Bologna and Siena

I knew the day would be long, three flights. But I forgot, no customs. Immigration because it’s Europe, not like the old days so Kirkenes to Oslo to Copenhagen to Bologna with some middle seats. That’s what happens with last minute travel. All flights all good seat mates. Look at this cute wine!

I tried to uber in Bologna but the waiting time for both times was way too long. You can order a regular taxi on the uber app. Wait, it was the opposite. Ubers were faster, but more expensive.

Took a minute to understand the directions to get into the Airbnb. They forgot a small detail like one key open the door to the place across the street…

Ok so yes I screw up from time to time… don’t laugh, kids. I forgot the converter and charger that Natalie thinks is hers at the Snow Hotel. The one cord I had to charge my phone that was quickly dying was maybe not working. I turned my phone off to conserve battery. I took pictures of the address of my place and directions to get in the place on a paper, just in case.

I was wandering around the Bologna airport looking for the taxi stand. Why was this so difficult? I couldn’t waste battery on Uber. Found a driver, wasn’t sure he was going to right way, always on alert, but couldn’t check on my phone, well except once. He was fine. Dropped me where he was supposed to to got to the room. It was fine. It’s fun seeing where you will be sleeping. You go through doors, up stairs, wait for lights to go on and then, who knows. Every spot like this has been clean and just fine. Who ever talks about the wonderful Hilton or Hyatt they stayed in. I like the mystery. Only complaint of this place was the curtains. I had to wear an eye mask.

I guess I forgot to take photos of the place but it was spacious, even had a great shower. It took me a bit to find a restaurant, but before I that I had to buy a new converter and charger. It had to be done. I can go without a few things but not those! Not sure I like Bologna.

But on to Siena, one of my favorite cities in the world!

Really the only thing you need to know about trains is the train number, time it’s is scheduled to leave and then the platform. Always a good idea to know the word for platform in the country you are in, just a tip.

So I found. My first train an hopped on. Took a minute to find my seat and someone was in it! We checked tickets and yes he had the saner seat. I got on too soon so I had to stand for 35 min and hope no one would cars. No one did.

Waited for the next train and then I arrived in my favorite city. Took a taxi to the next Airbnb but no response from my host. I was early. Time enough for a quick lunch.

Time to get out and enjoy Siena. I need to come back to Tuscany and enjoy the countryside. It’s been too long since I have invaded castles and been offered estates, yes both true!

I went straight to the Duomo since there might have been some tickets issues. It was fine. It’s is so beautiful! The first time I was here, I was stunned by the dark blue and stars. This church was so different from the rest. The frescos on the floor were finally backbone display. You can’t even start to take it all in. It’s overload. I had a ticket to the crypt too but nothing special.

So now looking for my scarf shop. And I think I actually found it but not the scarf I was looking for. Did some shopping and then found a woman that I met a few years ago that made jewelry. I loved her stuff so I bought another bracelet

I had made a reservation ahead of time, really no need at this time of year, and I prefer to eat earlier but they specializes in Porchini mushrooms, my absolute favorite! Dinner was pretty good!

Foix Gras atop tongue. Was great!

Had a Aperol Spritz earlier