Venice to Sienna

Passing Bologna and crossing the Appenine Mountains we arrive for a short visit in the historic walled city of Siena. An oval central square known as the Piazza del Campo is one of the most famous piazza in the country, the theater for the yearly steeplechase - Palio. During this race (which dates back to the 13th century and has taken place each year, with the same rules, since 1656), the piazza becomes a kind of volcano, in which thousands of people cram together to get a share in the tension and excitement. Most of the spectators are locals come to cheer on the horse representing their own particular contrade or districts. Today the piazza hosts pigeons that perch atop the long- abandoned battlements of the town hall, the piazza's largest structure.

The people of Siena - a city founded by the Roman emperor Augustus - are fiercely proud and indepedent. They rivaled the economic powers of Florence between the 12th and 14th centuries but lost that distinction when it was starved into surrendering to a Spanish and Florentine force led by Gian Giacomo dei Medici of Florence. The bitterness over that centuries-old treachery still carries with it an aftertaste.

We also visited the Duomo, the finest cathedral that marvels Sienna. This cathedral took over 200 years to build. Under the rose window is a bust of Christ; surrounding it on the upper walls are the busts of 172 popes and 36 Christian emperors.

Sienna's restaurant are crowded year-round and it was an experience not to miss. Our group (Matthew, Geneva, Colin, Lianne, Angela and I) decided to go on our own. This adventure was very educational for everyone (after when we received the bill). Coperti means cover charge. For better or for worse, it’s a charge you’ll have to pay simply for the privilege of eating there. We were charge 2000 lira. And our tour manager said that was cheap because the going rate is 1000 lira per person. The pane or bread on the table is not free either. (We knew water is not free.) Also the tip (servizio) of 10% is automatically added to the bill! Furthermore, the traditional Italian meal consists of a first course (primo piatto) and a second course (secondo piatto). They expect you to take at least two courses. Anyway I had a good meal of calzone.