How to spend a lazy day at the thermal baths , Bagni Vignoni, in the countryside outside Siena ? Easy - just rent a deck chair, find a spot in the shade under a tree, and stroll over to the thermal bath occasionally and take a slow dip . The waters are therapeutic and very hot - 23 to 24 degrees - so you are forced to move slowly - not exercise. The hours fly, in an atmosphere only Italy can create. Seems they have perfected the art of "doing nothing" RELAXATION is the dominant feeling as the day passes only too quickly - 6pm closing time ! As birds migrate - so does this crowd - we discover many little bars in the tiny Hamlet, but one, La Bottega di...... Cacio, is particularly inviting. WHERE in Australia, I ask myself, can you get an exquisite glass of local Rose [ $5.00 ] and an individually chosen plate of Antipasto for 2 - and spend only $18.00 ? Please let me know and I will be there !! What a concept - instead of being presented with a plate of Antipasti, most of which does not appeal to your taste, AND being charged accordingly, why not just choose what you like and have it weighed to calculate your spend? Don't know about you reader? but I am always feeling there is too much food at home, and compelled [ by the expense] to finish, I choose to 'share' This is very frowned upon by Restaurateurs - maybe why Tapas bars are becoming so popular.... Something to think about......... Here - the locals do not linger in bars like they do at home, so the people just pass through and go on to the next destination. It may be 'a casa' for dinner, or even dining out? As sure as that crowd migrated in - within one to two hours - it has dispersed . The PACE of Summer in the Mediterranean is a subject of endless intrigue for me ??? I hope to figure it out one day - I will keep you posted........................

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[CUISINE ADAGIO] - Thermal Baths, Bagni Vignoni Siena