La seconda settimana

Wow - we're almost halfway through this trip! But, in the madness of the Palio, it's easy to lose focus on the schedule . . .

First of all, if you're interested, the city has a website through which they post the prove and news about the Palio: www.sienanews.it

The tratta on Sunday morning was really interesting - there were some great horses (#21 lost his rider on the first turn, but still surpassed the rest of the horses, then kept running at the same speed for three extra laps before someone could stop him), many of which, including 21, weren't chosen by the Capitani. And the Selection was as usual - some groups were excited, and some not so pleased by the draw. My contrada, Aquila, hasn't won since 1992, and I think they were hoping for a winner this year, but it doesn't seem to be so. The kiddos have taken on their own chosen (or, perhaps, not so chosen - where they live?) contrade for the competition - Mark was mentioning that, with his Valdimontana flag on, he passed through a Nicchio group, who immediately got silent the minute he approached their previously-spirited conversation.

Your kiddos had a great weekend! Florence was HOT. Miserably. Even worse than Siena. But we got to see David (the real one), and enjoyed a great viewing through the Uffizi (and, I hope, they learned a little about Florentine art from me as we prepared to enter the museums). One of my roommates joined us, and we also met a friend of mine who is on sabbatical in Rome (she teaches Latin at the University of Vermont). Thank you again to SPI for getting reservations - ALL of the kids made a comment about how pleasant it was to pass the lines!

Sunday, while the first day of the Palio, was also the kids' first free day. Some stayed in town and experienced the craziness of the events, and some chose to walk a little out of town to enjoy a countryside picnic in perhaps a little cooler temperature. It is good to mention that these days are a little more crazy than usual - far more tourists, the locals are in their Palio frenzy . . . things can feel a little disorienting to the kids. Especially this week, with the overbearing heat. At least it's only until Wednesday, then we can get our beautiful, TRANQUIL Siena back for the last week and a half!

There are still opportunities to experience the treasures of Siena, too. This afternoon, we're going to do a little walk around town to see the two places sacred to St. Catherine (yes, they are going to see her head), and perhaps all head out to the Fortezza for a brief reprieve from the city's heat. Tomorrow, we start a three-day experience in the Piazza del Duomo, to see the view from the Museo dell'Opera and to see the beautiful interior of the Duomo itself (the floor has very interesting sections - all pictures of secular - sibyls, Latin-Greek authors - references to the coming of Christ). Wednesday will be the Palio, and all the madness which ensues with that. Until then, there will be prove at 9 AM and at 7:45 PM every day. I'll share with you more about the actual Palio day on Wednesday!

The kids are all doing well - enjoying their homestays, enjoying the city, enjoying being Italians - the first week has passed, and mostly so has their homesickness and culture shock. There still may be a little of it (admittedly, I REALLY miss my husband), so know that they still need you to be a sympathetic ear!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share this time with them - what a great experience we're all having!!!

Grazie tanti,
L :)

Again, please feel free to check out the Siena News online to see what we're seeing . . . you may even see us standing there among the crowd!