Le Prove

Or trials. I went to one today, where they had all the horses come in, accompanied by their be-scarfed contradaioli, belting out the same song, but with 17 different variations, depending on which contrada one becomes a part of.

It's a wonder to hear these voices harmonized, and to see the processions of contradas across town to visit their friends. The other day La Chiocciola (Snail) visited us, and they tossed their flags with those of the civetta and it was good.

I find it a little odd to say "us" because I'm not a contradaiola. Sure, I live here, but I was not born into this insanity of form and function that is a contrada senese. I have my scarf, but I don't feel quite comfortable enough to wear it, given that I know hardly anyone in the contrada outside my family. I want to fix this, and perhaps I will by going to the contrada dinner sometime.... At times, looking at the senesi, I can see how they could truly become a closed city, not in the sense of walls, but in the looks and lack of smiles they give turisti. Whether this is because the turisti are terrible (I've seen it-- many are) or whether they are so encompassed by their contrada, I think that sometimes students like us, who aren't truly turisti but not senesi either get lost in the middle. But perhaps this will get better in time-- even saying buona sera to fellow palazzo dwellers elicited a smile and a mildly confused look; perhaps being more outgoing is worth it.

But back to le prove-- they are essentially Palio lite. Worth it to go to one, but I don't know if I feel the need to go again.

Overall, the tension is heightening in the air-- the next few days should be interesting!