Siena

First stop on the trip was the city of Siena--an ancient city that was once one of the most powerful city states in Italy until the black death killed thirty thousand of it's fifty thousand residents in the 14th century, yet its city walls still stand as do the many homes, palaces and businesses which were created hundreds of years ago. The city is rich in pride and tradition.

One tradition that I found particularily fascinating is that the city is split up into 17 districts and loyalty to that districts surpasses even family. If one child is born in one district and another in a different district fist fights may erupt when it comes time for Il Palio-- a horse race held twice a year. Each district is represented by a horse that races around Il Campo (the city center) three times. The winners have definite bragging rights. During the week of Il Palio families are no longer families instead they are loyal only to their districts: best friends will not talk, husbands and wives separate, brothers will throw punches.

plaque representing a district

Il Palio

Il Campo

Il Campo

Look Lunch--Squab was on every menu in Florence and Siena. Squab is pigeon. I don't get it. Robby was the brave one and tried it out. I am very impressed. He said it tasted like chicken...

I had an incredible birthday dinner.
More on that tomorrow. Gotta hit the hay, it is 2:30 here. Ciao.