Julie Sees SIENA

So the last stop on the journey was a little medieval town called Siena. It is claimed to be the best preserved town in Italy. It was also stated to "plan to spend more then just a couple days in this town. Well kids...we only had a couple hours!

Surrounded by olive groves and the vineyards of Chianti, Siena is one of the most beautiful cities of Tuscany. Set on three hills, the city is drawn together by winding alleyways and steep steps, the Piazza del Campo stands at its heart, and the Duomo and St Maria della Scala serve as additional cultural landmarks. Famed for the "Palio", the annual historic horse-races that take place on 2 July and 16 August. In addition to the bustling daily life of the streets and squares of the city, Siena offers many cultural events, concerts, cinema, theatre and a wide range of sporting activities.

The famous Torre del Mangia and the Palazzo Pubblico form one of the sides of Piazza del Campo. The tower, built in 1848 and 102 metres high, gives excellent views over Siena and the surrounding countryside. Palazzo Pubblico, built between 1297 and 1342 is an example of classic Gothic architecture in Tuscany.

This picture details the main piazza. This is where a race which lasts less than 2 minutes, is the subject of debate and competition all year round and can cause men and women to laugh or cry; such is the Palio, the greatest traditional festival in Siena.

The piazza is sealed off minutes before the Palio starts, and eventually (after a few false starts), the horses are off, and it is over before the dust settles. The winning contrada feasts and celebrates for weeks afterwards, with banquets, replays and much discussion, and the losing contrade can only hope that with much preparation, plotting and luck, they will fare better in the following race.

A wonder for all who see, this tradition is unusual in that it is of the people of the city - the Palio is a unique phenomenon, one that arouses much emotion, an event that the Sienese people hold dear to themselves, and as such is a strong authentic tradition that is a once in a lifetime experience to witness and enjoy. Tickets for this race are usually snatched up nearly a year in advance!

Well it wouldn't be a day in Italy without some gelato! Check out the gorgeous marble floor!

This region of Italy is famous for it's PanForte. Well, I copied a recipe for all you CAKE bakers but the formatting got all mucked up and now it won't let me reformat...grrr so keep on scrolling to get to the next part...

So we finally got to the final hotel in Rome after a very long day. Eager to get ready for our farewell dinner. Eager to dress up and cut lose! But what greeted us as we approached our hotel was not what we had in mind. No power! I thought, "Oh cool, this will be fun!" Most people moaned and groaned as they carried their luggage up the steps in the dark fumbling around looking for their rooms. I was the only one who packed a flashlight! I was everybody's girl now! Hahahaha!!! Ever try to use an unfamiliar bathroom in the pitch dark? Bwahahaha!

Well, we opted to just go to the restaurant in our "road" clothes and hope that the power would be back on upon our return.

Okay...now we're talking pizza! This was the main course for our farewell dinner. Dozens of pizzazs were brought to our tables flaming! It was a sight! Of course it was the best pizza I've ever had!

Isn't he just precious? Something 'bout these Italian men!

We had more entertainment during this meal too!
Did anyone say Bruno and Guido?

This was Eddie...our tour director! He was an encyclopedia of information regarding everything about Italy and he made the trip so much fun! When he knew that we were on this trip to visit Sara he welcomed her with open arms to join the tour as much as she wanted to. Some things he had to charge us for but for the most part he just kinda eased her through for free.

This is the lobby of the final hotel back in Rome...after the power came back on!

The final night after the farewell dinner. Some of us girls with the bus driver Antonio! I don't think he was that unfamiliar with our language but he sure acted like it. **giggles**

Lift off!! Arrivederci Italy!

Into to the clouds and bound for the states. Eager to get home...yet sad to leave.

Hugs, Happiness and Harmony!
Julie