Siena

Arrived in Siena and was amazed at how big it is.  We have a lovely hotel inside the walls of the old city but a long way from the station.  Siena is set on a hillside and is a beautiful town.  I can see why the Florentines and the Sienase have been fierce enemies in the past - very proud of their town and their heritage.  The famous Palio (horse race around the Campo) is held twice a year in July and August and we will miss both.  We have booked a walking tour for tomorrow and hope to see the Duomo as well.  The gelato is excellent as is the fresh fruit.
Tonight we had dinner at a small trattoria just  off the Campo.  The crowds were enormous as we tried to enter the Campo.  At dinner our waiter told us that the teams that would compete in the Palio were being announced.  (We wondered why it was so quiet where we were eating).  Then, streams of people began to flood the streets running off the Campo.  Some were happy, others despondent.  The winners began to sing, in tune, softly at first and building to a joyful finale.  Loved it! I have a video of it But I see they are not working on the blog.  It was an unexpected and exciting spectacle that we enjoyed as onlookers.  We look forward to tomorrow!

PS. Happy Birthday Jenny, hope you had a lovely day and had your thermals on!  Love to you M&P
Ciao










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