Siena.
by Maurizioago
Siena is well preserved Medieval town located 30 miles south of Florence. It is set on three hills.
One of the main area in this town is piazza del Campo; a large scallop shaped square. It is divided in 9 segments representing the Concil of the Nine that ruled Medieval Siena. In piazza del Campo a historical bareback horse race called “Palio” is held twice every year (on 2th july and 16th august). One of the palaces surrounding the square is Palazzo Pubblico; you can visit it inside. There you can see several frescoed rooms. This palace is used as town hall.
I went to Siena on a daytrip. I visited the Palazzo Pubblico and the Ospedale della Scala (an ancient hospital that didn't impress me at all. It is only my opinion). I didn't visit the Cathedral. They say its interior is wonderful. I have to go back to Siena quite soon.
Packing List
by Gypsystravels
While I try to take as little as possible these are some items that I must take along with me on most of my travels. I travel during any season and adjust my packing list according to the weather, type and length of travel. Following is just a sample of the items that I usually take along, remember to adjust your packing to the location and time of year, and just go out there and enjoy your time wherever that may be. 1 black jacket to dress up the slacks or for casual dinning)
1 black dress (for evening dinning, show, opera, etc, or for a night out at a club)
1 pair of jeans and a pair of khakis or Capri’s (again, depending on the season)
2 skirts or shorts which can be worn either during the day or into the early evening
2 white t-shirts or tank tops
3 casual/dress shirts (sweaters in the winter)
1 pair of walking shoes for daytime touring
1 pair black shoes or sandals
2 bathing suits and 2 cover-ups
one week’s worth of undergarments
2-3 pajamas or oversized t-shirts for sleeping 2 pair of slacks one black, the other any color depending on the season (depending on the season, linen or cotton for the spring/summer, wool/wool blend or polyester blend for fall/winter
4 spare pairs of contact lenses
5-7 pair of trouser socks
contact lens solution
spare glasses
extra pair of sunglasses
blow dryer (never leave home without it)
travel iron
cosmetics in a travel case
my favorite shampoo and conditioner in travel sizes
hand and body lotion travel size
Tylenol, allergy medication and any other medication I am taking at the time
Hair accessories, brush, hats or caps 2 cameras, plenty of film and extra batteries for the camera
Guide books, itineraries, maps, copies of my passport, airline tickets, phone numbers to credit card companies, extra ATM card for withdrawal from savings if my regular card fails, 2 credit cards, $500 in cash for just in case of emergency, $200 traveler’s checks (again, for just in case something happens with my ATM cards)
Extra travel bag to put all my purchases in. What I tend to do if I am traveling during the colder season, I usually wear the jacket, a heavy sweater, wool pants, along with boots (these are items that would take up more space in the luggage). In my carry-on bag I usually have an oversized T-shirt, drawstring cotton pants and a spare pair of socks which I change into about 1 ½ hours into the flight if I am going to Europe. I also carry my tooth brush (no morning breath here), something to read, glasses, contact case and travel solution, Tylenol (I usually get headaches during long flights).
The best leather goods in the world
by ema522 about Scuola di Cuoio (Leather School), Santa Croce
The Scuola di Cuoio is located in the historic church of Santa Croce, where Michelangelo and many other famous Florentines are buried. It really is a school: they teach the fine craft of making leather garments, purses, & various accessories, which are sold on the premises. Apparently because of the educational nature of the business, you will save significantly on leather goods of the very highest quality. They also offer tours of the workshop. This is the place if you are bent on getting a top-quality Italian leather coat. It won't be dirt cheap, but it will be very, very much less than a comparable garment stateside or even in the designer shops in Italy. Furthermore, if you're staying in Florence and have the cash, you can have one custom-tailored. More economical purchases include purses of various sizes, accessories like wallets, etc., but perhaps the most unique items are the old-fashioned leather boxes, ideal for jewelry boxes (tuck in something gold from the Ponte Vecchio & she'll love you forever). The small accessories like eyeglass cases, change purses, etc. are downright cheap so you can stock up on authentic & truly useful souvenirs. Ready-made coats: about 400 euro + up depending on design
Small leather accessories: about 10-15 euro
bus
by Azhut
The most used mean of transport in Florence. You can go around the city in every place in few minutes. Every tour costs 1 euro and you can stay into the bus for 60 minutes all for 1 euro. Here you can control timetables routes and maps.
ATAF spa, Viale dei Mille, 115
il Sasso di Dante
by ITALIAN_13 about il Sasso di Dante
The best part of this place, after the food, is the people. The owner, Stefano, couldn't do enough for us. The waitstaff is great fun. They all speak a good English. We've been eating there since 1998. Everything is wonderful but we especially liked the 'Spicy Appetizer' a mixture of salami, stuffed peppers (not for the faint of heart) olives, sundried tomatoes etc.
The tagliatella Ragu and the spagetti with tomato basil sauce are great. Good veal too.
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Santa Maria del Fiore and the Massive Dome
View from the tower
View of the Arno and other bridges
View from Giotto’s Campanile
