An Unexpected Day in Italy

On a random satruday in Italy we decided to go and check out a vineyard but we had no idea that our director had a special plan for us. We traveled to the top of Mt. Subasio which is one of the tallest mountains in the region and from their we were able to see the entire landscape of Umbria. There was a storm moving in over the mountain so we were able to see different patches of rain clouds castings shadows across other mountains and we even received and occasional shade ourselves. Travel down from the mountain about 1400 meters we headed to the Caprai Vineyard were we were given a tour of the vineyard, taught how to last and appreciate wine, and given the history of the vineyard which was a treat in itself. Finally we headed to a small mountain town known as MonteFalco which is said to have about 200 inhabitants. We were lucky enough to travel there during their Jazz concert it was a true treat if I do say so myself. These pictures are a small taste of what we experienced on the unexpected but unforgettable day.

Palio Di Siena

The Second Day of Italy we took a trip to Siena to see their annual horse race. To your everyday American you hear horse race and you think just that, no not at all. In Siena each section is separated into 23 (cantrada) each cantrada has their own flag and filled with vibrant colors and a symbol representing that is used to represent their specific historic connection. I bought a La Lupa (lady wolf) flag its black and white to represent the colors of Siena and it has a female wolf in the center nursing two children Romulus and Remus. One founded Rome and the other's children founded Siena. But that is a different story, the horse race is unlike anything I was prepared for, inside of each cantrada they have a church where they bless the horse before the race. I hear it normally goes pretty well but in this case it did not work out that well, after they bless the horse a precession begins from the Duomo Di Siena all the way to the square it actually takes about 3-5 hours for the whole parade to actually finish, it is beautiful. Flag wavers, parade horse, floats, it was unbelievable. The greatest thing about the horse race is the belief and tradition, not only are the horse viewed as family members but whatever cantrada wins is said to have good fortune for the rest of the year until the next Palio. I was really without words.


The photos are a picture of the cantrada flag, a chandelier made in the shape of a cantrada symbol (the wave) the square where they raced when it was empty and when it filled up and a photo of one of the carriages.

As I Travel From...

Whooaaaa I made it to italy it it absolutely gorgeous I am without words, so truly blessed to be here. But it did take forever to actually get here, 8 hour plane ride, 45 minute cab ride, 1 hour bus ride, 2 hour train ride, switch trains and then a final 45 minute train ride. But it was all worth it though, The beautiful historic ruins of rome, to the rolling hills of Perugia Italy did not disappoint. Enjoy these photos as I attempt to capture, with my camera, the wonders my eyes have seen.