"Horse Races in Siena"

We are in Siena, Italy.

It is a beautiful city. A medieval city built on a very high hill. We arrived in rain on Tuesday from Florence. The Italian train system is efficient and easy-to-use. It is so easy to use that you get nervous that you did it right. We used the Regional train to get to Siena.

We had a chance to see the Tuscan countryside. The topography does resemble the Paso Robles - hills and valleys. The vegetation is much different. The difference is that it rains. The vegetation, at least, in the Siena area reminds me more of Michigan.

Also, we did not see great many vineyards from the train. But, they must be there. We have had local wines several times.

We picked up a bottle for dinner the first night and it was delicious. We went for dinner last night and the house wine was great. We have found that in Italy you can order the house wine by the glass, 1/2 liter and full liter.

Betty had spaghetti. I had a steak. I know you think "steak in Italy". Tuscany is famous for their beef - "bistecca". It was one of the best steaks I have ever had. They do not ask how you want it. There is only one way - rare. It is aged steak and it is grilled.

In Italy, there is antipasto; then primo piatto (first plate): secondo piatto and then dessert. But, in today's world, this is very fluid. Order and split the antipasto, share the primo piatto and then share the secondo piatto.

It is sacred in Tuscany. Dinner is never served before 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM. It is every restaurant. So early dinner. Even pizza is difficult to find. Gelato or tavern around 5 PM works since the check never comes. Sit and wait. Eight PM is ideal.

My "Parisian" umbrella is holding up well. Want to not loss your umbrella, have one that does not work. But, I can tell as I walk by others that they are envious. I look so cool with my left hand holding the umbrella open in a driving rain storm.

I now have my second adventure. We were given a glass horse in Venice about 9 inches high. I volunteered to try to get the glass horse home in one piece. I am now in my third week and it is still in one piece.
Siena is home of one of the "wide world of sports" events - like the running of the bulls in Pamplona.
In Siena, each local district enters a horse and rider in a race around the El Campo (city piazza). I have seen on TV and thought it was colorful.

Now, that I have seen the course. These guys are both crazy and very brave. They ride bareback. The course is impossible. It is narrow with right angle turns and it is up hill and then down. They do in 8 times.

We are staying in a great apartment in Siena. It has been raining. Rain off and on is forecasted for the next 8-10 days. Rainy days are not bad. Towns change into villages of umbrellas. Everyone has an umbrella. I think you notice because people walk. In the U.S., we run between the mall and the car.
Tomorrow, the weather will improve for the weekend so we may go on a tour to see other towns in Tuscany.