Scallop Shells in Siena and San Gimignano

Can you have a bad day in Italy?
I haven't yet.
Especially when we're going on an excursion with ISA; i.e., tons of best friends, friends I love but don't get to see as much, and people I don't know as well but want to get to know better.
The day started off in Siena: WOW. Everything has a pinky red color to it, and it's such a fascinating city. It has so much pride; it's divided into seventeen neighborhoods and each has its own mascot. For the Palio horse race (twice each year), a horse is given to a neighborhood, a jockey is elected by that neighborhood, and everyone in Siena holds their breath for a minute and twenty seconds to see who will win the race. It takes place in Piazza del Campo (which means field), and it's this huge sea-shell shaped, slightly sloped (how's that for alliteration!) piazza where people just stretch out and chat with their friends. That's what I love about the Italian culture. They take the time to socialize and really love their neighbors.
Our guide was from the "scallop shell" district. And as a child you are sort of "baptized" into the particular district you are born in, and even if you marry and move to a different district, you will always be what you were born into. Other animals are like the rhinoceros, unicorn, dragon, turtle, and I can't remember the rest. The boundary lines are CLEARLY defined, and there are signs marking each section of whose side is whose. It's weird but I love that intense rivalry. I think I just have a think with pride. Maybe I need to work on that.
Siena has beautiful views because it rests on three hills. The Duomo is...breath-take-ing. Oh my. It's white and black striped marble and has sculptures from Michelangeo, and art from Donatello and probably Raphael. Daaaaaaang. You've gotta see this place (I'm talking to you, Mom and Dad. SIX DAYS UNTIL I SEE YOU!). I had so much time with Meredith and Olivia, like always. I did miss our dear friend Sabrina, but she's having a ball in Rome with her sister who's in town. So jealous!
After Siena, we piled in the bus and I fell asleep to my music...and woke up in San Gimignano! It's a lot smaller than Siena, but it's still pretty hilly. It's beautiful and brick everywhere. It's most noticeable features are the 12 or so towers left from medieval times. It's the only town in Italy to still have these fortresses which are their international symbols. The town had a little festival going on, so we got to hear a marching band (which made my DAY!) and climbed to the stop of a little fort to take some panoramic view pictures. Sooooooo pretty! Man, I love the Tuscan countryside! I still can't believe I live here.
Side note: first Saturday in weeks I haven't seen a wedding. Man.
We got back into town and went out to dinner with a friend, Landon, who is backpacking through Europe. We were trying to find an aperitivo place, but FAIL. We walked forever and decided on a pizzeria. So, I ordered a truffle and mushroom pizza! DELICIOUS! It was soooooooo good! Conversation was great as well. We all had such fun telling stories and sharing about Florence. Everyone's planning to go to explore Florence tomorrow night as well.
Tomorrow's Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis whom my Daddy admires. I always think of Dad when I see something about "San Francesco." I guess I'll be needing to get my tickets to go see them in Venice in a week as well! How exciting.
Also, on my travels today I read Julia Child's "My Life In France." Not to sound like the cliche "Julie," but I do feel like I identify with her; falling in love with this place, its attitudes, its food. I love her writing style. She not only details her life well, but every once in a while she gives depth into human character. It almost surprises you when you begin to feel what Julia Child feels. Funny. Anyway, my dream would be to live like she lived and write like she wrote.
Enough of my fantasies.
Basta.
I'm going to hop in the shower and prepare for bed/ASSISI TOMORROW! with the whole gang. So happy.
Have wonderful days, my dears.