Toscana/Siena (Days 7 and 8)

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Never did I think I would one day celebrate my birthday in Tuscany.  Words cannot describe my emotions while I ambled amongst the grapevines, watching a Tuscan sunset.  Earlier that day, my travel companions and I learned to cook an authentic Italian lunch at La Pietriccia.  

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We joined Anna for a tour of Siena the next day.  Anna went to Italy to do research for an art history thesis.  She fell in love with the city.  Anna's passion for Siena, its history and traditions was contagious.  Even though we just missed the Palio, Anna managed to bring the famous horse race to life as we stood in Il Campo.  She expounded on the Contrade rivalries, the architectural gems and local treats.