Siena and San Gimingano

Siena and San Gimingano are two beautiful citys just about 2 hours outside of Florence. The tiny little towns that over look Italys countryside. It was nice because it also reminded me a little bit of home like I was back in sonoma county for a second...just in case I was feeling a little home sick that cured it! Siena a little bit bigger than San Gimingano but still very small was kinda funny, they have a lot of pride in their town and make it very clear that they do not like Florence! The town is divided up into little areas called contradas and the people of their contrada are very loyal to it. The contradas are named after animals and bugs for example elephant or caterpiller. The people of Siena are not supposed to Marry outside of their contrada either however it does happen, also when the women have babys they normaly have them at their house to be sure that their baby is blessed into their contrada....I thought this was interesting and kinda funny because when your there you will be walking about 20 steps and all the sudden be in a differnt contrada and see their contrada flag and sign everywhere. San Gimingano is so small probably about a mile big I'd have to say, also a very quiet pieceful town not to many people there at all, but I really enjoyed the little town. We just got some gelato (sooo good) there are two places in the main square the #1 place was closed so we had to go to the second best but it was still amazing! then we just walked around town and relaxed in the sun and enjoyed the view. If you ever vist these places do them both in the same day because you do not need much time there, but way worth the visit! Ciao