Last images of Siena - Summer 2007 Trip

Flags of the different contrade

View of Siena from St. Servi

I remember from a previous visit that you can see the Campo from two great places -- St. Servi and St. Domenico. We had already come in from St. Domenico, so I wanted to take my mom and walk her to St. Servi. Actually, Siena is pretty small so you could walk around the entire town if you wanted to in a whole day or two or three -- however you please. (It probably looks much bigger in these pictures.) It's a medieval town, with the walled fortress. Anyway, the view of Siena from St. Servi is pleasant, and it's quiet, as is from St. Domenico.

Should I visit Siena again, I would rather book a hotel room near St. Domenico. I think there is a convent run place (the name slips me now), but it is supposed to be quiet, and only a 5-10 minute walk to Il Campo. The place we stayed was really centrally located, but in Siena it really does not matter because the place is relatively small. It's not like Rome, where it does matter. Siena is walkable and most everything is within walking distance. It's not like you're going to die walking.

An inexpensive lunch at Osteria della Chiacchiera

I remember looking for Chiacchiera a couple of times... the last time I was here it was closed down (because they are closed during winter holidays). Another time, I could not find it -- it was on some side street and we had limited time in Siena (during our time in Urbania, a field trip to Siena). So finally, our third time to Siena... I think... we finally make it here. I think my expectations were too high... the place was packed, the the place was bustling with both Italians and tourists (it's in a lot of guide books, I remember it's included in Rick Steves).

Anyway, the place is dirt cheap. But the food is kind of what you pay for. But still, considering how cheap it is, it's still better than a lot of the "dirt cheap" places in the States. But I was expecting so much more. However, I could tell that it's a place that if you're a local they will give you more food -- the people next to us definitely got more food and more "service." But I don't think I would have wanted more -- I found it to be too salty/overseasoned.

The place is simple, wine is served in little glass cups -- I think you just go for the experience. To say you have eaten here. The people are nice -- I don't remember them being gruff or anything. The menu is pretty simple -- all in Italian -- I think the lady just tells you what you're gonna eat! Like I said, pretty simple.

(I still can't believe it's taken me over a year to comment on this trip! I haven't even gotten around to printing these photos... oh-vey!)