Day 13: Sienna

Another slow start to the day.  Rick caught up on some work and I did some ironing until Tony and Sandra popped in for a visit.  The kids happily played on their ipads and had some much appreciated time out. More cereal for breakfast. How they are not sick of it yet, is beyond me. We headed out for a quick "stand up" coffee and croissant before heading to another museum attached to the church.  It was full of interesting artifacts including skulls preserved in ornate gold boxes that were a hit with the kids. We climbed to the top of the wall next to the Cathedral for another birdseye view of Sienna.  It was pretty hot so the stay was brief.  The ascent/decent was very steep and a little claustrophobic.  We strolled around the shops before stopping for lunch.  The kids each had a bowl of chips and were happy to eat something other than pasta.  Rick had a beautiful seafood risotto and I had fish which was lovely but small, which just meant more room for gelato.  The men and the kids sort refuge back in the apartment while Catherine, Sandra and I went for a quick shop.  The walking was all too much for me today, so I didn't last long. The beers were flowing when I arrived home and the kids were happily playing on the ipads again.  I think everyone was content doing nothing. Night time came and Rick and Scarlett went out for dinner with the Garbins while I stayed home with the boys for more cereal and a salad. Sandra and I had tickets to the "Opera". Oh how cultural.  I had visions of a beautiful piazza surrounded by medevial spot lit buildings, a grand stage, champagne tent and locals dressed to the hilt. Fabulous, some serious Italian style. And no kids to wrangle. Hallelujah. Sadly a long walk led us to an ordinary building that was not old, or air conditioned, and there was no booze in sight. I had blisters from my new heels. We were surrounded by British and American "seniors" and Sandra and I were the best dressed there.  The stage was tiny (if you could call it a stage) and there were 2 singers who sang for just on an hour. It was beautiful and very emotive but fell a little short of my visions of Pavarotti in Siena. Nevertheless it was a lovely change from putting kids to bed and I was grateful for the outing. The stroll home was a lovely chance to people watch and see the locals doing what they do best, eating and socialising in the piazza.