Author: Rosie

San Gimignano is a beautiful well preserved town, it has a style and history that we from New Zealand never see because of the age of our young country, that is why we travel to Europe to experience the history and drink in the ancient beauty.

Walking to  ll Campo through the narrow winding Sienese streets it takes your breath away as you break out from the alleyway and catch your first sight of the expanse of the square. This is the heart of the city of Siena, originally it was a field just outside the city walls, which only encircled the Duomo . In the 1200s the city expanded and the focus of power shifted from the church to the city council. 

….the buildings were so rustic, there was clay and straw  covering the central square, reed baskets and a medieval market place was set up around the town well.  People were loitering around in medieval peasant costume….we had just walked into a film set…..true!

As soon as we drove in to Assisi Rosie knew it was a special place, it cascades down its hill and looks so inviting.  Church towers, spires and domes pop up from everywhere above the tiled rooftops. The sun even came out from behind the clouds and shone warmly down on us…The Operator hopped out of the car in front of the hotel, stretched his legs….and a bird immediately flew overhead…. and shat on him…it was a sign and a blessing  straight away from animal loving St Francis that we were welcome in his town.

What an assault on your senses this city of Naples is….from the minute you drive in, three lanes of traffic are fighting for right of way on a one lane road, the tarmac is that potholed and lumpy, inside the car your kidneys are getting shaken about…hate to think what it is like on a scooter or pushbike, and there are plenty of those buzzing around too.