dove una fermata de taxi?

Today we awoke and set out to catch the bus from Assisi to Siena. This proved to be a very seemles task and the bus ride very relaxing. Such beautiful countryside! It is as if you are driving in a movie.

Upon exiting the bus we wound ourselves up to the old town Siena looking for a taxi. We had arrangements to stay in Agritourismo Marciano, a vinyard outside of town. On the bus ride I had read in my Rick Steves book that Siena was always short on taxis, and that we should use a taxi stand. We wandered the streets, luggage in tow for about an hour without finding a taxi stand. Taxi stands, like taxis appear to be few and far between. We tried asking where one was, but the person didnt even know themselves. Finally a taxi happened to drive by and I flagged him down. We were easily taken through the windy streets out to our winery without a hitch.

I think the best way to describe Agritourismo Marciano is with pictures...

It is almost unbelievable that these places actually exist. Our host Christaan manages this vinyard/hotel which is his familys vinyard. In addition to the vinyards they also have many olive trees. Their vines are over 25 years old. Christaan gladly gave us a tour of his vinyards, the winemaking process, and his cellar. He is so passionate about his wine and speaks of the vines like they were his children. He has spent 10 years studying how to do this.

Christaan has offered to make dinner tomorrow night for the guests with food from their organic garden that would pair well with their organic wine. We can do a tasting at that time. We expect this to be a fun family style experience!

After our tour of the vinyard we decided to hike into town for dinner. The town is about an hour walk from the vinyard. (1.5 hours including the Jen/Sister D lost time.) The walk flys by quickly as we wind through ould country roads surrounded by rolling green vinyards on either side.

Before long we were back in Siena and lost as usual. With much wandering we managed to find the taxi stand for later that night, and then the Piazza Il Campo. Restaurants line the piazza with outdoor seating. We pick one and settle in for a paster dinner with much wine. People watching here is great. So many languages to listen to!