medieval times...

Today we walked around Siena... 

The most interesting thing I noticed was

the city had different districts that are named after animals. 

Our guide was born in the silkworm district; each district is noted by various plaques and insignia that are placed all over the city. For example, in the silkworm district you will see ceramic tiles with a silkworm that shows you are in that district. We

also went to the Church of St. Catherine of Siena... the church was 

large and very ornate inside (like every Catholic church). This church also houses her chopped off head and one of her fingers, which is kinda weird. I don't fully understand the holy relic idea. 

After that we went to a museum and looked at some art, toured the duomo in Siena that holds

some art done by well known artists (painter of the Sistine Chapel, hint hint) and old manuscripts in it's library. The above painting was done by Pinturcchio, and was assisted by Raphael... you can see a possible self portrait of him in the right corner.

 After walking the town square,

  we ate a medieval style lunch, mainly salami from various pig parts, bread, and cheese. 

Later that night we met our instructors for dinner at a place in Siena where sometimes famous people go. 

I had stuffed calamari, veal and potatoes, rosso di montalcino, and lots of bread with olive oil. 

Overall it was a satisfying day!