Sono al inzio.

I have seen the first of the Palio events. Today 33 horses ran around the mud-packed piazza for 10 spots. Cannons went off to signal 5 or 6 cavelli for a heat. They mock run and the captains of the competing contradas watch for the best horses making a list for later. The captains meet to choose the 10 all-important horses and a few hours later they are paired with a contrada by chance. Two children pick balls from a lottery and the Piazza Del Campo either explodes with excitement or sighs with exasperation depending on the skill of the horse. Here is a picture of the best horse of the group which went to the lucky Selva (or Forest) contrada, which my host mother is a part of. Needless to say, she is very excited about this year.


The contradas will also be looking for the best, most experienced jockeys to compete for honor...e molti soldi. Last night I also got to watch la prima prova, or the first trial race. It was amazing. The competing contradas come in their groups singing songs with gusto to show that they are united and ready to win. The horses are difficult to control in a place filled with people singing and shouting, but it's necessary to get the race started. Our inside man Antonio is in the Nicchio (Shell) contrada. He got us tickets to all of the most important events that are coming up on Tuesday and is kindly answering my incessant questioning. But unfortunately, right now it doesn't look like Nicchio has such a great horse and we're all a little worried about that. Anyway, immediately after the race is over the contradas storm the track to receive their horse and sing for the rest of the Piazza Del Campo as they leave. Here's a video of it, but make sure to turn up the volume so you can hear them sing their sweet little militaristic hearts out.



This morning I also started my service. I've been placed in the clothing distribution site for local immigrants. The room is so small and it seems that there is always a lot of work to do. I started at 8:30 when it opened and didn't stop until it closed at 11. The people that I'm working with are nice, but again, don't speak any English. My ear is getting used to the Italian, but my brain is taking a little longer. I'm able to understand enough to get by, but sometimes I'm still lost, but that shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. Basically, we go through the clothes that are donated and throw out the ratty and stained clothes, but at the same time people are filling bags to the brim. The time went by so quickly, but everything is pretty hectic. The room is small--about 12 x 12--and the perimeter is just shelves filled with clothes and there's a big table in the middle leaving about 4 feet around. There are anywhere between 5-7 people in there at a time all grabbing and shifting. There is a window but everyone's sweating and the body odor can get really overwhelming. Did I mention that it is in the 90s these days? This morning at 7:15 it was already 86 degrees. Fun stuff!

But that's enough for now. I have to get on to my first Italian class which I've been looking forward to, but I can tell now that it's not going to be pretty. Later is the second trial race and probably homework. Hope all is well!