went to lunch. The place looked fine and the waiter seemed cool (I think he may have been the only person there). So we sit down and order. We tell the guy what we want and he pretends not to know what we’re saying although we’re clearly telling him what we want. So he brings us what we order and we discover that what we ordered is more or less a TV dinner straight out of the microwave. Then it comes time to pay. There’s a sign on the door saying that they take credit cards. He tells us they won’t accept credit cards or travelers checks and he won’t split the bill or give one of the girls in the group bills in smaller denominations. So after bickering with him for a few minutes, we were all rather irritated -- we paid and left. Everyone ended up owing somebody else in the group some money because we didn’t have change or the right amount and he wouldn’t take a credit card. Morals of the story are be picky about where you eat; if it seems too good to be true, it probably is; and avoid the Cafe Tea Room American Bar in Siena like the plague. But -- good news -- we left there and got some gelato, which made us feel somewhat better because it is so good

Then we met up with the whole group to go see Siena’s Duomo. The Duomo as it stands is impressive, with rich details--it is very embellished both inside and out. It is not exactly small either, but it would have been much bigger if the plans to enlarge it had been carried out in the 1200s. Unfortunately, the Black Death came and wiped out 2/3 of the population here and the addition to the building was never finished. I myself prefer the one in Florence, but this one is worth seeing

The drive from Florence to Siena was not very long at all. I think it would have been more enjoyable scenery wise though if the weather had not been so overcast and if it weren't winter here.

I think that’s all for today. Ciao, and I hope to be back here tomorrow, if internet availability allows.