MAPPING TUSCANY

A quick round up of my favorite wild hot springs and historic bath towns in Tuscany (more detailed information on spas and rock pool bathing can be found in the single articles the links will lead you to).  WILDERNESS POOLS   PETRIOLO  half an hour to the south of Siena. With its steaming hot water in the upper row of pools a favorite of mine on icy cold winter mornings. The Farma river passes right next to the hot springs. So be courageous and have a splash to try the benefits of kneipping.   SATURNIA  the biggest, most southern and also Italy's best known (and loved!) wilderness pools. The closest option for a soak if you arrive from Rome. To be avoided on weekends.  FOSSO BIANCO  in the Val d'Orcia is a spectacular sight hidden away in the woods below Bagni San Filippo. The shady surroundings make of these natural springs a nice location in the summer.  BAGNO VIGNONI  has a lovely pool below the small waterfall. ...

A listing of gay-friendly hotels, B&B's, restaurants and shops in the province of Siena has been put online by SIENA GAY FRIENDLY. Great news! Or is it?  On second thought it seems sad, that such a list is needed. Was Tuscany more open-minded in regard to homosexuality during the Renaissance than it is today? Southern  Tuscany isn't San Francisco, and no doubt the Pope's view and vicinity isn't of help with any of this; but one would have hoped that in the 21st century Italian hotels don't need symbols or stickers, which credit them for being gay-friendly.  We offer continental breakfast, a pool, accept dogs and do welcome homosexuals. EXCUSE ME? Making gay or lesbian guests feel at home isn't an optional. It really should be N O R M A L, regular, obvious and I-don't-even-have-to-think-about-it behavior for any hotel receptionist, bar tender, shop owner and restaurant chef - even if he or she happens to work inside the Vatican!  But obviously,...