Market Day

Ciao Everyone
Today started out at 7am as we drove to Siena for the Weekly Farmers Market. As predicted, it was raining and we knew that customers would be down from normal. During the drive to Siena, Viola and Cinzia tried to teach me Italian but most of the time they were laughing at my pronunciations. It was a wonderful ride with the mist across the country side and the endless olive groves.As we approached Siena, you could see the magnificent Italian homes; many were hanging precariously over the valleys. Apparently people who live in Siena have traditionaly been wealthy.

The Piaza Mercato was just outside of Il Campo in Siena. Thank goodness it was under a roof. Viola has an artistic eye and the stand look so appealing with olive branchs, artistic signs, and of course beautiful Pane. Since it was a light day, Viola and Cinzia were getting their 10,000 steps in; I have been educating them on the importance of 10,000 steps a day. Take a look at the video link.



Since I was of little use after setting up (could not understand the customers), I wandered through Siena. There were few tourists because of the time of year and weather, so it was wonderful to meander with the locals. I actually thought the rain made it more romantic and I felt that I was part of the city.

We had alot of bread and cookies left, so tomorrow we are going to the hot springs nearby and setting up a stand. Afterwards we will enjoy the warmth of the sulfur hot springs.

View the updated pictures at : http://picasaweb.google.com/pmilano09/ItalyFarm1#

Two important lessons learned today:
1. A hot water bottle in bed is a life saver. Viola told me they use one every night and gave me one. Since heat is a premium with wood burning furnaces, it is very cold in bed. But with a hot water bottle, who cares. I am buying one as soon as I get back to the states. How did I not know about this!!!!
2. I really missed coffee first thing in the morning. How can one survive without the bolt of energy. So I bought a french press in Siena and illy expresso... I will definitely be ready for tomorrow.

Buono Notte