To Siena
Jan 22

Retracing our steps to the road to Monteriggione, we walk the long path up to the entrance gate through the hill-crowning walls. The town is totally medieval, surely there only for the tourists. (I think Fr. Brian or Don Dariano said there were only 60-some living inside the walls.) Tens of tour busses can park in a huge parking lot and no other industry seems to be in the tiny walled village. Nonetheless it offers a fine opportunity for photos. Don Dariano runs a nice little pilgrim and tourist hostel/hotel in the middle of town next to the church. If you are ever in town and need a place for the night (in the summer season), check it out.

The walk to Siena is along mostly country farm paths and little used gravel roads. It is a completely Tuscany experience of tree-lined roads and hillcrests along with the occasional tower and castle. Only toward the end do we join a main road as we enter Siena.

The medieval streets of Siena lead us to the convent of the Sisters of St. Vincent de Paul where we are greeted by the gracious Sisters Teresita and Ginetta. They offer a meal and a place to sleep for a voluntary offering. We enjoy their hospitality and the evening there. Sister Ginetta is the first on the Pilgrimage to Rome to directly ask us if we are going to continue beyond Rome to Jerusalem. We acknowledge it is possible.