Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Warm November Sunshine





and a gorgeous day for some views of Siena!

Rhinoceros hunt





The contrada of the Selva means "woodland" or "wild",
but the rhinoceros is the animal associated with it.
I found the Selva contrada territory today--
and a lot of rhinoceroses!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Siena's Oddest Fountain




This sticklike pole with an owl sculpture is, indeed,
a FOUNTAIN.
It is the fountain of the Civetta Contrada
("little owl" neighborhood)
of Siena.
All the contradas have a fountain
(and a headquarters and a church
and also a horse stall, where they house the horse
that runs the Palio for them,
the big horse race in July & August).
Most of the fountains are Interesting Designs.
But this one is beyond interesting.
It's quite singular.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Autumn Fog




We've had a very sunny autumn,
but these pictures were taken on a foggy morning in Assisi.

Arezzo Cathedral




I had an afternoon off and I went to Arezzo to see the cathedral.
The weather was lovely, the leaves perfect.

Florentine Detail



I love the door knockers and random faces I see in Italian cities.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Boboli Gardens





I spent a peaceful late fall afternoon in Florence's Boboli Gardens
(they are behind the Pitti palace.)
Normally entrance is fairly expensive,
but I got in free with my museums pass.
I LOVE my museums pass!

Monday, November 7, 2011