Siena

On to Siena another medieval town, a huge version of San Gimignano very imposing on top of another hill.There was a very steep climb up hundreds of steps, but in the nic of time we saw a sign pointing to an escalator.  Not just one but eight that took us to the top of the town.We spent hours exploring the maze of interlinking narow cobbled streets.
We were caught in a thunder storm with torrential rain for 1 1/2 hours sheltering in doorways until we made a run for it!
I had to sample the local Panforte (orrigionally called Siena Cake). Delicious especially one made with pepper!
As we were leaving we heard the rat a tat of drums in the distance and along the street came the local boys and men in full medieval dress waving flags to beating drums.We followed on with the rest of the crowd to the town square.
Twice a year the town square is the sight of a horse race called the Siena Palio.
As night was falling we returned to the car and drove on to San Casiano where we found a very nice hotel to stay the night.