Sunday in Siena

25th March
Greetings again,
Since leaving Cortona I haven't had much people contact and the weather is drizzly and cold, however all is still bellisimo.
I stayed at Montalcino for 3 nights in Camere de Anna, which was very comfortable. There is a Montalcinese equivalent to 'Under the Tuscan Sun' (set in Cortona). It's called 'Vanilla Beans and Brodo' by Isabelle Duisi, which gives a good account of the life which revolves around the 'contradi' or the quarters of the town.
The view is spectacular. It looks as though the earth curves upwards, as though you are looking down from the sky.

iIdid the walk out to the Abbey of Antimo as planned. It was a fair hike about 12 kms with views of snow covered mountains and vineyards where the famous Brunello de Montalcino grows. Unfortumately I missed hearing the Gregorian chanting as I had to catch the bus back.
However the interior of the ancient church was huge, rather austere in a beautiful way and a change from those with the highly decorative frescoes that are more the norm.
According to descriptions I read the abbey was abandoned for about 500 years until about maybe 20 or 30 years ago when a branch of French Cistercians took over. Apparently their practice includes group praying or saying mass 7 times a day all in Gregorian chant.
Today I arrived in Siena. It's Sunday so lots of Italian tourists.
I have found my room and it has a wonderful view. I have tomorrow to see the Duomo and other sites.
On Tuesday I will be in Rome. Hard to believe my trip is nearly over.
Ciao
Gerri