In which I learn about the Palio of Siena, hide from the rain in Cortona and San Gimigniano and Spoleto and eat more ricciarelli than one would think humanly possible.
"since I’ve arrived in Siena I’ve been eating ricciarelli like it’s my job." as always I am transported by your writing and align with the above with every ounce of my soul.
I have fallen behind on my reading, but I've been saving Tuscany for when I could give your piece my full attention, and I wasn't disappointed! I always feel as if I am right there with you as you so artfully describe your experience and what you see, taste and feel about your location! Tuscany seems to hold all the magic that has inspired so many wonderful stories about the district. Very enjoyable read!
Thank you Jim, it's so nice of you to say that - it's exactly what I'm trying to do when I write.
I'm still a tiny bit mystified by the workings of Medium, but I never miss your essays - and I aspire to be just a fraction as wise as you are one day!
I’ll be in Siena this week and in the spirit of culinary research will try to go to Nannini and find out what your favorite pastry was. Someone’s gotta do it!
Love so much the autumn thoughts. I will experience my first fall in Tuscany this year. I have visited before in October, but this is a longer stay. ❤️
Much enjoyed this Jodi and it brought back many happy memories of Tuscan visits. On one of those to Siena we were fortunate to watch the Palio prize giving - the square filled with people of all ages in medieval costume, flags and drums - all pomp and circumstance. A wonderful spectacle.
Indeed and of course we aren't short of such pageants in the UK. By the way, I'm just writing up a Meander that will be appear in a couple of weeks and as Chester-le-Street plays something of a role (albeit over a thousand years ago) couldn't help remembering you mentioned your visit there.
Hi Jodi, what a wonder reading your post today, as always beautifully described, you certainly see a lot more than I do, possibly due to you spending more than a few hours. This is for me one of the disappointments when travelling, not making or having the time to really explore, and I guess when we were there with friends it makes a difference with what you do. Ciao Bella.
It's so long since we've been to Tuscany and seen all these beautiful places. The last time we stayed outside Cortona but ten years ago...I worry now about the crowds? But maybe a November trip is the answer ..
Love to read you. Bravissima
"since I’ve arrived in Siena I’ve been eating ricciarelli like it’s my job." as always I am transported by your writing and align with the above with every ounce of my soul.
Lol! Oh, if only it was a job...
You are such a talented person and love the unusual facts you share. Thanks !
What a lovely thing to say - thank you so much!!
I have fallen behind on my reading, but I've been saving Tuscany for when I could give your piece my full attention, and I wasn't disappointed! I always feel as if I am right there with you as you so artfully describe your experience and what you see, taste and feel about your location! Tuscany seems to hold all the magic that has inspired so many wonderful stories about the district. Very enjoyable read!
Thank you Jim, it's so nice of you to say that - it's exactly what I'm trying to do when I write.
I'm still a tiny bit mystified by the workings of Medium, but I never miss your essays - and I aspire to be just a fraction as wise as you are one day!
I’ll be in Siena this week and in the spirit of culinary research will try to go to Nannini and find out what your favorite pastry was. Someone’s gotta do it!
Amazing! Thank you so much! 🧡
I whiled away an afternoon in Cortona once. Such an atmospheric place! Like being transported back to the C15.
Love so much the autumn thoughts. I will experience my first fall in Tuscany this year. I have visited before in October, but this is a longer stay. ❤️
Thank you, Etta, I'm so looking forward to your reports from Pisa! 🧡
Glorious!
Thank you for rekindling memories of long ago visits to Siena and San Gimignano, Jodi
Thank you, M&S! :)
Much enjoyed this Jodi and it brought back many happy memories of Tuscan visits. On one of those to Siena we were fortunate to watch the Palio prize giving - the square filled with people of all ages in medieval costume, flags and drums - all pomp and circumstance. A wonderful spectacle.
Ah, wonderful! It's always such a joy to be able to witness local celebrations - especially one with as much history as the Palio!
Indeed and of course we aren't short of such pageants in the UK. By the way, I'm just writing up a Meander that will be appear in a couple of weeks and as Chester-le-Street plays something of a role (albeit over a thousand years ago) couldn't help remembering you mentioned your visit there.
I will keep an eye out for it!
Hi Jodi, what a wonder reading your post today, as always beautifully described, you certainly see a lot more than I do, possibly due to you spending more than a few hours. This is for me one of the disappointments when travelling, not making or having the time to really explore, and I guess when we were there with friends it makes a difference with what you do. Ciao Bella.
Thank you for the kind words Sally….People always talk about luxury travel, but to me time is the true luxury!
So true..
Lovely pictures. Thank you. Siena is a unique magical place.
Thank you so much! 🙏
I would love to see your sketches and/or watercolors - hopefully you will try it someday!
MAYBE sketches, but definitely not watercolors!
Lol!
It's so long since we've been to Tuscany and seen all these beautiful places. The last time we stayed outside Cortona but ten years ago...I worry now about the crowds? But maybe a November trip is the answer ..
Yes, I recommend November, and/or rain. ;)
Great article. I live near San Gimignano and can confirm the beauty of these places. We share lots of same interests. Check it out on my newsletter “sippingItaly with Tino” https://open.substack.com/pub/tinomasecchia?r=5tzx&utm_medium=ios
I will check it out! Thank you for sharing. :)
Never been. Thank you for transporting me with your beautiful photos and vivid language. You have made me want to read James too.
I really do love his travel writing - even though it's sometimes as dense as his fiction!
Such beautiful photos. Love Tuscany.
Thank you Jeanine! :)