Siena

Mr.Wikipedia/ GPS -boy delighted Rachael's  three Capernwray friends by not only giving them a thorough tour of Florence but he also escorted them to  the perfectly maintained medieval town of Siena the next day and then prepared them for their upcoming visit in Venice.  

 For us, it was great to have them, as we got another glimpse into Rachael's experience in Spain and were able to provide them with a taste of  family. Rachael is now with us for a short time between commitments. She is the spicy salsa of our little family, bringing variety and a delightfully chaotic loudness to the table.

 As for Siena, for Randy and I, we focused on  my Art History and  an art show called Genius and Madness; featuring artists such as Van Gogh and others who went mad but still had "genius art". My only comment after recovering from the depressive, hopeless and physically nauseating display of art (except Van Gogh's) is, I am glad they make a really good truffle and beef carpaccio pizza in Siena that could be enjoyed on the fabulous Piazza del Campo in the warmth of the spring sun. Hope in mankind was once again restored.  

Today is Palm Sunday. The day Christendom celebrates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey with the crowds waving Palm branches before him. But again , the Florentines can't do it like everyone else in the world - with Palm Branches. They have their own branches, olive branches. Who Knew? So today saw lots of people wandering the streets carrying olive branches. 

Cool thought though when you think about it. Randy and I, as we walked our 20 minutes back from our little Epsicopalian service in the morning reveled in this.

Palm branches are waved before and over royalty. And Jesus is the Ultimate Royalty.

 Yet Olive branches signify peace, a treaty, a hope often associated with the dove of Noah's Ark, (and the dove  is also symbolic of the Holy Spirit). When a royal king in biblical times, wanted to come to make peace, he would come riding in, not on a regal steed, but a donkey. So it is perfectly fitting that we waved olive branches today, Palm Sunday, because Jesus is Peace or Pace` in Italian.

Coming this week.... Chianti road trip ... Oh yeah!   Mr. GPS is driving, so the female who still struggles with her left and right will be The Navigator... Can  you feel the air being sucked out of the car already? Hopefully it will be a convertible!