Arrivederci Siena

My last days in Siena were wonderful. I spent my days studying, nights chatting in Italian, and just taking in the sights. We watched an amazing video in class on the Palio which is a huge horse race event in Siena that happens twice a year. We watched the 2006 Palio where the district (contrada) where I live, La Pantera (Panther) won in the very last seconds against one of their rivals, Aguila. I was moved to tears watching the film because so many Italians were crying and so filled with emotion and were absolutely pazzo (crazy)! I would love to return some day during the event which happens in July and August.

I also spent Halloween in Siena which was the first time I hadn't dressed up, yes I'm big into Halloween. I was actually dressed in all black and we were maybe going to be crayons but it was so cold out that it never manifested. I went to another student's apartment for wine and tapas and then we went to an 80's themed Halloween dance party at another contrada (district) called La Selva. People were dressed up a little and they had spiderwebs hanging and few witch hats, Halloween is very different in Europe. We danced to Michael Jackson, Journey, and a million other 80's songs with a room packed full of Italians. There was a full moon out and I was missing my husband and the good ole USA where they do Halloween right!

The day before I left Siena I went on a wonderful run out of the town walls to a beautfiul area called La Fortezza. The leaves were blowing and streaks of yellow and orange rained down on the plazas. The views from the top of the Fortezza were gorgeous and overlooked the Duomo (cathedral) and the historic downtown of Siena. I loved it so much that after my run I returned again that afternoon just to sit and journal and enjoy the view. Old Italian women would walk around and around the fortezza and then finally see someone they knew and say Ciao, and go into a loud, fun conversation. I watched kids playing, couples kissing, tourists taking pictures, and just took it all in.

My Italian parents Silvana and Paolo made me a cd of the music from their contrada, La Pantera, as well as all 17 contrade. They also made me a DVD of the Palio from 2006 when they won. They were super sweet to me and told me a million times how wonderful it was to have me in their home and I told them the same. It was a great experience and I am truly grateful to them for opening their home, their meals, and their hearts to me.