Back in Italy

I was invited to an Integrase meeting in Siena, Italy. Neat Medieval town. The city hall and tower were built in the 1300. Amazing! The plaza is also known for a horse race called the Palio. Its a big competition between the different neighborhoods in Siena.



This is our friend Cristina having dinner on the piazza in Siena.


This is the domo (or cathredral) in Siena. I like the striped pattern.


After the meeting I went to Pisa and had a chance to go fishing in the mediterranean sea with a new friend Mario. His boat was on the Arno river. Unfortunately, we couldn't get out into the mediterranean because of rough seas. But we were able to fish in the brackish water near the sea.



Mario caught 4 nice little sea bass which he returned to the water to get bigger. I lost two lures. Guess I will have to come back when the seas are calm to try again.



I also visited the piazza in Pisa. This panorama give a nice sense of the area. So beautiful on a sunny day.



This is a nice view of the tower.


This is our friend Andrea with some of his algae cultures. He is working on an exciting new biofuel project.


We went out to two wonderful restaurants in Pisa. This is Mario at IL Granaio (the barn) with a famous tuscan dessert where you dip biscotti into a liquor. Actually very tasty. And you have to drink the liquor after you run out of biscotti. Ciao. Hope I get to return to Italy soon.