Ziatitina

I guess it’s time to apologize again. I had planned to write this over 2 weeks ago, but as it sort of goes… busy bees like me don’t always find the time Anyways, here it is…

It clearly wasn’t enough for me to visit Italy a month ago, I could not turn down the opportunity of the bank holiday weekend ( and a prediction of seriously bad weather…as always!) to hit the air and direct myself back to Italy once again. The plan on this occasion was slightly different…Milan on Friday night and then 2 1/2 days in Siena – Tuscany.

Brilliant, in fact I had been bouncing off the wall for a week expecting to go. Friday here we come, and I am on my way to the airport – once again Heathrow Terminal 5 is actually very nice. Slightly confusing once the main hall is reached, but hey…long years of airport experiences have proven to be fruitful and everything else went really quickly. I almost wished I had planned a little more time before the departure…helloooooo the shops!!! There’s even a Tiffany’s! Girls, brace yourselves…these shops are seriously cool. Anyways…with a standard delay of about an hour I arrived in a very sunny and warm Milan. Whoooo-hooooo!!! Apparently it had been raining for 2 weeks solid. Guys, I told you I would bring the sun with me!!! Friday evening was dedicated to my girlies and we spent some very constructive hours near Radezky for an extended aperitivo. The massive hangover the next morning ( wake-up @ 7.15am!!!) proved that it had been a successful evening as usual.

The main reason for our trip to Siena was Davide’s birthday. That lucky fella actually grew up there and what better place to celebrate than there??! I had never been to Siena before, but was immediately struck by its beauty. You are not allowed to drive beyond the city walls unless you live there and have a special permit, but honestly…it’s tons better to take it by foot. Just make sure you don’t wear any heals, it may be slightly difficult to get up and down those steep little roads

Stunning view on the most beautiful square in Italy ( seriously!!) Piazza del Campo and the Torre del Mangia. This is where the famous Palio is held twice a year during the summer months and the entire city becomes very competitive. They are divided in 17 contrade, named after the dragon, the duck, the shell or even the tower and they race against each other in a very complicated draw-based system. I have learned quite a bit about the Palio during these couple of days and I would definitely love to go and see one. We even watched the dvd of last year’s … let me tell you, people get completely bonkers – purely out of joy. It’s incredible.

As you can see we managed a little sightseeing but the obvious reason for our visit could certainly not be ignored….and it was two days of fun, drinks & food What can I say, that boy knows how to throw a good party and we certainly did not turn down the opportunity!!!! Enough said though, let me entertain you with a few more random pics…

Thank you Davide & Dome for contributing some pictures. I am not even sure anymore which ones I took, oooooooops! Anyways, there is one more little story to mention…and that is the Palio draw in Piazza del Campo on Sunday evening. I didn’t think that sqaure could hold that many people, but apparently it gets worse during the Palio ( not surprising!!!). Remember I mentioned rather complicated rules relating to this race? Well…as I may get it wrong I better don’t get into too much detail, but it appeared that the whole of Siena met in Piazza del Campo to find out about the participants in the July & August races. How about this sight… ? I have to admit it was about 4 Campari’s later, so a lot of people had already left, but it certainly gives a random idea.

I was really sad to leave, but hope come back for another visit soon. Perhaps with a little less vino and more Campari??? Mmmmm, haven’t decided yet Once again Happy belated Birthday Davide, thank you for the invitation….it’s been fab!!!!

Ok ok, the footie is on in a minute, and as Italy is playing I better get ready psychologically. GO ITAAAAAALLLYYYYY!!!! Back soon with more news, promised!!!

Tine