Cars and a palio, summer days in Tuscany...

​We had the best day in Siena, what a sight to behold in the famous Piazza del Campo, hundreds of the most beautiful cars using the piazza as a car park!  We had a prime spot in one of the balconies overlooking the square, sipping spritzers.  I was in my own little heaven. One of our friends joined us for his first Mille Miglia which made it even more of a special day.  

Before the parade began we ventured into one of the towers, the tiny circular staircase was a challenge for my claustrophobic tendencies but when we got to the top it was definitely worth it for the amazing views.  I had a very large ice cream afterwards to congratulate myself! And then lunch in the piazza, such a great experience with the cars and drivers milling about.  

Our wonderful CL guests have been coming and going, enjoying good food and entertainment, this week in the form of the Anghiari Palio commemorating the Battle of Anghiari.  The locals love getting dressed up for the occasion - it makes me happy to see all ages joining in, so proud of their history.  The guys running up the hill afterwards are truly phenomenal !  They push and shove each other all the way up the (very) steep hill in an official race to the piazza. Legends.

One of our favourite little hilltop towns over here is Citerna and we've been up there a lot this summer for coffee, lunch or evening aperitivi - so much so we're almost on first name terms with the bar and restaurant owners!  

Anghiari Wednesday night markets start next week so that's another one of our regular haunts - it's an old fashioned affair with jewellery stalls etc., candy floss, crepes, live music and something going on for children.  It's definitely worth a visit with the kids although it doesn't normally get going until about 8.30pm but I really wouldn't let that deter you from going as it's a great evening.

We've been watching the Ashes cricket, it's like having a little bit of England in our front room.  Leigh loves the game.  I have to admit, for me it does go on a bit - hours of nothing but there are always some great highlights - this year the Bairstow debacle has been something that made the air go a little bit blue over here!  The Tour de France starts soon - another one of our favourite annual sporting events.  It's difficult to get ourselves out in the sunshine sometimes!  😂 

We're hopefully off to the thermal pools just outside Siena next week. We haven't been for ages and it's only an hour away from Casa Leana.  I don't know why we don't go more often but life gets in the way and I often forget some of the wonderful days out that are on our doorstep.  There are treatments available but we normally just chill out in the pools which are great for all the aches and pains we get from gardening these days (are we are officially getting old?!) followed by lunch. I'm really looking forward to a great day out.  Watch this space for photos.

Well that's it from me I think.  I haven't mentioned all the mowing and strimming but suffice to say it's been a busy month on that front.  Oh and I'm still cycling so all good on the keeping fit regime.  Having said that,  I have to cycle more at this time of year to counteract the excessive consumption of Prosecco and ice cream!  

Have a great weekend everyone.

D I A N A   xxx