Siena by Sunset
Thank you so much for visiting! Be sure to visit our Boutique. Hope to see you again soon!
Early evening has arrived in Siena, Italy. I’ve refreshed, dressed up, and thought I’d catch a couple more unusual local shops before absolutely spoiling myself with a very extravagant dinner tonight (in which you’ll soon join me.)
The first shop I decided to see drew me right in because of . . .
Wipe 'em off before you come in. Are these unique, or what?!
After a quick walk-through of this shop, I have to admit the welcome mat was the only thing worth remembering!
Ah, but this next little shop is where I began to spend some money for my sweet wife who’s waiting patiently for me back in America.
Here is a shop whose wood definitely does not come from my hometown in Washington State. Called Il Casale, their products are all carved from Olive Trees.
What was so striking were the pronounced wood grain patterns of the solid olive wood. Absolutely gorgeous. And I bought a little something for my honey.
A little down the path, another eye-boggling array of enticement.
Hidden treasures await me (and you) as I am about to enter through this inviting storefront window.
I walked in and it was a race between my mouth and eyes to see which opened wider! SO many things, so beautiful, so cleanly organized and presented, in such a teeny tiny shop.
And now, meet the angel who owns this shop and does it all by herself!
The sweetest woman you'd ever want to hug. She was shy, but I could tell that she loved her picture being taken!
I’m strolling by a very long nondescript wall, when someone, hundreds of years ago, decided to break up the monotony of this wall with simple elegance.
It is so apparent that builders of long ago had art appreciation running through their veins. Italy is beginning to awaken in me a wonderful awareness of beauty so humbly offered, yet asking nothing in return.
As I continue to take in the sights, I am confounded by such amazing stack-on-top-of-each-other construction! And so many colors. Siena could never be guilty of tract housing!
My head turns right and I come across a long-distance view where something looks familiar in the distance.
I'm looking and looking, my mind is searching for some vague familiarity, and voilá, I recognize my Hotel! Ok, ok, it was exciting for me at least.
And then came fresh – and definitely home grown – fruits and veges.
Sure, this isn't one of those fancy decorated shops, but I had to memorialize this to recall how fresh and un-genetically modified these fruits and vegetables were. And look around, can't you just feel how hard the shop owner works to make a living?
And how could I pass this up?
Can you imagine trying to strike up a conversation with these guys to explain that where I live we just use asphalt to repair our streets. They'd look at me and probably say, "What's asphalt?" (as any bona fide artist should ask!)
From floor to ceiling, even in a Musical Conservatory, art astonishes.
A view that's worth getting a kinked neck over.
Now this is one of those real life shops that up until now, I’ve only seen in movies.
It’s around 8:30 at night and after all those food shops, can you guess where I’m headed?
The restaurant I chose is just down the path from my Hotel. What caught my eye was what I saw on the Menu that was posted outside. As you can see, the exterior is just an unembellished doorway. But wait until you see what's inside.
One small step for man; one giant leap for Rich’s stomach.
Can you believe this?! Oh my gosh. So quaint. And hidden beyond that nothing-to-write-home-about doorway. Ya know, it pays to take risks!
I’m greeted by Andrea who asks me if I prefer to dine outside or inside. I elected to choose a secluded table inside.
Andrea asks, “Would like a menu in English or Italian?” (I guess my Roman nose didn’t totally fake her out.)
So I figure, hey, I've been in Italy for a number of days now. I've picked up some of the local lingo, so, I'm sure I can understand an Italian menu. Oh, hell, let's tell the truth. I was just trying to show off.
And as you can plainly see in the picture above, there are 2 menus. Yup, I caved. Didn’t know what the heck I was reading and asked for the English version!
I ordered a bottle of Sparkling Water and a very nice Wine. What came next was something I had never seen in any restaurant in my entire life.
Andrea brought the wine and proceeded to roll up a very unusual piece of oval plastic (shown on the left). She couldn't translate the name in English, but it's used to prevent the wine from dripping from the edge of the bottle. It was very strange, but it definitely worked.
And here’s what I began with.
A splendid palate pleaser of Pasta with Boar Sauce.
My Entree was the item that caught my eye on the menu outside.
This is a heavenly dish of Osso Bucco, which is Veal Shank. Something I haven't had in (you guessed it) 30 years! Accompanied by sauteed Spinach and a fresh Mixed Green Salad. Aren't the platters lovely?
And for dessert . . .
I really spoiled myself tonight. My dessert was an after dinner drink of Fernet Branca. I haven't had (oh this is getting boring!)
This is my secluded corner in which I spent hours eating and drinking. A night in Siena I shall forever remember. And Andrea was such a trooper. She only laughed 10 or 12 times at all the Italian words I botched!
After dinner I only had to walk up a little pathway to my Hotel Alma Domus. You lucked out for this last picture of the night. I was way too happy to push any buttons, so I had someone else take it for me.
And domani, tomorrow, I’m taking you to see the Italian Riveria. First stop, Monterosso by the Sea.
So get a good night’s rest. I know I will.
Buona notte.
Tags: boar sauce, Fernet Branca, fruit and vegetable stand, Il Casale, Italy, olive wood, Osso Bucco, Osteria Il Campaccio, pasta, Siena
June 21st, 2009 at 6:12 PM
Dear Rich,
I have really enjoyed your Italian adventure, one forgets the simple differences in countries and you have pointed them all out and beautifully, I must add. Just looking at the videos and photos has made me feel incredibly restless and homesick for Europe. Keep the pickies coming I love and hope you are having a wonderful adventure too.
ciao bello Deidre
June 23rd, 2009 at 10:49 PM
I want to GO TO ITALY !!!!!!!!!!!! Every photo makes me want it more! And what a fabulous gift you have for sharing the sights and the moments. You’re an inspiration!
How long were you there total? (And how much shorter is that than you would have wanted???)
And any chance you’ll tell me how much it cost? (I have to start saving!)
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:23 AM
It is almost impossible to travel in Italy without seeing something historic – Italy has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the planet, and there are plenty of things that UNESCO doesn’t trouble numbering that are likely more ancient than anything you’ve seen before. Italy is a country with history.
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Rural Italy is becoming more and more fashionable with tourists. Tuscany is particularly attractive with hilly and mountainous land in much of the area. There are eye-catching valleys too and interesting Tuscan farm houses.