Siena - Musical Evenings

I'm quickly finding my grove in this lovely little town. The first day was the requisite trip to the Duomo – quite spectacular – as well as to another old Gothic church. The difference really is huge between the two different styles and I almost prefer the Gothic for the simplicity – somehow with all the space, these churches often seem quieter and more peaceful. I also wandered the streets - lots of lovely shops and still lots of sales happening but the new 'season' is also starting to arrive – lots of purple, gray and other rich jewel tones.

I am really enjoying the size of Siena – everything is so close, including my hotel. I'm able to head back after lunch and avoid the heat of the afternoon – open my windows, hear the city in motion and get some writing done. Then head back out again for another sight, some dinner and a wander.

My second evening here, wondering the streets with my gelato (ok I'm converted, a gelato a day really is necessary ...), I found a free classical piano concert – the students of the local music school were performing in this wonderful room with high ceilings, carved windows and frescos on the walls and ceiling and we were sitting on old fashioned chairs. When I shut my eyes, I could imagine life in another day and age with everyone arriving in their finery for the evenings society. Though I couldn't have done it in what they would have been wearing ... it was hot in that room!

The music theme continued the next night. I'd seen an advertisement for a classical music concert in a small town with a shuttle bus so I thought why not … I didn't know what to expect but I got on the bus and off we went. Through beautiful countryside for about an hour and then it seemed like we were in the middle of no where – where were we going? It turned out that the concert was held in the ruins of a very old monastery in San Galano – we were listening to the Sofia Festival Orchestra perform sitting out under the stars on a beautiful clear night. Just wonderful and such a treat that I never expected and will remember for a long time.