Italy- Never Ending Story (Photo Update January 6)

Posted by: Turkadactyl | November 18, 2008

Italy- Never Ending Story (Photo Update January 6)

Friday night saw the release of many Siena University students into the streets of Siena. Siena has a bustling night life, which it can thank a large part to the University campus located in its city centre. Friday saw a larger than usual crowd pour to its streets. Mrs. Turkadactyl and I came across a group of at least twenty young men dressed up in bell bottoms and afro wigs. They were having a good time at a bar. Shortly after returning to our room we heard some jovial singing from who we assumed to be the group dressed to party. At first we were impressed with the how far the sound carried. Then the singing was starting to get old until they pulled out there secret weapon- the theme song to the Never Ending Story. That brought a smileto our face. It was getting old, however, after the third time when they were still singing about three hours later. What makes their singing even more impressive is these young men sang constantly. They followed one song into another and did not pause between songs. I am sure they did not have much to say the following day.

Mrs. Turkadactyl and I took a day trip from Siena to San Gimignano, which is northwest of Siena. We loved it at San Gimignano that much that we booked lodging and we are still here. It is a beautiful town of 9000 people. Wine and tourism are the big industries here. We are surrounded by vineyards. We have gone for a walk through the countryside and have taste tested some of the grapes on our walk. They’re how you say, ah yes, very nice. It is a very beautiful town. San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It still has its ancient city walls surrounding most of the town. John and Kim, we took your advice and splurged a bit.

San Gimignano is also home to the 2007-08 World Gelato Champion. This place is that good that they have won it three times in a row and are the reigning champion. Ken and Chandra, be sure to stop by at San Gimignano next time you are in Italy. Rome has good gelato but San Gimignano has better.

San Gimignano also has another treasure. When I saw this particular store I was shocked and excited. The store I am talking about is dedicated to animals in forms of stuffed and on t-shirt. It took me three days to figure out which animal shirt to buy. I did not want to rush into the decision (although the shirt is nowhere as legendary as Wes’ Mt Wolfmore). I did not expect to find an animal shirt store in Italy, especially in San Gimignano. That is as far as I will share. I do not want to reveal which animal I will be bringing home with me. That will be a surprise to my three fans.

Next stop is Venice, or Venezia as it is known in Italy. We may leave tomorrow or on Thursday. We are not too sure yet. That’s the nice thing about travelling in low tourist season. We can be flexible with our plans and not worry about lodgings being fully booked.

Pictures of San Gimignano and area:

Old town of San Gimignano

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I think San Gimignano used to have 97 towers. Only 13 are left. A family with money to blow would build a tower. Another family with money wanted to show off their wealth and built a taller tower. You get the picture.

Snuggles and I getting cosy

There were some girls playing tag. I managed to catch one on film. Unfortunately the picture is a little dark. This was a tough shoot with the strong contrast of shade and the bright sky.

Another moment of tag caught on film

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Piazza della Cisterna. I am quite fond of this picture.

A pigeon swooping down for the bread crumb kill. Piazza della Cisterna.

Mrs. Turkadactyl making friends with one of the locals.

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Old Town San Gimignano is to the right with all the towers. It is surrounded by vineyards and olive trees.

A vineyard

We sampled some of the grapes on our walk. They tasted fantastic. These are vineyards in the Chianti region.

Hi Snuggles

A long shutter speed allowed us to walk into the shot and then start making out, which is why we look like ghosts.

Raarrrrrr!

Yeah Snuggles!

The view we enjoyed every monring.

Collegiato

One of the towers from Piazza della Cisterna.

Piazza Nomi

Out of all the locations we stayed at we took the most photos at San Gimignano. It is a magical place and Mrs. Turkadactyl and I strongly recommend visiting it not only for the atmosphere and views but also for eating gelato from the three time and current reigning world gelato champions.